In Sustainability in Business, Future of Procurement•October 1, 2025

How Green Apples® redefines mentoring in sustainable procurement

The days when procurement was solely focused on cost and efficiency are long gone. Today, it represents a catalyst for meaningful change. While environmental consciousness is on the rise, sustainable procurement has emerged as a game-changer. By choosing suppliers who prioritise low-impact practices and fair trade, organisations can not only enhance their reputations but also achieve significant savings through reduced waste and improved energy efficiency. Sustainable procurement is more than a passing trend, it's a strategic approach that ensures fair practices, responsible sourcing and minimised waste.Among the innovators leading the change is Green Apples®, the elite go-to partner which redefines transformations in the sustainability procurement industry. By providing guidance and support to emerging leaders, Green Apples® empowers organisations to navigate sustainable practices and fosters a sense of responsibility that extends far beyond the boardroom.

Sustainable Procurement Leadership

Transforming mentorship into an impactful service

When Ana-Maria Velica, a procurement and supply chain expert with 20 years of experience in global companies, took the bold step of founding Green Apples® (former Green Apples Career®) in 2022 in London, UK, many did not see mentoring as a paid service. While few recognised that mentorship could be a valuable business model – as there’s a common myth that a mentor is an experienced person within a company who provides free advice – the Director and Founder understood its transformative power as an educational and developmental method. Launching Green Apples® was a leap of faith to redefine mentorship as a paid and impactful service.

Internal mentors versus external mentors

Ana-Maria acknowledges that the internal mentor assigned within the organisation may have inherent biases. In contrast, a mentor from outside the organisation tends to have a more impartial perspective, which can lead to a positive ethical impact. She believes that an external mentor offers a more unbiased viewpoint.

Hard work pays off

As a thought leader in procurement and supply chain management, Ana-Maria has developed a unique vision in her field. She is dedicated to empowering companies and individuals through strategic mentoring and sustainable procurement solutions.Intuitively, she came up with the name “Green Apples” without realising that it symbolises sustainability, nature, life and abundance. Ana-Maria believes this name has contributed to Green Apples Career’s rapid growth, as the mentoring hub embodies the ideals of being "green" and "healthy.""After two years of hard work in growing my business brand and defining my niche, I have never lost faith in myself and my team. Now, it is paying off, and my dreams are becoming a reality through contracts and partnerships with organisations and universities.", said Ana-Maria Velica, who is also an MBA Executive Mentor at the University of Sussex, in Brighton, UK.At Green Apples®, Ana-Maria is joined by the Vlad Gradinariu, Director of Operations, who brings over ten years of experience in strategic procurement and supply chain management for global brands. Vlad is dedicated to harnessing data to enhance long-term productivity, performance and sustainability for organisations. He often emphasises, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”

Rethinking traditional procurement strategies

Green Apples®delivers impactful mentoring solutions focused on Sustainable Procurement, Supply Chain and Leadership.The mentoring hub is built on a foundation of three core values: integrity, courage and genuine connection. These principles guide their approach to mentorship and career development, ensuring that individuals not only find success but do so in a manner that is ethical and authentic. By focusing on an inclusive mindset, amplifying voices and taking proactive steps to cultivate personal brands, Green Apples® offers strategies that resonate with today's diverse workforce.This approach encourages companies to rethink traditional procurement strategies, integrating sustainability into every aspect of their supply chain.In addition to these values, Green Apples® emphasises the importance of availability, analytical thinking and active listening in the mentorship process. They believe that true mentorship goes beyond imparting knowledge; it involves fostering resilience, adaptability and emotional intelligence—qualities that are inherently human and cannot be replicated by AI, for example. Through this holistic approach, Green Apples® is not just teaching skills, but cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to responsible practices in their professional journeys.

"Our mentoring solutions deliver against the global standards of sustainable procurement. Cross-cultural mentoring requires us to display cultural EQ and empathise with the respective cultures, acknowledging that strength lies in the diversity of thoughts and cultural backgrounds. I could say that inclusive leadership is my superpower after having lived in four countries and having worked for decades with truly global brands. As I said before, I learned that the international language of leading high-performing teams is leading from the heart."

— Ana-Maria Velica

Cross-cultural mentoring plays a crucial role in developing global competencies and leadership skills

In today's globalised workforce, cross-cultural mentoring plays a crucial role in developing global competencies and leadership skills. A relevant example can be drawn from Green Apples® current contract. Ana-Maria and Vlad mentor an organisation based in Turkey with its international headquarters in London and production facilities in Ankara.

Embracing sustainable procurement is a necessary evolution for the future of business. It can lead to innovation and cost savings and enhance the brand’s reputation. This article was first published in Green Apples Tips Newsletter, in January 2025.  Author: Corina Stoicescu, Strategic Communications Partner, Seasoned Journalist; LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/corinastoicescu

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