Deacon Spotlight: Kingsley Bustamante
Kingsley Bustamante (2019, BA in Economics and Minor in Global Trade and Commerce)
ProcureAbility – Procurement Consultant in Hialeah, FL
Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?
I am a Procurement Consultant at ProcureAbility. We help organizations optimize their sourcing, supplier management, and procurement strategies to drive cost savings and operational efficiency.
What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?
My first job after graduating from Wake was working for Del Monte Fresh Produce as a Procurement Coordinator in Miami, FL. That’s where my interest for the Supply Chain and Procurement grew. I learned the importance of strategic sourcing and inventory management for any and all fields. Consulting, specifically Procurement Consulting, gives you the opportunity to learn many skills in negotiation, strategy planning, public speaking, and risk management.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
Procurement consulting involves lots of commercial negotiations, with counterparts that are sometimes not easiest to work with. With experience, I’ve learned that negotiations are many times a psychological game. Of course it’s important to do your homework and analyze the data but it’s just as important or more, to find a way to connect to the other side, not just think about how your side is going to benefit. I highly recommend reading “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss. As Consultant’s, we’re also tasked with the responsibility of analyzing a potential “roadblock” or inefficiency that we need to fix, sometimes with a very firm project timeline/deadline. With time, you learn how to become an analytical person who also knows how to strategize and influence.
What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
It’s important that you never lose focus on what’s most important in your life. For me, it’s always been Health, Family, and Friends. There’s going to be times in your career where you might be working 80 hours per week. Do not let that hinder you from continuing from exercising, eating healthy, and staying in touch with your friends and family. Without health all those long work hours will be worth nothing if you become gravely ill. Never lose your bond with those that have been with you from Day 1. Life can sometimes get very busy but friends and family will always be there to bring you back to the right headspace.
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
Authenticity is key; be yourself. The best relationships always begin and continue when each person is their true selves. Also, do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people. I always try my best to place myself in social settings and introduce myself whenever the opportunity comes up. You maintain those relationships by simply checking in on people. A simple “Hello” and “How are you?” goes a long way.
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
My dad has been my biggest mentor in my life. He’s someone who’s always been there for me, giving me tips and advice for literally any questions that I have.
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
If you are interested in working in Consulting, I would recommend networking as much as possible and reaching out to other consultants. Pick their brains, ask them what their keys to success have been and what their career path has looked like. You can reach out to me if you’d like. Happy to chat!
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?
I’m focused on continuing my career as a consultant. On a personal level, I have a goal of one day opening up a school in Providence, RI (my birthplace) and Medellin, Colombia (birthplace of my parents). Education has provided me incredible opportunities and I want to give back to the communities that are closest to my heart.
Story published in March 2026. For current updates about Kingsley, visit his LinkedIn profile.