How to Attract and Develop the Next Generation of Bid Professionals

What attracts the next generation of talent into bidding and how can organisations keep them engaged? In this episode of the Optimize Podcast by VisibleThread, host Matt Light is joined by Michael Chacko, Technical Bid Writer at Technova and APMP Practitioner, to explore the future of the bidding profession through the lens of a NextGen bidder. Michael shares his journey into bidding straight from university and discusses the skills, opportunities, and challenges facing today's bid professionals. Together, they explore how organisations can create stronger career pathways, foster collaboration, embrace new technologies, and help bidding gain the strategic recognition it deserves. Topics covered • Entering the bidding profession as a graduate • Why bidding is more than "just writing" • Building relationships with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) • The importance of executive sponsorship • Career development and mentoring in bid teams • Different pathways for bid writers and proposal professionals • AI, innovation, and the future of bidding • What experienced professionals can learn from the next generation Whether you're new to bidding, leading a proposal team, or looking to develop the next generation of talent, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives from someone building their career in the profession today. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation. Website: https://www.visiblethread.com/podcasts/ Host LinkedIn: Matt Light (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ligh...) Guest LinkedIn: Michael Chacko (  / michael-chacko-25704123b  ) #BidManagement #ProposalManagement #BusinessDevelopment #SalesEnablement