From accidental entries to intentional leadership, their stories echoed a powerful truth: there’s no single path into bids and proposals and that’s its strength.
“I got thrown into a proposal during an internship… and never looked back.” – Matt Light
“I moved desks and found the work beside me far more exciting.” – Rebecca Bland
“It started with a council housing contract. I had no idea this career existed.” – David Gray
Key Takeaways:
You don’t need to start in bids to succeed in bids. Writing, project management, communication, and even housing studies – these skills all transfer beautifully.
- AI isn’t a threat, it’s a tool. Embracing AI tools and understanding how to use them effectively is fast becoming a career advantage.
- Soft skills aren’t soft. Leadership, confidence, presentation skills, and visibility are what move people from operational roles to strategic ones.
- L&D isn’t a luxury – it’s essential. From leadership coaching to APMP certifications, every speaker credited formal development as a career accelerant.
- Build real relationships. Whether engaging stakeholders or mentoring junior staff, collaboration and genuine connection make the difference.
As Matt put it, “Be comfortable being uncomfortable.” Whether it’s learning AI, speaking at conferences, or advocating for yourself – growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.
This session builds on our Leadership Career Series, including our interviews with Matt Light and Kay Charlesworth. If you’re passionate about growing your career – or want to share your own journey – we’d love to hear from you.
