A Conversation with Karin Olson Held, CP APMP
If there is one word that defines Karin Olson Held’s career trajectory, it’s curiosity. Currently serving as the Director of Strategic Growth Enablement at WPS Health Solutions, Karin has built a career centered on the intersection of writing, leadership, and strategic expansion.
From her early days in development to her current senior leadership role, Karin has navigated the complex world of healthcare proposals and sales enablement with a blend of professional rigor and personal authenticity.
The Heart of the Work: Writing and Leadership
When asked what drew her to her field, Karin’s answer is simple yet profound: “I’m a writer”. That foundational love for communication has been the engine behind her rise through the ranks at organizations like Noridian Healthcare Solutions and WPS.
However, as she moved from Proposal Coordinator to Director-level roles, her focus shifted toward the human element. Today, when asked what she is most passionate about, she doesn’t point to a specific project or metric, but to Leadership.
For Karin, growth enablement isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about empowering the people who drive the results.
Navigating the “Quiet” Challenges
Even for a seasoned professional with a CP APMP certification, the road isn’t always smooth. Karin candidly shares that her biggest career hurdle has been imposter syndrome. It is a refreshing admission from a leader whose resume, spanning nearly two decades, radiates competence and steady progression.
She credits her success to a few key traits:
- Curiosity: The drive to keep asking “why” and “how”.
- Flexibility: The ability to pivot when the market or the organization requires it.
- A “Bias for Action”: Taking every opportunity that comes her way and making the most of it.
Life Beyond the Proposal
While she currently calls Northern Minnesota home, Karin’s influences are eclectic. If you want to know who is on her playlist, look no further than the Avett Brothers. And if you want to understand her philosophy on life and work, it’s all about the “first time” – embracing the newness of every challenge with the same energy she brought to her first role in 2007.
“Be curious!”
That is Karin’s primary piece of advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps.
In a world of rigid processes and high-stakes healthcare solutions, it is that spark of curiosity that keeps the work fresh and the growth "strategic".
Professional Snapshot: Karin Olson Held
- Current Role: Director of Strategic Growth Enablement at WPS
- Expertise: Proposal Management, Sales Enablement, Cross-functional Leadership.
- Education & Certifications: CP APMP; Concordia College.
- Core Philosophy: Take every opportunity; stay flexible.
See Karin Speaking at Optimize26: The Global Bid Conference
Karin will be speaking on day two of Optimize26, live in Virginia. This event is designed specifically for the people who live and breathe bids, proposals, capture, and contracts.
Best of all? It’s completely free.
- When: 15th April | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET
- Where: 1604 Spring Hill Road, Vienna, VA 22182 (Tysons Corner)
Learn from the best, connect with your community, and leave with strategies you can use immediately.
