What does the next generation of bid professionals want from the industry and what can the industry learn from them?

In this episode of the Optimize Podcast, Matt Light is joined by Michael Chacko, Technical Bid Writer at Tecknuovo and APMP Practitioner, to discuss attracting, developing, and retaining the next generation of bid and proposal professionals.

Drawing on his experience entering the profession directly from university and working across both multinational organisations and SMEs, Michael shares insights into career development, strategic bidding, stakeholder engagement, executive sponsorship, and the growing role of AI in the profession.

00:00 – Introduction and welcome

03:45 – Michael's journey into bidding straight from university

07:00 – Why bidding became a career choice

10:00 – Explaining the bidding profession to others

12:30 – Moving from operational support to strategic influence

18:00 – Building collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

25:00 – Creating change and improving bid culture

29:00 – Attracting and engaging the next generation of bidders

34:00 – Mentorship, career progression, and developing talent

38:00 – AI, innovation, and the future of bidding

43:00 – Quick-fire questions and key takeaways

✔ Think strategically, regardless of your role or title

✔ Build strong relationships across the business

✔ Create clear pathways for developing bid talent

✔ Encourage curiosity, innovation, and knowledge sharing

✔ Embrace AI as a tool to support—not replace—professional expertise

Michael Chacko is a Technical Bid Writer at Tecknuovo and an APMP Practitioner-certified professional. Passionate about strategic bidding, collaboration, and professional development, Michael is committed to helping shape the future of the bid and proposal profession.

Follow Michael Chacko and Matt Light on LinkedIn for more insights on bidding, proposal management, and professional development.