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About APMP Fellows Christopher Kälin
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Christopher Kälin, CPP APMP Fellow (Class of 2013)

Managing Partner, CSK Management Ltd.

Bio

Christopher S. Kälin is a global authority in bid and proposal management and the author of The Ultimate Bid and Proposal Compendium, which has become the number one reference book for bid and proposal managers across the planet. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of CSK Management. He works with companies around the world to win strategic deals and improve their success rates. He has helped them generate over 60 billion dollars in business across many industries, including IT, telecoms, defense, transportation, financial industries, event organization, gambling, and business outsourcing. He also conducts live and virtual training programs on how to win more business with bid and proposal best practices.

He is also a well-received speaker at business development conferences and sales conventions around the globe. He was co-founder and chairman of the German-speaking APMP chapter (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) and regional director for Europe/Africa. He is APMP-certified at Professional Level (CPP APMP) and is an APMP Approved Trainer. In 2013, he received the prestigious Fellows Award. He developed the BidMaster™ Framework and the Storyline Method™ for developing compelling proposals.

He graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Information Technology from Zurich University.

What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?

APMP is the only organization that serves those with the same two passions I have: Managing and writing proposals. The brightest minds in the industry and the most passionate characters: I have met them all in the APMP universe, and many are Fellows. It makes me feel immensely proud to be a small part of this great community.

What's your best memory from attending an APMP event?

A lot of work... The first APMP event I ever attended was one that I had organized myself.

What advice do you have for a proposal professional entering our field?

Learn best practices, and get away from common practice! Learn, learn, learn!

APMP certification is the gold standard for the industry. For me, accreditation is formal recognition of my commitment to the profession, as well as an avenue for improving my performance and bid outcomes by training in APMP principles.
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Ailsa Tuck, CP APMP
With this micro-certification and digital badge, I signal to my bid team and stakeholders that I am familiar with this topic. They can use me as their contact and "sparring partner," independent of RFPs.
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Norbert Thiemermann, CPP ES-M APMP
This topic, Executive Summaries, is way underrated. The Executive Summary is the most eye-catching document, which almost everyone on the customer side reads. Yet, in most bid teams, we don’t dedicate the attention it deserves. I want to learn about something I can immediately put into practice at my workplace, which provides a “quick win” to the team and is a long-term benefit for the company.
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Dénes Máthé, CF ES-M APMP
Achieving the Executive Summaries micro-certification will support me in persuading Sales to create a better Executive Summary.
Gerald Stein
Gerald Stein, CF ES-M APMP
My experience, combined with the APMP Body of Knowledge, helped me obtain both the APMP Foundation exam and the Practitioners exam within a week.
Sonal
Sonal Bhatnagar, CP APMP, PMP
Being an active APMP certified practitioner allowed me to recognize my hidden potential multifold (40u40, BPC Awards, BPC Speaker) and give back to the profession through the APMP community.
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Karthik Koutharapu, CP APMP
APMP has changed my professional life, elevating it to a standard that I didn’t know existed. Aside from the professional advantages of being certified as an APMP Professional, it’s the community of members who make it so special.
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Rita Mascia, CPP APMP
I would advise new professionals to take advantage of the resources that APMP offers. Not only do you have access to conferences and seminars through your chapter, but the free webinars and the robust network of professionals are great benefits that can help advance one’s career.
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Valerie Kessie, CP APMP
Without APMP, I would not have the tools or knowledge of the industry to have the career I have today and the success I have experienced.
Liz Megli
Liz Megli, CF APMP
For the first time since I started my career, I felt like I was not alone in my struggles to meet deadlines, wrangle SMEs, and answer impossible questions. I’m grateful to have this community to share our wisdom and experiences.
AnthonyRossi
Anthony Rossi, CF APMP