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OlessiaSmotrova

Olessia Smotrova, CF APMP Fellow (Class of 2012)

OST Global Solutions, Inc





Bio

Olessia has 25 years of professional experience in a variety of industries, focused on government business development, capture and proposal management, marketing, and communications. She won more than $22 billion in funded contracts for client companies. She served for two years as the president of the National Contracts Management Association (NCMA) Bethesda/Medical Chapter and two years as the President of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) National Capital Area chapter. She is the author of more than 50 courses, manuals, and books in the fields of business development, capture, winning multiple award contracts and task order proposals, proposal management, customer-focused marketing, communications, strategy development, cost strategy, competitive analysis, technical writing, and graphics conceptualization, including How to Get Government Contracts published by Apress.

She is the founder of Bid & Proposal Academy. She pioneered a first in the Nation Department of Labor Apprenticeship in Government Business Development. She has taught courses at NASA, Treasury, and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and has trained thousands of business developers. She also taught a for-credit graduate-level capture and proposal course for the Stevens Institute of Technology. She regularly presents at conferences, teaches for Maryland and Virginia Apex Accelerators, runs an SBA and Maryland TEDCO-funded SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab, and conducts popular training webinars on business development. She speaks seven languages. Prior to starting OST, she worked at Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and the Financial Times of London.

She is a mother of two children, married to her business partner, who is also a BD, capture, and proposal manager. She loves to paint; play tennis, piano, and video games; swim in the ocean; and read hard science fiction.

What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?

Being an APMP member can provide you with a platform to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from experts in the field, and make a meaningful impact on the project management industry.

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

All APMP events are quite memorable and provide a rewarding experience.

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

Build a strong foundation in project management: To succeed as a project manager, it's essential to have a strong foundation in project management principles and methodologies. Consider taking courses or pursuing certifications in project management to build your knowledge and skills.

Focus on continuous learning: The field of project management is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices, and technologies. Attend conferences, read industry publications, and participate in professional development activities to keep your skills sharp and stay current.

Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills: As a project manager, you will need to communicate effectively with stakeholders, team members, and other project professionals. Develop communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships and ensure project success.

Embrace teamwork: Successful project management often relies on the ability to work effectively with others. Develop teamwork skills and cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture on your projects.

Be proactive and adaptable: Project management often involves dealing with unexpected challenges and changes. Be proactive in identifying potential issues and developing contingency plans, and be adaptable in responding to changing circumstances.

Seek mentorship and professional networks: Seek out experienced project managers and other professionals in the field for mentorship and guidance. Join professional organizations like APMP and participate in networking opportunities to build your professional network.

Success in project management requires a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. With dedication, hard work, and a passion for the field, you can thrive as a proposal professional in the world of project management.

 

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
Achieving certification sends a message to the world that I’m dedicated and accomplished as a proposal manager. I feel proud of earning this title and I encourage others to join our ranks.
Jessica Davis
Jessica Davis, CF APMP
Receiving Practitioner-level certification boosted my confidence and validated my experiences and professional growth in the bid and proposal industry. The badge is something that I see each day, and it motivates and encourages me to keep networking, learning, and elevating others in our combined professional development goals.
Kim Ruff
Kim Ruff, CP APMP
Being a part of APMP, I get access to the knowledge and experience of great leaders and mentors from the community. I have learned a great deal from the webinars and conferences I attended on diverse topics from career progression in Proposal Management, trends (such as automation) in PreSales to achieving work-life balance, and handling burn-outs – all real-life experiences.
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Shubhada Kulkarni, 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
APMP's techniques on proposal writing are meticulously engineered with real-life examples, and the extensive information available in their Body of Knowledge is a goldmine for bid & proposal professionals.
AnantShukla
Anant Shukla, CF APMP
I love that my high scores in English and grammar from grade school finally paid off! I understand where I fit in professionally with a career that is rewarding on many levels. I owe all of this to APMP!
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Bette Sturino, CP 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
APMP Certification is an important milestone in the bid and proposal profession. It helped me upgrade my knowledge and be competitive in the industry. You can achieve your dream career with APMP certifications. Thanks to APMP India.
Swapnil Patange
Swapnil Patange, CF APMP
The time was a good investment, and I expect to reap benefits now and in the future!
Kelly Erickson
Kelly Erickson, CF APMP