Attending the APMP Leadership Conference was an inspiring and thought-provoking experience, filled with valuable insights from global experts in proposal management and business development. 🌍✨
The Universal Challenges of Proposal Management One key takeaway? The challenges we face in proposal management are universal. Whether it’s navigating industry changes, integrating AI-driven solutions, or fostering diverse leadership, there’s so much to learn from both seasoned professionals and new voices shaping the future of our field.
This year’s conference reinforced the importance of adaptability, innovation, and inclusivity as we navigate the evolving landscape of proposal development.

🎤 Key Sessions That Stood Out: The event was packed with impactful discussions, but a few sessions resonated deeply with me:

✅Continuous Professional Development: Sessions like “Embracing Change: Leading Your Own Professional Evolution through Continuous Learning and Role Transitions” by Sanjay Singh emphasized the importance of ongoing learning and adaptability in one’s career.

✅Addressing Imposter Syndrome: The session “Is Imposter Syndrome Holding You Back?” with Mel Bunston, CP APMP, and Tanya Beech highlighted strategies to recognize and overcome self-doubt, enabling professionals to reach their full potential.

✅Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Eric Coffie’s “Emotional Intelligence: The Secret to Exceptional Leadership” underscored the role of self-awareness and empathy in effective leadership.

✅Diverse Leadership Strategies: Shanitra Davis-Howard, CF APMP, presented “Navigating Challenges: Leadership Strategies for Women of Color in the Workplace amidst Gender Discrimination,” offering insights into overcoming barriers and promoting inclusivity.

✅Transitioning to Senior Roles: Candace Jenkins, CPP APMP, in “Moving from Mid-Level to Senior Leadership: 5 Things You Need to Make the Transition Successful,” provided guidance on advancing to higher leadership positions.

These sessions collectively highlighted the significance of adaptability, self-awareness, inclusivity, and strategic career planning in leadership within the proposal management profession.

These discussions highlighted the need for a human-centric approach to leadership, continuous growth, and equitable representation in decision-making spaces.

💡 My Top 3 Takeaways

1️⃣ Keep learning—growth never stops. Every challenge presents an opportunity to evolve and refine our skills.
2️⃣ Explore the Leadership Academy program. A must for professionals looking to develop their leadership potential.
3️⃣ I’m passionate about seeing more women in leadership. The data on who steps into leadership roles was eye-opening—can you guess who? 👀

Looking Ahead A huge THANK YOU to APMP for curating such an insightful event! 🙌 I’m excited to apply these lessons and continue advocating for professional growth, leadership development, and diverse representation in the industry.

💬 What’s one leadership lesson that has shaped your career? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Until Next Week,

Sincerely

Evelyn Brooks