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Larissa Cornelius, CPP APMP Fellow (Class of 2024)

Chief Win Strategist and APMP SA Director
nFold

Bio

Larissa stands at the forefront of strategic proposal management as nFold's Chief Win Strategist, elevating the company into Africa's premier APMP-accredited training organisation. With 18 years of operational and bid management expertise, her ownership since 2019 has seen nFold flourish, backed by a burgeoning team of award-winning proposal professionals. We work on opportunities of all sizes across industries, winning Billions for customers annually.

She is a recognised thought leader who passionately advances the proposal profession's standards and professionalism, notably as an APMP South African Chapter Director. 

Some career highlights include:

• Inducted as an APMP fellow, 2024
• Nominee for Entrepreneur of the Year, Women of Stature, 2025
• Larissa won the Runner-Up in the Women in Sales category by the Women’s Business Club, 2024
• Larissa was listed as one of the 100 most influential women in the African Supply Chain by The African Women in Supply Chain Association (AWISCA), 2022
• APMP’s 40 under 40 in 2018
• nFold won the National Business Excellence Award from the National Small Business Council (NSBC), in 2023
• nFold was named the winner of a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Company of the Year – Business or Professional Services – Small category, 2022
• APMP Accredited Trainer since 2019
• APMP Foundation, Practitioner and Professional Certification Achieved.
• APMP Micro-certifications achieved (Executive Summaries and Proposal Writing)

Her contributions extend beyond organisational success. She focuses on fostering robust links with procurement professionals to stimulate meaningful discourse. Larissa is an experienced speaker whose insights are sought after at public events worldwide. She champions excellence and innovation in the proposal and pitch consultancy arena.

At home, she loves spending time with her family, her partner Carl, Supermom, Annie, awesome daughter Kai and three dog children. Based in Joburg, South Africa, she loves reading, writing, and crafting.

What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?

Being an APMP Fellow is about embodying a commitment to mentorship, sharing knowledge, and continuing to inspire others in the profession to achieve their best. It’s our responsibility to uphold the values of our community, advocate for growth, and contribute to the future of proposal management. Above all, it recognises our work's impact in shaping opportunities and building strong, strategic connections across industries.

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

Where to start—so many memorable moments have been at APMP events! One that truly stands out is when I spoke at the APMP Australian BidX session. I had the exhilarating challenge of delivering a 5-minute session on the physiology of bidding. It was a whirlwind of fun.

Another highlight would be attending APMP BPC Europe in Amsterdam for a few years. Not only was it an opportunity to catch up with incredible colleagues like Jon Williams, but the event also featured some truly inspiring talks that left me brimming with ideas and excitement for the profession.

Closer to home, our conferences in South Africa have been an annual highlight. The energy, innovation, and sense of community at these events are unmatched. I can't recommend them enough for anyone looking for a new and inspiring experience—they’re worth attending!

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

For a proposal professional entering our field, my advice is:

• Invest in continuous learning: The proposal profession is dynamic and constantly evolving. Pursue certifications, attend industry events, and immerse yourself in resources like APMP’s Body of Knowledge. Staying informed will keep you competitive and confident.
• Embrace collaboration: Proposal success is a team effort. Learn to work effectively with cross-functional teams, from sales to subject matter experts. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Develop resilience: Proposals can be fast-paced and demanding. Learn to manage your time and stress effectively. Celebrate small wins and remember that each submission is a learning opportunity.
• Master the fundamentals: It is crucial to understand the core principles of proposal best practice, such as customer focus, compliance, and compelling content. Always put the client’s needs at the heart of your work.
• Seek mentorship: Surround yourself with seasoned professionals who can guide and inspire you. The APMP community is rich with experts willing to share their knowledge and experiences.
• Stay curious and creative: Be open to new tools, technologies, and creative approaches. Innovation is a key differentiator in our field, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Anything else you would like to share?

Remember that you’re not just working on proposals—you’re helping to create solutions that change businesses and lives—winning results in jobs being retained or created. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding profession!