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.
