Our tendency to separate professional roles into distinct categories often blinds us to the natural connections that enhance our work. As someone who works across both communications and bid management, I have discovered these fields share an essential relationship.

Malcolm Gladwell and James Gleick explore how elements within complex systems connect and influence one another in their respective works, "The Tipping Point" and "Chaos". This concept mirrors precisely how communications and bid management function together.

A winning bid requires exceptional storytelling. Technical details, costs and delivery methods must flow together in a narrative that speaks to evaluators. Each bid becomes a strategic communication document, demonstrating comprehension, reliability and forward thinking.

Similarly, strong communications demand the same analytical precision that bid management requires. Bid managers examine requirements and develop targeted solutions, whilst communications professionals analyse audiences, prepare for questions and build structured messages.

Both fields require extensive research, strategic thinking and careful assessment before committing resources. Whether evaluating a bid opportunity or planning a communications campaign, professionals must gather intelligence, analyse data and make informed go/no-go decisions.

The ultimate goal remains constant: serving people through meaningful projects that create value. This emphasis on research, strategy and public benefit forms the foundation of both disciplines.

This natural overlap explains my professional path, which has moved between these disciplines.

My journey represents a thoughtful exploration of how these fields complement each other. My communications background brings clarity to bids, and bid management has refined my strategic communications approach.

The most valuable professional knowledge often emerges where different disciplines meet. By recognising and working with these natural connections, we develop more sophisticated approaches to both communications and bid management.