Latest news with #RTG
Int'l Business Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
RTG Founder Danica Mason on Why Proposal Management Is the Gatekeeper to Opportunities in the AEC Industry
When a billion-dollar transportation project gets awarded, few think about the document that won it. Fewer still consider the team behind that proposal. According to Danica Mason, principal and founder of Red Team Go (RTG) and a 2024 ENR Northwest Top Young Professional, the proposal isn't just paperwork; it's the gateway to opportunity. Mason has built a firm that does more than polish resumes and coordinate submittals. She's redefined the discipline of proposal management for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, especially for small and minority-owned businesses that typically don't have internal teams to handle the immense demands of competitive bidding. "Yes, writing is hard, but the challenge starts long before the first word," Mason says. "There's research, pre-positioning, assembling the right team, none of which can happen after the RFP drops." That reality is especially daunting for the small shops that dominate the subcontractor landscape in the AEC world. For many, proposal writing is a solo effort, with one person juggling management, content, and design. Mason warns that this 'one-person shop' model is inherently limited. "There are three parts to a successful proposal: management, writing, and creativity," Mason explains. "Very few people are strong in all three. That's why we've built a team structure that lets each piece shine and that makes all the difference." RTG's approach is rooted in this very 'three-piece' methodology. Proposal management ensures structure and momentum, creative design makes the document compelling, and technical writing conveys the story. But what truly sets RTG apart, Mason emphasizes, is industry fluency. "We're not just comms people who make things look pretty," she says. "We've worked in construction. We understand the terminology. We know how a job gets built and how to write and design around that." This insight allows RTG to go beyond surface-level storytelling. It can interpret project nuances, develop meaningful win themes, and help small businesses speak directly to what public clients value most: understanding, alignment, and clarity. Danica Mason Speaking at the BuildIT Founder's Day Annual Gala Mason's long-term impact lies not just in wins, but in who gets to win. She and her team have become a critical resource in helping small and disadvantaged businesses secure contracts they might never have otherwise reached. That work earned her the 2025 Build Community Impact Award, recognizing her commitment to equity through infrastructure. While proposals remain RTG's bread and butter, Mason is clear-eyed about their volatility. "You can work on a proposal for two weeks or 18 months, and still not know when, or if, it's going to drop," she says. "That's why we're expanding. Our small business and civil rights work is just as impactful." Still, Mason knows that proposals are where it begins. "You can't build the bridge if you don't win the bid," she says. "And no one's going to hand you the work if your proposal doesn't show them why you deserve it." And for the small firms she helps elevate, it's the first step toward building something bigger.
The Star
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Zii Jia keeps 'em waiting over decision to join RTG or not
Olympic bronze medal winners Lee Zii Jia holding his medal as he arrives at KLIA 1 on wednesday August 7. (7/8/2024). —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star PETALING JAYA: The ball is now in professional men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia's court as he weighs a decision on whether to accept the offer to join the elite sports programme, Road to Gold (RTG), in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh revealed that she had met the world No. 15 last week and presented him with the terms as well as the additional support he would receive if he joins the programme. Although Zii Jia has until the end of June to make up his mind, Hannah is hopeful that he will come on board as it would allow him access to more comprehensive medical support in the event of future injuries. Zii Jia was listed in the new batch of RTG athletes due to his status as a bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old had previously been offered a spot in the programme but opted to make his own preparations independently. RTG is an elite sports programme that offers additional support to athletes with the potential to deliver an Olympic gold medal. 'We met with them (Team LZJ) last week and basically discussed the benefits of the RTG programme. We hope that by offering these services to Zii Jia, he will say yes,' said Hannah. 'He has nothing to lose. It's an additional support facility provided by the government, even for independent athletes. The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is still long, another three years and in sports, the risk of injury is always there. 'If you're part of Road to Gold, you'll receive recovery support, just like what was provided to Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Ng Tze Yong.'' The Kedah-born shuttler is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a right ankle injury and is expected to make his return at the Japan Open in July. Apart from Zii Jia, others listed in the latest RTG batch include badminton players Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun. Also named were track cyclists Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, as well as weightlifter Aniq Kasdan. Meanwhile, five athletes have been included in the RTG Fast Track programme. They are squash players Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari, and archers Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi, Syaqiera Mashayikh and Nurul Azreena Fazil. At the same time, Hannah also expressed hope that Ng Tze Yong will continue striving to earn his spot back in the RTG programme despite currently being sidelined by a serious injury. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have yet to officially reveal the extent of the 25-year-old's knee injury, but speculation has been rife that it involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). 'I hope Tze Yong will not give up. I hope he will keep pushing until he makes a full recovery,' added Hannah.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Pearly-Thinaah better off with BAM, says Yeoh, Chong Ming
KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and former world No. 1 doubles player Chan Chong Ming both believe women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah should remain with the BA of Malaysia (BAM). Pearly-Thinaah have yet to sign a new contract with the national body and are believed to be contemplating turning professional. Yeoh said remaining with BAM will ensure that Pearly-Thinaah continue to receive the support they need to excel at the highest level. "I hope Pearly-Thinaah will remain with BAM so they have support from the government, including from the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, so they don't have to worry about anything," said Yeoh today. "This includes coaches as well as services from the National Sports Institute. "If they leave BAM, they have to worry about where they want to find the funds to do their preparations. "They also have to find training facilities to use and also look for sparring partners, all these are currently provided." Chong Ming, who is the former women's national doubles coach, echoed Yeoh's sentiments. "I agree, if you stay with the association there are a lot of benefits. There is nothing to worry about because you have a complete support team with you," said Chong Ming. "Personally, I think Pearly and Thinaah should stay (with BAM). "Support services are very important for players today. You need to get adequate recovery and gym work (to continue performing well). "As a coach myself, we (coaches) have experience in terms of the technical and tactical aspects of badminton, because we have experienced it ourselves as players. "But we do not have the same level of expertise when it comes to strength and conditioning, psychology and so on. "When it comes to things like this, it is best to leave it to the experts. This is where the Youth and Sports Ministry can give their support." Yeoh was speaking after officiating the prize giving ceremony for the Daikin International Badminton Championships in Petaling Jaya today. Chong Ming served as the tournament director for the competition. Young players from 10 countries played in over 1,400 matches throughout the tournament, which is now in its seventh edition.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
LA28: Nothing to lose, Hannah hopes Zii Jia will join RTG
YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has expressed hope that professional men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia will accept the offer to join the Road to Gold (RTG) programme in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28). Hannah said that she met with the Paris 2024 men's singles bronze medallist last week to discuss the benefits of the RTG initiative, particularly its expanded support for independent athletes. 'We do hope to offer the Road to Gold services to Zii Jia. I hope that he will say yes, because there is nothing to lose. 'The final decision lies with Zii Jia, and I am confident he will consider all factors,' she told reporters at the Daikin International Badminton Championship 2025 here today. Last April, the RTG Committee named Zii Jia, reigning Badminton Asia Championships men's doubles champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and 10 other badminton players for the RTG programme ahead of LA28. Zii Jia, ranked world number eight, had previously declined a spot in the RTG programme during the Paris 2024 cycle. The three non-badminton athletes listed in RTG for the LA28 cycle are track cyclists Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, along with weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan. Hannah said the final list of RTG members for LA28 is expected to be known by the end of June. She said that the timing is due to the athletes' busy travel schedules, as they are frequently away for tournaments. 'We want to gather all of them who have said yes, so that we have that signing together,' she said. LA28 is slated to be held from July 14 to 30, 2028.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Nothing to lose, Hannah hopes Zii Jia will join RTG
YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has expressed hope that professional men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia will accept the offer to join the Road to Gold (RTG) programme in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28). Hannah said that she met with the Paris 2024 men's singles bronze medallist last week to discuss the benefits of the RTG initiative, particularly its expanded support for independent athletes. 'We do hope to offer the Road to Gold services to Zii Jia. I hope that he will say yes, because there is nothing to lose. 'The final decision lies with Zii Jia, and I am confident he will consider all factors,' she told reporters at the Daikin International Badminton Championship 2025 here today. Last April, the RTG Committee named Zii Jia, reigning Badminton Asia Championships men's doubles champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and 10 other badminton players for the RTG programme ahead of LA28. Zii Jia, ranked world number eight, had previously declined a spot in the RTG programme during the Paris 2024 cycle. The three non-badminton athletes listed in RTG for the LA28 cycle are track cyclists Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, along with weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan. Hannah said the final list of RTG members for LA28 is expected to be known by the end of June. She said that the timing is due to the athletes' busy travel schedules, as they are frequently away for tournaments. 'We want to gather all of them who have said yes, so that we have that signing together,' she said. LA28 is slated to be held from July 14 to 30, 2028.
