Article: “It’s a miracle I survived”: one manager’s journey from crisis to Chartered success Written by Caroline Roberts Thursday 10 July 2025 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email A near-death experience with Covid resulted in David Tazzini-Lloyd CMgr FCMI, our Chartered Manager of the Week, deciding to invest in his skills and confidence “My motto is: people before paper,” says David Tazzini-Lloyd CMgr FCMI. “Obviously, processes are important, but people are always worth more.” David, our Chartered Manager of the Week, has followed a diverse career path, but helping people has been a common thread. After spending 11 years at Royal Mail, first as a postman and then managing a sorting office, he decided to use his experience in managing finances to move into the banking sector. He joined Lloyds Banking Group in 2018 and now works as a specialist customer advisor providing expert guidance to victim-survivors of domestic and economic abuse and helping them regain financial independence. David has also worked as a self-employed counsellor, a manager with the Salvation Army and a volunteer treasurer with a church charity. His role at Lloyds allows him to put his counselling skills to good use. More Chartered stories: “I wanted some letters after my name” “Economic abuse is often a by-product of domestic abuse,” he explains. “It’s about listening to customers and working out bespoke solutions, which may involve splitting joint accounts, dealing with debt and ultimately setting them free from the effects of the abuse.” Learning when you’re “not academic” The Covid-19 pandemic proved pivotal to David’s career development, although not in the way he expected. After becoming seriously ill with the virus, he was placed on a ventilator for 12 days and spent a total of 43 days in hospital, during which time he also contracted sepsis. “It’s nothing short of a miracle that I survived,” he says. Keep reading: David’s turning point Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Article Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.