Changing direction in your career can feel daunting. For a long time, Janice Tai CMgr FCMI thought that pivoting was a sign of failure. But throughout her decade of senior leadership across multinational corporations, start-ups, and international non-governmental organisations, she learned a vital lesson: sticking to a flawed plan out of stubbornness is far worse than adapting. Today, as the founder of Circle of Life International Limited, Janice uses that exact agility to run her own start-up. Her business has a unique mission: helping individuals and organisations align professional ambitions with personal well-being. Central to her own professional grounding and the success of her venture is her status as a Chartered Manager (CMgr).

The pinnacle of professional recognition

Janice’s road to becoming Chartered began after she completed her Global MBA programme with the University of London. Because the programme was dual-accredited by CMI she was eligible to apply for Chartered status.

To me, becoming a Chartered Manager represents the pinnacle of professional recognition in management and leadership. It’s a credible, externally validated mark of the expertise and dedication required to lead effectively.

For Janice, the designation is far more than an acronym on a business card. It represents a deep commitment to a standard of excellence that goes beyond simply performing daily tasks. It serves as a public validation of competence, ethical practice, and a dedication to leadership as a true profession.

Turning introducing yourself into an opportunity

Upon achieving Chartered status, managers are entitled to use the designation 'CMgr' alongside their post-nominals (such as MCMI or FCMI). For Janice, this immediately became a powerful tool for professional dialogue during everyday networking.

When I give out my business card, people often pause and ask, 'What is CMgr?' This has become a regular and valuable conversation starter. Being Chartered equips me with the confidence and authority to not only explain what the designation means, but to advocate for the importance of professional standards in management and leadership.

This simple introduction transforms standard networking into an organic opportunity to establish credibility and demonstrate what professional management looks like in the real world.

Three pillars of impact: credibility, clarity, and community

When asked to sum up the impact of her Chartered journey in three words, Janice chooses Credibility, Clarity, and Community.

  • Credibility: The CMgr designation provides instant external validation of her skills and leadership background. When negotiating with potential investors, clients, or partners, it signals that she operates to a globally recognised standard.
  • Clarity: The structured, reflective application process forced her to look closely at her own management methods, providing a much clearer understanding of her personal leadership style and professional impact.
  • Community: It grants her access to a global network of like-minded professionals. Having worked across corporate and non-profit sectors, Janice identifies CMI’s networking opportunities as her favorite membership benefit, allowing her to exchange insights with peers who truly understand the realities of leading teams.

Moving beyond the accidental manager

A common challenge in modern business is the rise of the ‘accidental manager’ - individuals who step into leadership roles based on technical expertise or tenure, rather than formal leadership training. CMI research indicates that trained managers make a significant difference - 90% of managers agreed that becoming Chartered increased their self-confidence, and 91% agreed they are better managers overall since becoming Chartered.

Janice’s experience reflects these findings. She recalls a situation where her team was uncertain about the best direction to take on a complex client engagement. Instead of relying on a title, she drew upon the exact strategic thinking and experience validated during her Chartered assessment to guide them through their options.

It wasn't the 'CMgr FCMI' letters after my name that made the difference. It was the trust built from demonstrating that I had navigated similar challenges before. The status may open the door, but it's the experience behind it that truly guides and reassures the team.

Creating a balanced workplace

In her own organisation, Janice defines effective leadership through the lens of balance - setting a clear, inspiring vision while ensuring the team has the well-being and resources to achieve it. By leading by example, she proves that an organisation can be highly ambitious while still maintaining the healthy work-life balance that Circle of Life promotes to its clients.

For professionals considering the leap toward professional accreditation, Janice offers direct advice:

Don't wait until you feel ready. If you have the experience and a passion for leadership, take the leap. It is an investment in yourself that pays lifelong dividends in confidence and capability.