Article: Student of the Year 2025: who made the shortlist? Written by CMI Insights Tuesday 03 March 2026 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email This award will go to one of four inspiring leaders who have supercharged their own career development with CMI-backed classroom learning The CMI Student of the Year award is a chance to celebrate tomorrow’s managers and leaders today. The prize is given to an exceptional learner who has demonstrated a clear understanding of the value of management and leadership and is destined to make an impact in the future. It’s a chance to showcase their hard work and achievements, while giving their CVs an invaluable boost. The shortlist for the 2025 award comprises four inspiring learners who are already walking the path of inspiring and engaging leadership. Let’s meet them. Oliver Braid CMgr MCMI Oliver is founder and principal consultant at GTM & Commercial Advisory. He has over 15 years’ experience supporting organisations through growth, change and complex workforce challenges. He’s been involved in initiatives that have helped more than 250,000 people into work. But Oliver has still found time to complete multiple CMI Level 7 qualifications with TFL Education, including an Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. The judges called Oliver an exemplary nominee and a worthy ambassador, praising his ability to lift his entire team during periods of upheaval, which proved that “human-centred leadership is profoundly effective on every measure of success”. Find out more The winners of the CMI Awards of Excellence will be announced in spring 2026. Read up on all the categories and shortlisters at the link below. Let's go Oliver says his CMI learning has helped in everything from the onset of AI to leading change deliberately and responsibly. “I undertook the CMI programme alongside demanding leadership roles, not with awards in mind, but to become a better leader for my team during a period of sustained uncertainty and change,” he says. Being shortlisted has prompted reflection and gratitude: for the people who trusted me, challenged me and shaped my development throughout the journey – and for the opportunity to learn in a way that continues to have practical, human impact Verity Buckley fCMgr Verity graduated in 2025 from Edge Hill University, where she gained experience through a consultancy pilot project and a marketing campaign she co-designed and presented for North West Cancer Research, which meant translating theory into professional, purpose-driven outcomes. Alongside her CMI-accredited studies, Verity founded the Edge Hill Business Society and co-created an award-winning student-led company focused on preventing drink spiking. She also held representative leadership roles within the student body. The judges described Verity as a “very talented student with excellent potential”, commending her academic achievements and highlighting her position as a positive role model to others. Winning this award would symbolise how far I have grown during my time at university. It would represent the confidence I gained to take the initiative, trust my judgement and create opportunities for myself and for others. And it would reflect the commitment involved in leading, supporting others and following through on ideas, even when I was uncertain about the outcome Keep reading: find out who else made the shortlist 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. Log in 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. 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.
