“Volunteering will repay you a hundred times over”

At CMI, we are proud to have a community of dedicated and inspiring volunteers. As well as helping us to drive our mission for better management across the UK, becoming a volunteer can do a huge amount for you too. It can create excellent networking opportunities and boost your leadership skills. It may also broaden your perspective and amplify your presence in your industry, all while developing yourself and helping others. 

Following Volunteers’ Week on 2–8 June, we caught up with two people who know the value of volunteering better than anyone: Dr Steven Egan fCMgr and Donna Goodall CMgr MCMI. 

• Read more: Volunteering days

A communications and social lead and board member for CMI Northern Ireland, Steven first became a volunteer with CMI in 2023 after obtaining Foundation Chartered Manager status. Outside CMI, he’s an appointed member of the UK Young Academy, voluntarily sits on the Membership Development Committee and serves as a trustee for Sólás, a Belfast-based charity that supports children with additional needs. He shares how these experiences have given him “far more” than he expected, including both a “renewed sense of purpose” as a leader, and a reminder of the power of “collective leadership”. 

Donna shares Steven’s conviction in the positive impact of volunteering on professional growth, both her own and that of others in her community. After getting involved as a volunteer with CMI four years ago, she has since been promoted to deputy chair of the CMI West Midlands and North West Regional Board, which she says has been a “real honour”.  

• The volunteering revolution: how managers are stepping up

Here’s what CMI volunteering means to them…

Q: Why did you get involved with CMI volunteering?

Donna Goodall (DG): I am passionate about leadership development and wanted to contribute to the professional community. I saw it as an opportunity to give back, expand my horizons and support the growth of management excellence within my region. I feel very fortunate to have become a volunteer with CMI, as well as very proud to be part of the West Midlands North West region. 

• Donna’s story: “I want to give back and inspire the next generation”

Steven Egan (SE): I was keen to expand my network across Northern Ireland and felt CMI reflected my values – particularly around inclusive, ethical and evidence-based leadership. I wanted to gain board-level experience to deepen my strategic thinking and apply insights from both my studies and professional experience, helping me to bridge theory and action. It has been one of the most rewarding and energising parts of my career to date.

Q: What benefits have you enjoyed as a result of volunteering?

DG: Volunteering has provided numerous benefits, including expanding my professional network by connecting me with like-minded leaders and industry experts. It has also enhanced my leadership skills, given me new perspectives on management challenges and increased my confidence in collaborative decision-making. Additionally, being part of a dedicated team has been incredibly rewarding and motivating.