At 25, Adarsh Ramchurn is an account manager for Fame, a B2B podcast agency. After facing the initial disappointment of a rejected Oxbridge application, Adarsh found his footing through a CMI Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, a journey that would later empower him to navigate a toxic work environment and emerge as a resilient, self-assured leader.

Navigating a toxic workplace

After completing a rigorous four-year CMI Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) through Queen Mary, University of London, Adarsh entered the job market with high expectations and a real sense of purpose. However, his first role after graduating proved to be a significant emotional hurdle. 

“As soon as I stepped in, I felt out of place. I didn’t feel part of a team. It was as if the only person’s opinion that mattered was the director’s.”

For a young professional eager to contribute, the lack of psychological safety was stifling. 

“It created a really difficult environment to share my ideas, be taken seriously, and feel like I was part of something. I felt I had a lot of potential, and it was really difficult to be myself in a workplace that didn’t value me. Every time I completed a piece of work, it would be scrutinised.”

Recognising the toll this was taking on his confidence and mental health, Adarsh took the decision to leave, and is now in a role where his ideas and opinions are valued. 

“I'm able to showcase the management and leadership skills that I’ve gained. As an account manager I feel respected. I've got a lot more creative freedom and influence on my team and the clients I work with.”

Mastering management with CMI 

Reflecting back on his career journey so far, Adarsh credits his CMI Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with setting him on the right path and giving him a solid foundation. 

“When I started the programme I didn't know then that it would be such a massive turning point in my career. It gave me a completely different route that I’d never considered before,” he says.

 One of the most practical benefits was having a practical framework to guide his professional conduct. 

“CMI's resources really helped me, for example I printed a glossary of key terms that you should know as a leader and stuck it on my wall. It gave me a tangible way to word what I was trying to say in the most professional, kind, and considerate manner.”

Beyond communication, CMI provided the structure Adarsh needed to prove his value on a large scale. While still an apprentice, he used CMI resources to help him lead a corporate membership launch from start to finish. 

I used the CMI frameworks to structure the project, which taught me how to present to a senior board, how to respond to criticism, and how to make a concise proposal. I ended up securing a corporate member as a 22-year-old apprentice, which I was really proud of.

Professional recognition with Chartered status 

Gaining Chartered Manager (CMgr) status after completing his apprenticeship acted as a formal recognition of Adarsh’s skills, especially when his young age might have otherwise been a barrier. 

Becoming a Chartered Manager really validates my knowledge and my leadership abilities. It gives me confidence and proves that no matter your age or where you come from, you can be a good leader.

For Adarsh, CMI serves as the bridge between theoretical study and the complexities of the workplace. 

“In education, you’re learning about things, but you’re not actually doing them. CMI helps you take a concept and bring it to life. It’s the difference between learning what a good manager is and actually managing or leading by example."

Finding a supportive culture

Now thriving in a role that offers creative freedom, Adarsh’s advice to future leaders is to be protective of their professional environment. 

“If you feel like you’re not in a workplace that’s going to allow you to seize those opportunities or give you room to grow, move on. You need to be able to showcase what you bring to the table. Don’t stay too long with an organisation that isn't valuing you.”