CMBE: A Catalyst for Reflective Leadership

Professor Hannah Holmes CMBE, Dean of Business School and Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Law, The Manchester Metropolitan University shares her academic journey, the impact of the Certified Management Business Educator on her career, and why professional recognition matters for business educators worldwide. 

Can you describe your academic journey so far?  

My academic journey has been deeply rooted in a commitment to transforming lives, businesses, and communities through education. Beginning as a lecturer in economics, I have progressed through various academic and leadership roles to my current position as Professor of Business Education and Dean of a Business School. A golden thread throughout my career has been the intentional blending of personal and professional growth, often supported by mentors and sponsors who helped me navigate critical turning points. I have always sought to champion inclusive, high-quality teaching and to foster environments where both students and colleagues can thrive. 

Why did you and your institution decide to join the CMBE scheme?  

Joining the Chartered Management and Business Educator (CMBE) scheme was both a strategic and values-driven decision. At an institutional level, we recognised the importance of embedding professional standards in teaching, aligned with the principles of responsible management education and global best practice. On a personal level, I was drawn to the CMBE’s commitment to professional recognition, reflective practice, and continuous pedagogical development. It provides a clear framework to ensure that our teaching is not only research-informed but also future-focused and student-centred. 

Can you share the most significant impact the CMBE has had on your academic career and professional practice? How has it shaped your approach to education? 

The CMBE has served as a reflective anchor in my career, particularly in my dual role as educator and institutional leader. It has given greater visibility and value to the scholarship of teaching, and helped embed pedagogical excellence into our strategic planning. This has shaped how I approach programme design, faculty development, and our wider educational mission. It has reinforced the belief that great teaching requires the same intellectual rigour, ongoing development, and impact-focused evaluation as research. 

In what ways has the the CMBE helped deepen your engagement with pedagogical scholarship or connected you with other educators globally? 

One of the most rewarding aspects of CMBE membership has been the opportunity to engage with a global network of educators committed to innovation in business and management education. It has opened the door to discussions around responsible leadership, inclusive learning design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These interactions have been instrumental in enriching our institutional thinking and ensuring that our education remains relevant, rigorous, and responsive to societal needs. 

How would you encourage your fellow academics to join the Certified Management Business Educator scheme?  

I would say this: the CMBE is more than a badge of recognition. It is a professional commitment to teaching excellence, to lifelong learning, and to being part of a global movement that is shaping the future of business education. For senior leaders in particular, it is a powerful tool to set the tone, model best practice, and demonstrate that we value teaching as a scholarly and strategic endeavour. 

Can you describe the experience of the CMBE in one word or phrase?

A catalyst for reflective leadership. 

The commitment that Manchester Metropolitan University Business School is making to support faculty development, quality assurance, and teaching excellence through its Institutional CMBE Subscription stands as a powerful example to our diverse, global community of business schools. Discover how the Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE) can help support faculty development here.