The CMAE is pleased to announce that Paul Youngman has successfully achieved the highly esteemed Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
This prestigious certification marks a significant milestone in Paul’s professional journey and highlights his dedication to excellence in club management.
The CCM designation is a globally recognised certification that signifies expertise and proficiency in club management. Paul joins an elite group of only 81 professionals across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa who have achieved this designation.
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of CMAE, expressed his excitement for Paul’s achievement:
“I am of course very thrilled to see Sweden get a CCM after the departure of our beloved friend and one of the first CCMs in Europe, Jimmy Grön. Paul has had an amazing journey with us, and I have personally been blessed with a lot of discussions and feedback with Paul since he and his club are not far from where I live in Stockholm, Sweden. Now, we hope more managers from the Nordic region will follow.”
Paul Youngman shared his thoughts on this momentous achievement in an exclusive Q&A:
Well, done on achieving the CCM, Paul Youngman. How happy are you right now?
I was over the moon when I received the call from Torbjörn “Toby” Johansson to tell me that I had passed my CCM exam. After what seemed so long waiting for the call, it finally came. And the nervous wait was over. The feeling is incredible and so satisfying for me. I started my pathway in Stirling, Scotland November 2018 and to stand here now with my CCM certificate is unbelievable. It feels a bit surreal to be part of an elite group of 80 colleagues in Europe & Middle East and North Africa with CCM Certificates. A Proud moment for me – feeling thrilled and exited.
You are currently working at Wermdö Golf & Country Club in Stockholm, Sweden – tell us about your journey in the Club Industry:
My career has always been in the golf industry. Started golfing at the age of 3, my father being a golf professional taught me how to play at an early age. Being around a golfing environment all of my life, it has shaped me as a person. I tried a playing career for 10 years reaching the Challenge Tour. After my playing career I got my PGA Teaching qualification and did teach and coach for about 13 years. After my teaching career I wanted a new challenge. Through Swedish organisations called GAF, PGA of Sweden and Swedish golf federation I got my General Managers qualification. My first General Manager’s job was 11 years ago, also in Stockholm Sweden. I am so thankful for all the support I have received from my current club Wermdö Golf & Country Club especially my chairman (Kenneth Adenskog) and the board who have supported me all the way.
What about your Learning journey – that later lead to CCM, what has pushed you and anything especially memorable?
As I mentioned earlier, I started my pathway in 2018 in Stirling Scotland where I did MDP 1 and MDP 2. After that I went to Prague for MDP 3 Strategy & Leadership in January 2020. That was a great week. Then I had a break due to covid. Next step was St Andrews in Scotland the home of golf. MDP Golf was on the agenda – which was an incredible experience for me that loves the game of golf. Playing the Old course and staying at the Rusacks Hotel right along the side the 18th hole, a memory for life. Next was MDP Sports & Recreation which is held in London where we got to see some of England’s most prestigious clubs, like the All England Lawn Tennis Club which was the highlight of the week. That is truly a remarkable place where the tennis tournament Wimbledon is played every year. This week is a truly special for a lot of reasons: The venues and the places you are privileged to see and tour. For me, the most memorable experience of all are all the people I have meet along the way – so many talented and gifted people. I have been privileged to see the development of CMAE for these last 7 years and it has been a great experience. I would like to give a special thank you to Torbjörn and his team at CMAE for making my journey and pathway a great experience. Long may it continue.
What about the actual exam, you have English as a second language! It must have been tough?
The exam was a challenging experience. You are under pressure, and you have limited time to do it. For me, writing it in a foreign language makes it a bit more intense – i.e. practice is important. Preparing is essential for achieving success. The feeling when you have given it your best shoot and you succeed is a great feeling. At times it was tough doing it in English, but I think it was good challenge. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Any recommendation for people considering the MDP Pathway? And becoming a CCM?
For me and my career it has been a life changing experience. If you are looking for a challenge and you want to develop as a person and a leader – The Management Development Program is truly something I can recommend to everybody that wants to develop themselves and become better leaders. Becoming a CCM (certified club manager) is the proudest moment in my career. I would like to thank colleagues and friends that are on the pathway. I hope we all keep learning from each other in the future.
Thank you Paul Youngman, CCM – Congratulations and good luck on your New Journey as a Certified Club Manager.
