First, a bit of context. IMC USA was founded in 1968 to promote ethics and excellence in consulting to management through certification, education, and professional resources.

Since then, the mission has remained steadfast.

Move forward nineteen years to 1987. ICMCI (CMC-Global) was founded in Paris, France, to unite management consulting institutes around the world, including IMC USA. ICMCI is the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes. Along with the mission of bonding the various IMC organizations, ICMCI establishes international standards for consultants to management.

Four Pillars Create a Competitive Advantage for Management Consultants

The most recent standard from ICMCI is the Global Code for the Responsible Use of AI for Management Consultants. The IMC USA Board officially adopted this code at recent meeting. It joins three other pillars that distinguish IMC USA members and Certified Management Consultants®:

Certified Management Consultant® (CMC®) — An internationally recognized certification that is proof of management consulting competence, professionalism, and adherence to rigorous standards.

Code of Ethics — Principles that guide ethical decision-making and professional responsibility.

Code of Conduct — Standards that define the professional behavior expected of IMC USA members.

Code for the Responsible Use of AI — Standards that reinforce consultant accountability when using artificial intelligence in professional work.

The CMC® designation is recognized in 49 countries, giving qualified consultants an internationally recognized credential.

Together, these four pillars help independent consultants, boutique consulting firms, and larger consulting organizations demonstrate something clients increasingly value: professional competence, ethical conduct, accountability, and trust.

That is a compelling competitive advantage.

How Are You Using These Competitive Advantages to Grow Your Practice?

Having these distinctions is only the beginning. How we communicate and use them can help strengthen our individual practices while increasing recognition of IMC USA and the CMC®.

Let’s share ideas so everyone can expand their practice and increase the visibility of IMC USA and the CMC®.

Are you highlighting your CMC® in proposals, on LinkedIn, or on your website? Are you discussing IMC USA’s ethical standards or Responsible Use of AI Code with prospective clients?

I would like to hear what is working for you.

Calls to Action

Send your stories and suggestions to me by email, and I will share them.

This month’s IMC USA Connector newsletter has information about the ICMCI conference in Bucharest, Romania, Oct 21-22, 2026, and timely information about IMC USA events. If you’re not yet a subscriber, please join our list here.

Not a member yet? Please join IMC USA.

Jeannette Hobson CMC

CEO and Chair

IMC USA