Breaking Barriers: Christine Joyce’s Inspiring Journey to Success

On International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate the incredible journeys of women who inspire us, break barriers, and pave the way for future generations. At CJAM (Christine Joyce Association Management), we don’t just support associations, we foster ambition, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible. Our founder, Christine Joyce, is a testament to that philosophy.

Her story is one of determination, adaptability, and passion, proving that no matter the challenges life presents, there is always a way forward.

Christine’s career didn’t begin in boardrooms or at the helm of an organisation. At 20 years old, she was a stay-at-home mum to two children, facing the same tough decisions that many women encounter when balancing family life and career aspirations. When she re-entered the workforce, she started soldering circuit boards for NHS nurse call buttons. 

It didn’t take long for her drive and curiosity to shine. Within a year, she was promoted to buyer, learning how to read technical drawings and manage stock procurement for production. This early exposure to responsibility and leadership set the foundation for what was to come.

When the company closed, Christine transitioned into telephone sales at a galvanizing company. Again, she wasn’t just content with doing the job, she wanted to master it. Within two years, she was promoted to Sales Manager, and later Commercial Manager, leading sales strategies in a male-dominated industry. The only woman at her level, she travelled extensively to represent the company and proved that leadership is about ability, not gender.

After 12 years in the industry, Christine took a leap into a different field, joining the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA) in London. She immersed herself in association work, attending committee meetings, influencing industry policies, and playing a key role in founding TyreSafe, now one of the UK’s leading tyre safety organisations.

When BTMA transitioned to remote work, Christine saw an opportunity. She set up a small office in her garden and managed operations for both BTMA and TyreSafe. But she knew she could offer more, not just to these organisations but to other associations that needed expert management.

The Birth of CJAM

In 2010, CJ Association Management (CJAM) was born, with Christine at the helm and three employees by her side. Through sheer dedication, strategic insight, and a deep passion for association work, CJAM expanded to 15 staff members and now supports 10 diverse associations, providing essential services in management, marketing, and strategic development.

Christine’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. In 2016, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet she continued to lead with strength and dedication. With the unwavering support of her loyal team, she balanced treatment while still working part-time, demonstrating her commitment to both her business and the people around her. Her resilience during this period solidified the core values of CJAM, support, strength, and determination.

Today, Christine balances work with family, cherishing time with her four grandchildren while continuing to drive CJAM forward, mentoring her team, and advocating for ambition without limits.

Christine’s journey isn’t just a success story, it’s an example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself and refuse to settle. At CJAM, her leadership continues to inspire the team to push boundaries, take on challenges, and believe that whatever you want to reach for, you can.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate not just Christine’s story but the power of women in leadership, resilience in the face of adversity, and the belief that no dream is too big.

Here’s to the women who lead, inspire, and empower!