Thursday
14th November
The Wing, Russell Rd, Brighton and Hove,
Brighton BN1 2RL
Brighton BN1 2RL
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HELLO FUTURE 2024
Welcome to Hello Future where you are in charge of your future!
Decisions to make, paths to follow, and the great big future ahead of you.
Hello Future is a day designed to inspire you, give you the tools and knowledge to decide what you want to do, and help you discover what jobs and careers are out there.
Welcome to Hello Future 2024
This year, we have more than 60 businesses, employers, entrepreneurs and charities to help you explore the jobs, skills and careers that might suit you. You’ll meet people who’ve set up their own business, had linear careers, or more squiggly ones, who can give you some advice and insights for your own.
We’re taking over The Wing at Brighton Centre, and as well as stands for you to have casual chats with people from lots of different businesses, there’ll be some talks throughout the day from people who are just starting out in their careers – plus a talk on neurodiversity at work during our quiet hour.
Timetable of events
| Time | Event | 10.30am – 12.30pm | Open for all college/post 16 student access and tutors/teachers/school/college staff only. |
|---|---|
| 2pm – 3.30pm | Post 16/college Quiet Time (No music, lights down) |
| 4pm – 6pm | Open to all and if younger students are wishing to attend, they must be accompanied by parents, families, carers etc. |
Three 15-minute talks during the day delivered by:
Join us for a series of engaging talks throughout the day, featuring insights and expertise from top professionals in their fields. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and be inspired!
Kaia Allen-Bevan, Watch This Sp_ce
Alice Reeves, Joyfully Different
Howie Cobby, Howie’s Coffee and Co
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The people making it possible
Facilitator
Louis Button-Lynham
Vice President Global Partner Network Servicing, American Express
I started working at American Express nearly 15 years ago, as a Customer Care Professional, talking to customers on the phone, about a year after leaving Varndean School at 16.
Since then, I have held a variety of roles of growing seniority. In my current role I lead third party relationships with partners who support our global customer servicing teams. The global team is responsible for managing 15 partner relationships across 24 sites in 9 countries with just under 2,000 colleagues.
With two young boys, and three younger siblings who have recently left or are soon to be joining college I am passionate about the steps young adults take as they enter the workplace. I wish I knew more about what was ‘out there’ when I first took those steps and have enjoyed helping my siblings with that journey most recently.
Louis Button-Lynham
Vice President Global Partner Network Servicing, American Express
I started working at American Express nearly 15 years ago, as a Customer Care Professional, talking to customers on the phone, about a year after leaving Varndean School at 16.
Since then, I have held a variety of roles of growing seniority. In my current role I lead third party relationships with partners who support our global customer servicing teams. The global team is responsible for managing 15 partner relationships across 24 sites in 9 countries with just under 2,000 colleagues.
With two young boys, and three younger siblings who have recently left or are soon to be joining college I am passionate about the steps young adults take as they enter the workplace. I wish I knew more about what was ‘out there’ when I first took those steps and have enjoyed helping my siblings with that journey most recently.
Online Panel events
Lucy Fenwick
Vice President Customer Engagement Network Europe, American Express
Lucy’s American Express career began in 2001 in the UK Customer Engagement Network (CEN). She later led Disputes and Account Management across 13 countries, then managed a 1000-person team in Global Business Travel. Now she leads CEN Europe Servicing across 9 countries, 24/7. With an MBA from Open University, she partners globally to drive key strategies for exceptional service.
Donna White
Vice President Operational Excellence, American Express
With 30+ years in Financial Services, Donna now leads the legal and regulatory compliance team in Global Customer Services. Starting her career right after school, she’s passionate about sharing her journey of success without a degree. Donna believes that with an open mind, willingness to learn, and hard work, anything is possible. She lives with her partner, two sons, and a lively chocolate Labrador.
Michaela Jacobs
Director Business Continuity & Customer Crisis Response, American Express
I’ve been with American Express for 25 years, gaining broad experience in global operations, performance, and change management. In roles of increasing responsibility, I now ensure Amex can serve global Card Members during crises. Past roles involved US Operations in Florida and managing global projects. Born in Brighton, I’m passionate about youth initiatives and have visited every Amex office—except Madrid!
James Houghton
Vice President Procurement, American Express
James leads the team that negotiates the contracts for all the things that colleagues at American Express use from stationery and computers to advertising on the internet and everything in between. James started his Amex career 18 years ago on a 3-week contract on the procurement helpdesk and has since had several different roles in the team. In his spare time James loves playing Ultimate Frisbee and spending time at his allotment.
Hana Lear
Vice President Business Development, American Express
Hana has been working at American Express for 18 years and is currently Head of Corporate in the UK, leading a team of 50 colleagues. Hana is passionate about inspiring and helping others to achieve more than they think possible and empowering people to be their authentic self both in and outside of work. Striving to make a positive difference to the Inclusion and Diversity agenda, levelling the playing field for future generations.
Online Panel events
Casper Firth
Director, Global Data & Privacy Solutions, American Express
After 20 years underwater as a diving instructor, Caspar joined American Express twelve years ago as a Customer Care Professional (in the call centre), in the German Credit Team.
Caspar now leads teams across Amex, doing General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other Privacy and Privacy Rights related work.
Diana Heffelfinger
Vice President Issue Management, American Express
Diana leads a team of 60+ project managers at American Express. This team is responsible for helping our company fix issues when something goes wrong, from process design, system breakdowns to training and communications.
Diana’s career with American Express spans over 16 years, starting as a phone representative. She has worked in three Amex locations, Mexico, New York and now in Brighton. Diana has a B.A. in International Relations.
Craig Barclay
Vice President & General Manager Europe Operations, American Express
Craig joined American Express in 2006 as Director of Compensation and Benefits, Europe, and has since held senior roles in Business Planning and Customer Experience. Now, he leads 1,500+ colleagues across 11 European countries, ensuring top experiences for Card Members via Travel and Lifestyle consultants. Outside work, Craig loves family time—cooking, camping, and walking their dog on the Sussex Downs.
Charlotte Nellist
Vice President Procurement, American Express
With over 19 years at American Express, Charlotte began as a Customer Care Professional in the UK Call Centre before moving to procurement as an Analyst. She now leads the team focused on global cost-saving, ESG, and Supplier Diversity. Passionate about fostering inclusive, collaborative teams, she champions continuous improvement. Charlotte holds a BSc in Business Studies and Law.
Live Stream Q&A Sessions
Angela Blair
Food Policy Coordinator, Brighton and Hove City Council
Angela is a public health nutritionist with a range of experience of food policy and project development. After working in the West Midlands (UK) for the last two decades Angela has recently started as Food Policy Coordinator, within the economic development team at Brighton and Hove City Council.
Daisy Cresswell
Founder and Strategy Director, Make (Good) Trouble
Daisy brings 20+ years in Branding and Digital Media Production across TV, radio, and blue-chip brands. She co-founded Liberty842, a social media content company, and in 2018 launched the youth-led social enterprise Make (Good) Trouble CIC to support young people's mental health. A Brighton Summit keynote speaker, she champions emotional well-being, social change, and community-driven projects with youth.
Russell Wood
Head of Commercial for BHAFC
Russell Wood, Head of Commercial for BHAFC, oversees revenue, including partners, sponsors, and corporate sales. Starting his career at Mazars at 18, he joined BHAFC three months after The Amex opened, spending 11 years with the club—five in finance as financial controller, and six in commercial, achieving record revenues. Russ negotiated partnerships with American Express and Nike and serves as a non-exec director for Union Saint Gilloise.
Hello Future is delivered by West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Careers Hub and Brighton Chamber, sponsored by American Express and Rampion Windfarm, with support from Shoreham Port.