Introducing Andy Hessey, Deputy President, JCI Canary Wharf

How long have you been a JCI member?
7 months

What made you join?
That is a question that I can't honestly answer - I moved to London and I was obviously looking for organisations to network with and I came across JCI. Next thing I knew I was at a meeting! I came for the networking. I stayed for the people.

What is the most interesting JCI event you've been to and why?
I was at National Convention 2014.  To me this was my lightbulb moment with JCI.  This was where I understood what JCI was all about and also because I got to meet some fantastic people across that weekend.  It really fuelled my ambition to progress within the chamber.

Had JCI presented any unusual/interesting opportunities?
Not so much an unusual or interesting opportunity, but it's more the general opportunity that JCI has presented.  The ability to work with some very motivated and talented people has been fantastic.

What is your job/career/profession/business?
I am an IT Consultant / Programme Director currently working at Telefónica UK.  I specialise in large complex IT programmes.

Has JCI had any impact on your job/career/profession/business?
I think that it's more that JCI has an impact on my general outlook.  Certainly being part of JCI gives me a really positive mindset especially when working with new and difficult stakeholders.

What's your proudest achievement?
Becoming Deputy President after being in JCI for just 6 months was a great achievement and I know my year as President will be even more of an achievement.

If you were given the chance to enter the Big Brother house would you?
Er ... Not a chance! While I have a very outgoing personality, I like my quiet time.  Anyway, no-one wants to see my naked bum on TV!

Tell us something crazy/dangerous/inspiring/unusual you have done
Where do I start? 

Crazy - I regularly cook with an ingredient called Psycho Serum which is pure capsicum extract. It is 6 million Scoville units (or 600 times hotter than a Jalepeno pepper)

Unusual - I used to be a radio journalist in Southampton and was on-air the night Princess Diana died.  It was very surreal!  It was also during this period that I almost killed Chas (from 80's group Chas and Dave).

Thanks Andy!