Future Leaders & Rising Stars
What are the Future Leaders and Rising Stars groups?
Future Leaders
The HCA Future Leaders group was established in 2021 to bring together mid‑level healthcare communicators (typically Account Managers to Account Directors or equivalents) who are nominated for their potential to become the next generation of industry leaders.
The group runs virtual and in‑person meetings focused on leadership development, peer support, and shaping the future of healthcare communications.
Rising Stars
Launched in 2022 and run by the Future Leaders, Rising Stars brings together junior to mid‑level talent (typically Junior Account Executive to Senior Account Executive or equivalents) who are demonstrating exceptional promise early in their careers.
The group provides hands-on skills development, confidence‑building experiences, and access to a supportive network of peers and mentors across the healthcare communications landscape.
Why These Groups Matter
The two groups are designed to help shape future activities and facilitate connections between healthcare communicators to boost standards and share challenges.
- Develop future leaders of the industry: building capability, confidence, and ambition at critical stages of career development.
- Create inclusive, cross‑agency communities: ensuring rising talent feels connected to a wider support network beyond their day‑to‑day teams.
- Champion the voice of early‑career professionals: ensuring their perspectives help shape the future of healthcare communications.
- Retain talent across the sector: informing broader HCA efforts through insights into what motivates and engages early‑career communicators.
- Supporting long-term engagement with the HCA: supporting a pathway from Rising Star to Future Leader, to further opportunities within HCA working groups and event participation.
How to Get Involved
Participation in Rising Stars and Future Leaders is by nomination from senior leaders within HCA member organisations.
Nomination process:
- Senior teams identify individuals, demonstrating potential for growth, leadership, and contribution to the wider industry.
- Nominations are submitted to the HCA following calls for attendance at events, or by contacting [email protected].
- Successful nominees join the relevant working group and gain access to events, networking, and development opportunities.
If you would like to nominate a member of your team to join, please email [email protected].
Upcoming Events
Rising Stars Events
- Speed Mentoring Event – 26 February 2026, London
Network with young achievers across agency, in‑house, and charity organisations (e.g., Communiqué Young Achievers, PR Week 30 Under 30).
- Pitch Training Event – Summer 2026 (date TBC)
Mixed‑agency teams respond to a live brief and present back to senior reviewers—practical experience without client pressure.
Future Leaders Events
- Speed Mentoring with Senior Industry Leaders – Spring/Summer 2026 (date TBC)
Connect with agency founders, senior in‑house leaders, and charity directors for leadership‑focused guidance.
Additional Development & Networking Events will be planned throughout the year,
If you are a Rising Star or Future Leader, who would like to help organise an event, or share an idea for a future event, please email [email protected].
Working group organisers:
- Will Brennan (Co-Lead)
- Kirsty Somerscales (Co-Lead)
- Blainaid Barr
- Beth Masters
- Edel McCaffrey (Chair Member Engagement Committee)