As the second female pilot to fly the Tornado GR4 in the RAF, Mandy Hickson’s career path has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Awarded an RAF flying scholarship at age 17, she initially faced setbacks, including failing the RAF aptitude tests twice. However, her determination led to her being selected as a test case by the RAF, overcoming what seemed insurmountable obstacles.

Mandy went on to fly 45 missions over Iraq and served as the Squadron’s Combat Survival and Rescue Officer. She also played a key role in leading a male-dominated squadron during high-pressure operations.

Since leaving the RAF in 2011 and later as a reservist in 2019, Mandy has become a sought-after motivational speaker and leadership consultant. She also serves as a governor at the Victory Services Club and as a sporting ambassador for Hampshire County Council.

Key Insights for Your Organisation:

• Building high-performing teams

• Making confident decisions under pressure

• Fostering trust, open communication, and resilience

Mandy’s presentations combine engaging storytelling, practical strategies, and a deep connection with her audience, leaving teams empowered to tackle challenges and improve performance. Whether discussing leadership, change adaptation, or diversity, Mandy delivers impactful messages that resonate long after the event.

Mandy Hickson | An Officer, Not a Gentleman

In 2020, Mandy published her memoir, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, which details her extraordinary journey in becoming one of the UK’s first female fast-jet pilots. The book has inspired countless individuals with its powerful story of resilience and determination.

Mandy Hickson | Corporate Speaker

Mandy brings a unique perspective on decision-making, risk-taking, and human factors, applying her extensive RAF experience across industries. Her keynote speeches are a blend of personal anecdotes and practical insights, helping businesses tackle challenges with greater focus and collaboration.

Mandy Hickson | Keynote Topics

Building Trust and Collaboration: Trust is essential for high-performing teams. Leaders must create an environment where diverse ideas can flourish, with shared goals and mutual respect. Mandy shares strategies for fostering trust and building collaboration, laying the foundation for exceptional team performance.

The Power of Diverse Thinking: Teams benefit from diverse viewpoints. While differing opinions may create conflict, they can also spark creativity and lead to better decision-making. Mandy discusses how leaders can design environments where diverse thinking thrives, avoid groupthink, and leverage collective intelligence.

Building Psychological Safety: High-performing teams need to feel safe speaking up, challenging ideas, and sharing mistakes. Mandy emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where openness is encouraged, allowing teams to trust more, share more, and perform at their best.

Emotional Intelligence: Success in high-pressure environments goes beyond technical skill; emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential. Mandy explains how emotional intelligence helps leaders manage relationships, resolve conflicts, and build strong teams.

Debriefing: In aviation, debriefing is essential to learning from each mission. In business, it’s equally important to reflect on performance and identify areas for improvement. Mandy emphasises the importance of debriefing to ensure continuous growth and learning.

Making Effective Decisions: Quick, Accurate Decision-Making Is Crucial in the Cockpit—and in Business. Mandy shares techniques for improving decision-making, even under pressure, to enhance outcomes and drive performance.

Mandy Hickson | Leadership and Women in Business Speaker

Effective leadership is crucial in challenging times. Mandy’s tailored talks address how to inspire leadership and teamwork under pressure while maintaining focus on organisational goals.  Mandy uses her own experience as a trailblazer in a male-dominated field to support and encourage women in business. Her talks address common challenges women face, such as achieving work-life balance, overcoming self-doubt, and breaking through the glass ceiling.

Challenges Discussed:

• Maintaining work-life balance in demanding environments

• Overcoming risk-avoidance tendencies

• Building confidence and self-belief

• Breaking through the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries

Talks for Schools

Mandy also recognises the challenges educators face in today’s fast-paced world. In schools, administrative pressure and the speed of change can impact the ability to inspire and nurture students. Mandy offers invaluable insights on leadership and resilience, tailored for the education sector.

A Chat with Mandy Hickson

In a Chat with… podcast series, Mandy shares her experiences working on an elite fast-jet operator team, revealing how those lessons can be applied to any business environment.

Clients Include:
Arqiva, Atomic Energy Agency, BAE Systems, Balfour Beatty, Pfizer, RBS, Scotiabank, Surbiton High School, Women’s Institute, and more.

Author

Her bestselling book, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, chronicles her experiences and has inspired audiences around the globe. As a keynote speaker, Mandy works with organisations to provide actionable strategies on decision-making, trust, and performance.

Why Book Mandy Hickson?

By booking Mandy as your keynote speaker, your organisation will gain valuable insights into decision-making, team-building, and fostering an environment of trust and communication. Her engaging storytelling and practical advice will leave your teams inspired and ready to face any challenge with confidence.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers today to book Mandy Hickson for your corporate event. 

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