Mandy Hickson

Mandy Hickson is a former RAF fast jet pilot and sought-after speaker who inspires teams and leaders with practical insights on resilience, decision-making, and high performance under pressure.

Mandy Hickson is a former RAF fast jet pilot and a highly respected keynote speaker on leadership, decision-making under pressure, and building high-performing teams. One of the first female pilots to fly a Tornado GR4 on the front line, Mandy brings a unique and compelling perspective on resilience, trust and teamwork—gained in one of the most high-pressure environments imaginable.

With over 30 combat missions under her belt and years spent leading operational teams in complex situations, Mandy is no stranger to making split-second decisions, navigating risk, and operating at the highest levels of performance. Her bestselling memoir, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, charts her journey through a male-dominated world, offering insight into what it truly takes to lead with courage, clarity and purpose.

Today, Mandy translates those lessons from the skies into practical strategies for business. Her keynotes are known for their engaging storytelling, actionable insights and strong emotional connection—leaving audiences inspired and ready to perform under pressure.

Popular keynote themes include:

• Trust & Collaboration – Creating cohesive teams through curiosity, shared goals and open communication
• The Power of Diverse Thinking – Leveraging different perspectives to drive creativity, innovation and performance
• Psychological Safety – Fostering cultures where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas and take ownership
• Emotional Intelligence – Understanding and managing emotions to lead with empathy and strengthen relationships
• Debriefing for Growth – Embedding reflection into team culture to drive continuous improvement
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Making confident, effective decisions even in uncertainty

Mandy has worked with organisations across industries—ranging from global corporates to public sector teams—helping leaders and teams perform at their best when it matters most. Her approach is grounded in real-life experience, not theory, and her delivery style is both dynamic and down to earth.

Whether supporting senior leadership teams or inspiring entire organisations, Mandy equips people with the tools, mindset and confidence to thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.