Emma Henderson MBE combines decades of aviation leadership experience with practical business insights to transform how leaders navigate complexity and change. As one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide, Emma brings over 30 years of experience from the cockpit to her speaking engagements. Her presentations blend technical expertise with engaging storytelling that resonates across industries.
Through her keynotes, Emma translates aviation's rigorous protocols into actionable business strategies, helping leaders to make confident decisions under pressure. Her AVIATE™ decision-making model reveals how leaders can move from reactive to resilient, panic to purpose, and chaos to clarity, giving them the tools to think clearly, act decisively, and communicate confidently when it matters most.
Emma is also the founder and CEO of the national charity, Project Wingman Foundation Ltd, an initiative which provided a ‘first class lounge’ experience to offer rest and recuperation to thousands of NHS staff nationwide. In recognition of her work, Emma was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list.
Emma has shared the insights gained from her trailblazing career in her bestselling book, GROUNDED, and in her TEDx talk. She has been recognised as the Booker's Choice at The Speaker Awards and named among HR Magazine's Most Influential Thinkers in 2025. She has also collaborated with major brands and organisations including Natwest, BNP Paribas, the NHS, Marriott Hotels, RBS, EDF Energy, and NATO.
Book Emma Henderson MBE when when your leaders require practical strategies to navigate turbulence and emerge stronger on the other side.
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