Mandy Hickson's biography
International Women's Day
- First female Tornado GR4 pilot on RAF front line
- Combat veteran with 45 missions over Iraq
- Leadership expert translating military experience to business strategy
Mandy Hickson is a trailblazing aviator who became the first woman to fly the Tornado GR4 on the RAF front line. Today, Mandy transforms her extraordinary military experience into practical leadership insights for organisations worldwide.
As a former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot, Mandy completed 45 combat missions over Iraq and served as a Combat Survival and Rescue Officer during her 25-year military career. Her bestselling book "An Officer, Not a Gentleman" chronicles her journey, and she continues to serve as a trustee of the RAF Charitable Trust and Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport.
Mandy helps organisations navigate high-pressure environments by translating her cockpit experience into business strategies. Her expertise in human factors, understanding that up to 80% of accidents stem from human error, enables teams to make confident decisions under extreme pressure, build resilience, and develop effective communication systems that prevent costly mistakes.
Audiences gain practical frameworks for building high-performing teams, maintaining focus in uncertain times, and fostering a culture where diverse thinking thrives. Mandy's approach combines real-world combat experience with human performance coaching to help teams operate effectively when stakes are highest.
Book Mandy Hickson and equip your people with battle-tested strategies that transform how your team performs under pressure.
Mandy's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Building Trust and Collaboration
In this session, Mandy Hickson emphasises that trust and collaboration are essential in aviation, as their absence leads to team fractures and missed opportunities. She highlights the importance of fostering an environment where diverse thinking thrives through curiosity and shared goals. By encouraging respectful debate and focusing on collective success, leaders can bridge gaps and enhance team dynamics. Attendees will learn how to cultivate trust and collaboration, ultimately laying the groundwork for exceptional performance in any organisation.
Building Psychological Safety
In this talk, Mandy Hickson highlights the importance of psychological safety in high-performing teams. She explains that when team members feel free to express their thoughts, challenge ideas, and admit mistakes, collaboration improves significantly. Leaders are essential in fostering a culture of openness, where sharing and trust thrive. This environment not only enhances communication but also boosts overall performance. Attendees will learn how to cultivate psychological safety within their teams, leading to better collaboration and increased success.
The Power Of Diverse Thinking
Flying fighter jets demands rigorous training and instinct. However, it's the diverse perspectives of Mandy Hickson's team that drive success. In this session, Mandy highlights that teams with varied backgrounds can creatively tackle complex challenges and enhance decision-making. However, fostering diversity of thought requires intentional effort. Leaders must create environments that encourage diverse input, prevent groupthink, and celebrate differences. Attendees will learn how to unlock collective intelligence, driving innovation and improving performance in their teams.
Making Effective Decisions
In this keynote, Mandy Hickson discusses how swift and precise decision-making is crucial in high-pressure situations, similar to the challenges faced by business leaders today. Many organisations struggle with slow or poor decisions, which can hinder performance. However, decision-making is a skill that can be cultivated. By understanding decision types, involving the right people, and using effective tools, leaders can combat biases and adopt structured approaches. Attendees will learn how to enhance their decision-making skills to drive progress and improve team performance.
The Power Of Emotional Intelligence
While fighter pilots are often seen as possessing sharp minds and quick reflexes, true success in the cockpit relies heavily on emotional intelligence (EQ). The ability to read situations, resolve conflicts, and foster relationships distinguishes exceptional leaders. In this session, Mandy Hickson reveals that emotional intelligence can be cultivated through practice, enabling individuals to enhance their connections, manage emotions, and tackle challenges effectively. Attendees will learn how to develop these essential skills for leading high-performing teams and achieving success.
Why we recommend booking Mandy
Mandy Hickson, the groundbreaking RAF pilot who flew 45 combat missions in the Tornado GR4, transforms high-stakes military experience into practical leadership strategies that help teams make confident decisions under extreme pressure. Book this aviation pioneer today to equip your organisation with battle-tested frameworks for building resilient teams that thrive when the stakes are highest.
