Matt Lindley

Matt Lindley is currently a commercial long haul pilot and a former serving member of the Royal Air Force. He is also recognized as an LGBTQ+ diversity expert and a keynote speaker focusing on Inclusive Leadership and Diversity.

Lindley graduated with a degree in commerce from the University of Birmingham. After leaving university, he joined the Ford Motor Company Graduate Training Programme, where he was part of a team implementing Japanese Management techniques in the car industry. In 1995, Lindley was selected to join the UK Royal Air Force as a pilot. During his military career, he flew various aircraft including the Hawk fighter jet. In 2000, he was selected to fly Her Majesty The Queen, members of the UK Royal Family, and Government ministers worldwide, serving on The Royal Squadron. While serving, he became a qualified flying instructor and VIP qualified Captain. He flew missions in the Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan conflicts. Lindley was one of the first openly gay pilots in the RAF.

In 2007, Lindley left the service to join a London-based commercial airline, initially flying the Airbus on their short haul network, and now flies the Boeing 777 on long haul routes. His presentations and workshops incorporate real-life aviation examples and case studies, focusing on reducing human error and enhancing performance through leadership lessons from the aviation industry. His personal story of hiding his sexuality while serving in the RAF is a cornerstone of his talks, aimed at empowering and educating on leadership and resilience.

In addition to flying, Lindley specializes in non-technical training. He delivers Human Performance Factors keynote speeches and workshops which draw on flight management techniques to optimize outcomes while minimizing human error in the workplace. He specializes in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, and has expanded his speaking topics to include Decision Making, Diversity, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership. Lindley's sessions are celebrated for their interactive nature, practical learning, and his natural ability to connect with audiences, even in virtual settings. He has received excellent feedback at major events such as the World Procurement Congress 2018, and he is noted for his engaging speaking style and the impactful, practical advice he offers.