Mandy Hickson

Mandy Hickson is a former Royal Air Force pilot and trained Human Factors facilitator. She was the only female pilot on her Front Line Tornado Squadron, operating in extremely hostile environments, including Iraq’s “No Fly” zone during the Iraq War. Flying multimillion-pound jets, Hickson has been a keynote speaker at hundreds of events, often emphasizing the importance of teamwork, leadership, and calculated risk-taking.

Despite facing significant challenges early in her career, including failing computer-based tests required by the RAF at age 17, Hickson's determination led her to persuade the RAF to take her on as a test case. This perseverance enabled her to overcome these hurdles and become a role model for resilience and tenacity. With her unit, she was ready to deploy ordnance on any target in support of operations, carrying the latest weaponry.

Recently, Hickson has expanded her influence by co-founding "Inspiring Women for Work," an organization aimed at helping women regain confidence to return to work and realize their full potential after career breaks. She brings her military experience into business and organizational contexts, enhancing understanding of team dynamics and leadership. Her keynote topics, which include Leadership Under Pressure, Decision Making, and Peak Performance, are designed to resonate with diverse audiences, helping them to think critically about their personal and professional development. Hickson’s talks are tailored to align with the specific themes and campaigns of the events she speaks at, making her a sought-after motivational speaker across various platforms.