Presenting...
Mandy Hickson
Former RAF Fast Jet Pilot | Bestselling Author | Aviation Ambassador
Profile
Mandy Hickson is a ground breaking trailblazer in every sense of the word. With a career in aviation spanning over thirty years, and with three tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq under her belt, she confidently secured her place with the RAF's most experienced pilots.
Breaking through gender barriers, she became the UK's second female fast-jet pilot to fly the Tornado GR4; a multi-million pound jet fighter that began active duty in the 1991 Gulf War and saw 28 consecutive years of operations.
Mandy's journey and achievements, were immortalised in her book, An Officer Not A Gentleman, where she lays bare the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of her illustrious career. This bestselling book, released in 2021, showcases her incredible journey as a fighter pilot — years of ambition, specialised training, and steadfast commitment—all of which made her dream job a reality and paved the way for countless others.
Her depth of experience adds genuine authority to her talks. When she speaks, you are not simply hearing anecdotes, you’re absorbing the lessons learned from a lifetime of complex decision-making and leadership of the highest stakes.
What to Expect
When Mandy takes to your stage, her character shines through every word to resonate with audiences across sectors, roles & continents. Her versatility and depth of knowledge ensures her talks can be adapted to suit any setting or organisation.
Mandy possesses an unstoppable, undeniable, spirit that radiates throughout the room; her energy is palpable. Her talks seamlessly weave in her values of resilience, determination, and courage, traits honed in a highly demanding career. Mandy has seen challenges that few can fathom—being responsible for a team, a jet, and a mission in the midst of combat—and she uses these experiences to delve into universally applicable lessons in teamwork, decision-making, and risk management.
Whether reliving a near miss from a missile over Iraq or recounting the complexities of high-stakes team-work, she exudes a down-to-earth authenticity that makes her story, and lessons accessible to everyone.
A Lasting Impact
As with all of our hand selected speakers, Mandy's impact lingers long after she has left the stage. While her story is awe-inspiring, the real impact is in the transformation she provokes in her audience, with whom she imparts a methodology for success—a toolkit of personal and professional skills honed in the most unforgiving environments.
Her practical advice and actionable insights serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to redefine their own limits. When people hear her talks, they are not simply inspired. They're encouraged to challenge the staus quo, re-define limits and, break through boundaries. Your audience will return to their lives & teams with a newfound belief in their own capabilities and a concrete roadmap for overcoming obstacles, however challenging they may seem.
This enduring, transformative effect has secured Mandy's position in aviation's hall of fame and as a global sought after authority.
Quick Look At Mandy Hickson
Represented by: Tracey Duke
Location: Hampshire, England
Who: Mandy Hickson is a pioneering former RAF fast-jet pilot with over 30 years in aviation, including 45 missions over Iraq. She is the UK's second female pilot to fly the Tornado GR4 and the bestselling author of 'An Officer Not A Gentleman.' Her talks offer invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and courage, leaving a transformative impact on audiences.
What to Expect: Expect an electric atmosphere. Her versatile talks, enriched by a formidable military career, resonate universally. With palpable energy, she delves into lessons on resilience, teamwork, and decision-making, providing audiences with actionable insights that transcend sectors and roles.
Lasting Impact. Mandy Hickson leaves an indelible mark on her audience, offering a unique toolkit for success honed in high-stakes environments. Her insights ignite a transformational shift, empowering individuals to challenge their own boundaries and providing a concrete roadmap for overcoming any obstacle.
Available for: Keynote Talks. After Dinner Talks. Motivational Talks. Discussion Panels.
Popular With: Blue Chip Corporations. Military & Defense Forums. Educational Institutes. Innovation & Technology Conferences. Sports Organisations.
