Mandy Hickson is a high-performance keynote speaker whose experience in the cockpit of a fast jet gives her a rare vantage point on leadership, resilience and decision making. As one of the first women to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line, Mandy built her career in an environment where communication, trust and precision determined the outcome of every mission. Her story shows how high performance is created through mindset, preparation and the ability to stay calm when the pressure rises. Organisations invite Mandy in because she translates complex, high-stakes lessons into clear, practical tools that help teams work with confidence and intent.
Mandy’s journey began with an RAF flying scholarship at 17, a moment that sparked her determination to pursue an aviation career. The road was far from straightforward. She failed the aptitude tests twice yet kept going, eventually being selected as a test case and proving her capability as a future fast jet pilot. She went on to fly the Tornado GR4 on 45 combat missions, spending much of her time as the only female aircrew member on her squadron. Her role as Combat Survival and Rescue Officer placed her at the centre of mission planning, including a cross-continental operation that demanded meticulous preparation and leadership. Her ability to operate at pace, adapt quickly and maintain situational awareness became the foundation of her later work on human performance and organisational resilience.
After leaving full-time service, Mandy continued to make an impact in aviation and leadership development. She volunteered as a Reserve Officer on the Air Experience Flight, introducing young cadets to flying and inspiring the next generation. In 2022 she joined the LBC2 Programme as a Faculty Lecturer, guiding emerging leaders through performance frameworks, communication techniques and confident decision making. Mandy later completed a trek to Everest Base Camp, a personal challenge that reinforced her belief in perseverance and mental toughness. Alongside this, she founded Inspiring Women for Work, supporting women who are rebuilding their careers or transitioning into new roles, and offering the structured confidence many need to take their next step.
Mandy’s bestselling book, ‘An Officer, Not a Gentleman’, captures the highs, setbacks and defining moments of her RAF career. Her commitment to elevating women’s voices saw her shortlisted for Inspiration of the Year at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards and later awarded the Champion of Women Award at the 2025 Business Veterans Awards. Today Mandy speaks to organisations around the world, helping leaders and teams understand how to perform under pressure, communicate with clarity and build trust that holds firm when challenges intensify. Her message is grounded, practical and shaped by real operational experience, leaving audiences with strategies they can use immediately.
