The Highest Ranked Woman In The British Army & Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Defence at the UK Ministry of Defence
Nicky Moffat’s Biography:
Brigadier Nicky Moffat CBE is best known as the highest-ranked woman in the British Army and an authority on leadership under pressure. A speaker renowned for her charismatic delivery, Nicky brings authenticity, clarity and real-world insight to every audience, drawing on almost three decades at the heart of military leadership, government decision-making and organisational transformation.
Nicky’s early career in the Armed Forces spanned 27 years of service. She served in the Field Army before taking on key appointments in strategy, policy and finance within Army Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence. As Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Defence, she gained first-hand experience at the centre of Government, supporting major decision-making processes and high-level defence strategy.
Her achievements are wide-ranging. In her most significant leadership role, she directed approximately 4,500 soldiers within the Army’s personnel and finance capability—one of the most complex portfolios in the organisation. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2012 New Year Honours. The BBC recognised her as one of its “100 Women,” applauding her impact and influence. That same year, she chose to leave the Army and founded What Good Leadership Looks Like, building a new career as a leadership consultant and executive coach.
Beyond her military achievements, Nicky has had a visible public presence. She has appeared on BBC Newsnight and BBC Breakfast and, in 2018, made her on-screen debut in Secret Agent Selection: WW2 (BBC)/Churchill’s Secret Agents (Netflix). She was also part of the creative team behind English National Opera’s production of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. As a speaker, Nicky is known for her responsiveness to audience size, demographics and atmosphere, ensuring every session feels personal, relevant and engaging.
Why Hire Nicky Moffat?
Brigadier Nicky Moffat CBE offers audiences a rare blend of lived leadership experience, strategic insight and inspiring storytelling. Her sessions equip organisations with practical lessons on performance, motivation, culture change and leading through uncertainty. With an authentic, TED-style approach, she distils complex ideas into accessible, actionable guidance—making her a powerful choice for conferences, leadership events and senior team development.
Nicky Moffat’s Career Highlights:
Below showcases Nicky Moffat’s inspirational career throughout defence and leadership:
- 2025 – Continues as a Keynote Speaker, Inspiring Audiences with Guidance on Leadership
- 2024 – Keynote Speaker for The Future of Work Series, Sullivan & Stanley
- 2018 – Military Advisor for Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, English National Opera
- 2017 – Contributor to Netflix’s Churchill’s Secret Agents
- 2012 – Awarded a CBE
- 2012 – Founder & Executive Coach, What Good Leadership Looks Like
- 2012 – Head of Pay & Strategic Manning, UK Ministry of Defence
- 2009 – Director of Personnel Administrative Capability, becoming the highest-ranking woman in the British Army
- 1999 – Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Defence, UK Ministry of Defence
- 1985 – Served 26 years in the British Armed Forces, holding multiple regimental, training and strategic leadership roles
Videos
Nicky Moffat’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“”Nicky was GREAT and I have received nothing but positive feedback from the management team to which she presented. Please pass on my thanks, it was a huge benefit to us all in attendance.” – Paul, Head of HR, Air Liquide
“It was an incredible event and the fact that Nicky stayed to the end to practically give 1:1 coaching was super appreciated by so many. Thank you so much again Nicky and for your help arranging for Nicky to attend our event.” – SMBC
“Nicky’s speech was very well-received at our conference last week, many thanks to you.” – Maples Group
Speaking Topics
Nicky Moffat’s Official Keynote Topics:
- What Good Leadership Looks Like
- Building a Leadership Culture
- Honing Your Leadership Capability
- Leading People Through Change
- Delivering Complex Transformational Change
- Inclusive Leadership
- How to Create & Embed an Inclusive Culture
- Owning Your Career
- Being the Best You Can Be
- Career Transition: Going it Alone
- The Art of Motivating
How Much Does Nicky Moffat Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Nicky Moffat?
The cost of hiring Nicky Moffat depends on your event format, location and duration. For an accurate quote tailored to your needs, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.