The Second Female To Fly A Fighter Jet Tornado GR4, Commander of an All-Male Squadron & Founder of Inspiring Women for Work
Mandy Hickson’s Biography:
Mandy Hickson is renowned for breaking barriers as the second female pilot to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line, and for commanding an all-male squadron in high-pressure operations. Her frontline experience and clear communication under scrutiny have positioned her as a compelling keynote speaker on leadership, decision-making and human performance. As Founder of Inspiring Women for Work and an Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport, she champions gender inclusion, workplace resilience and confident risk-taking in complex environments.
Mandy’s aviation journey began early. Awarded an RAF flying scholarship aged 17, she set her sights firmly on becoming a pilot. Despite failing the RAF’s flying aptitude test twice, her instructors identified exceptional potential and placed her into a pioneering test-case training programme. She returned as a Volunteer Reserve pilot on an Air Experience Flight, subsequently earning her place in fast-jet training and progressing into operational service. Her frontline mastery of the Tornado GR4 would become central to her professional identity.
Her distinguished RAF career included 45 combat missions over Iraq and three duty tours. Mandy also served as Combat Survival and Rescue Officer, directing a major cross-continental initiative during intense military activity. Her transition into civilian leadership development saw her appointed as a Faculty Lecturer on the LBC2 Programme. Mandy is a bestselling author, with her memoir, ‘An Officer, Not a Gentleman’, receiving significant acclaim.
Beyond aviation, Mandy continues to test boundaries. She trekked to Everest Base Camp in 2023 and has been honoured multiple times, including winning the Champion of Women Award at the Business Veterans Awards in 2025. She remains dedicated to empowering organisations and future leaders to thrive under pressure.
Why Hire Mandy Hickson?
Mandy delivers high-impact presentations for international audiences, translating operational excellence into practical actions for organisations. Recognised alongside Dr Jo Salter as one of the first women to break into the elite fast-jet community, she brings a rare and credible perspective on leadership in extreme environments. She is frequently selected for major leadership summits, board development events and women’s advancement conferences. Her speaking engagements generate strong audience engagement due to her clarity, pragmatism and ability to challenge perspectives without losing approachability. Her reputation for energising teams and strengthening collaborative performance makes her a compelling choice for organisations seeking tangible behavioural change and a more resilient culture.
Mandy Hickson’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Mandy Hickson’s influential career in the RAF and as an inspiring keynote speaker:
- 2025 – Won Champion of Women Award at the Business Veterans Awards
- 2024 – Inducted into Best International Women’s Day Speakers to Hire
- 2023 – Completed a trek to Everest Base Camp
- 2022 – Appointed Faculty Lecturer on the LBC2 Programme
- 2022 – Finalist for Inspiration of the Year at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards
- 2020 – Published bestselling memoir ‘An Officer, Not a Gentleman’
- 2000s – Squadron Combat Survival and Rescue Officer directing a cross-continent initiative
- 2000s – Flew 45 combat missions over Iraq and completed three duty tours
- 1998 – Became the second female pilot to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line
- 1990s – Selected as a test-case trainee after early aptitude-test setbacks
- 1990 – Awarded RAF Flying Scholarship at age 17
Videos
Mandy Hickson’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“I just wanted to say thank you once again for a fabulous talk at our execs conference. They were buzzing afterwards, just as the partners were, and it really made the day. Funny, human and relevant with an appropriate dose of self-deprecation. You went down a storm! Thank you.” – Jonathan, Managing Partner, Russell-Cooke International Law Firm
“Much like the fighter jets you flew, the noise (feedback) about your presentation can still be heard. The feedback has been fantastic with many saying “Mandy was the most inspirational speaker I have ever heard”. You are extraordinarily talented, hugely determined and beautifully funny with a great ability to connect with people – for such a high flier you are very grounded! Thank you for sharing, it was a great pleasure.” – Peter, Managing Director, Old Mutual International
“She was amazing, thank you! The perfect end to our conference. Everyone was really inspired and had a lot to say after her presentation. Thank you for your help in arranging” – Jennifer, Personal Assistant, Group Legal – Corporate, Commercial & Compliance, Vodafone
Speaking Topics
Mandy Hickson’s Official Keynote Topics:
- The Building & Empowerment of Effective Teams
- Inspired Goal Setting & Ultimate Focus
- Decision-Making Under Extreme Pressure
- Maintaining Momentum Despite Losing Top Talent
- Nurturing a Culture of Self-Confidence & Aspiration
- Maintaining Essential Work/Life Balance in a Demanding Environment
- Overcoming Innate Risk Avoidance Tendencies
- A Wavering of Confidence & Self-Belief
- Amazingly Still Having to Break Through the Glass Ceiling
How Much Does Mandy Hickson Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Mandy Hickson?
The cost of hiring Mandy Hickson depends on your event needs, including format, location and length of appearance. For an accurate quote, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.