Mandy Hickson

Mandy Hickson, a pioneering female pilot turned motivational speaker and business navigating consultant, has carved out an extraordinary career, making her an inspirational figure in the realms of leadership and female empowerment. As only the second female to fly a Tornado GR4 on the front line, Mandy’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Her groundbreaking role in the Royal Air Force (RAF) saw her undertake 45 missions over Iraq and three duty tours, often as the sole female aircrew member, highlighting her bravery and powerful attitude in a male-dominated field.

Mandy’s journey to becoming a pilot was far from straightforward. After displaying early promise and earning an RAF scholarship at 17, she faced significant setbacks, failing her RAF flying aptitude test twice. These early failures, however, did not deter her. Demonstrating remarkable perseverance, she was eventually selected as a test case by the RAF, a pivotal moment that set her on the path to success. Her story is one of overcoming obstacles, achieving ambitions, and breaking barriers, which she now shares with audiences as a keynote speaker.

Her frontline experiences have endowed Mandy with an unparalleled understanding of risk management, leadership, and human factors. These skills, combined with her fast-paced and engaging storytelling, make her talks truly remarkable. As a motivational speaker, she offers transformative insights into teamwork, crisis management, and human error, translating these lessons seamlessly into the corporate world. Her dynamic speeches are designed to resonate with a wide range of audiences, providing valuable workplace tools and strategies.

Since transitioning to civilian life, Mandy has continued to serve as an inspirational role model, particularly through her volunteer work with the Air Experience Flight with Air Cadets. Her recent trek to the Everest Base Camp in 2023 further exemplifies her persistence and determination. Additionally, her book ‘An Officer, Not a Gentleman’ chronicles her journey and the mental and physical skills required to thrive as a pilot and mother. Mandy’s remarkable career has earned her accolades, including being shortlisted as a finalist in the Inspiration of the Year category at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards. Through her involvement in female groups such as Inspiring Women for Work, she continues to empower and inspire, offering tangible value to her audiences and solidifying her status as a leading figure in female empowerment and leadership.