Nicola Winter

Nicola Winter is a pioneering figure in both aviation and aerospace, renowned for breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible for women in high-pressure, male-dominated environments. As Germany’s second female fighter pilot and one of only three women to fly the Eurofighter, she has carved out a formidable reputation in military aviation. Beginning her career as a Tornado pilot and flight instructor for the German Armed Forces in 2004, Nicola rose to the rank of Major, training student pilots in survival skills, crisis management, and leadership under extreme conditions—skills that remain central to her work today.

In 2017, Nicola’s ambition took her from the skies to the stars when she was selected as a finalist in “Die Astronautin”, a private initiative aimed at sending the first German woman into space. Chosen from over 400 applicants, she stood out not only for her technical prowess but for her visionary mindset. That same year, she was named “Visionary of the Year” by Boston Consulting Group and Handelsblatt, recognised for her determination to break physical, technical, and societal barriers. Though the mission did not materialise due to funding, Nicola remains undeterred and now serves as a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve, edging ever closer to her dream of spaceflight.

Transitioning into civilian roles, Nicola held a position as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co., and now works as Project Manager for Responsive Space at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), while also lecturing in emergency and crisis management at the Carl Remigius Medical School. Her 2022 TEDx talk, “Military Leadership & Parenting”, exemplifies her unique blend of high-performance expertise and empathetic leadership philosophy. With a calm, humorous delivery and a wealth of real-world examples, Nicola brings critical insight into how to manage stress, lead under pressure, and thrive amid uncertainty.

An increasingly in-demand keynote speaker and panellist, Nicola Winter inspires audiences across sectors with her reflections on aviation, modern leadership, and resilience. She is currently training for her commercial helicopter pilot’s licence and has appeared at major events such as the Munich New Space Summit. Whether in cockpit, classroom, or conference hall, Nicola continues to push boundaries—on Earth and beyond.