Mandy Hickson

Former RAF Fighter Pilot | Keynote Speaker | Leadership Expert | Bestselling Author, Independent

Leadership and Management | High Performance, Risk Management, Emotional Intelligence

Mandy Hickson

Biography

Mandy Hickson is a former Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot, bestselling author, and internationally acclaimed keynote speaker. As one of the first women to fly the Tornado GR4 on frontline operations, she completed 45 combat missions over Iraq and built a distinguished military career spanning more than two decades. Today, Mandy translates lessons from the cockpit into powerful insights on leadership, decision-making, resilience, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Known for her engaging storytelling and practical approach, she helps organisations navigate uncertainty, build high-performing teams, and foster trust in challenging environments. Her bestselling book, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, chronicles her pioneering journey in one of the world’s most demanding professions.