Mandy Hickson: Former RAF Pilot
- Highlights:
- Travels from: Winchester, UK
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Motivation
For Women’s Groups
Hickson is focused on providing women with support and inspiration in the form of Mandy’s remarkable story. It is a story which started with dreaming about being a fast jet pilot at the age of 13 and culminated in her leading an entirely male dominated Front Line Tornado Squadron on operations.
Without a doubt most women face some really tough challenges in their working lives:
- Maintaining that essential work/life balance in a demanding environment
- Overcoming innate risk avoidance tendencies
- A wavering of confidence and self-belief
- Amazingly, still having to break through the glass ceiling
Hickson is focused on providing women with support and inspiration in the form of Mandy’s remarkable story. It is a story which started with dreaming about being a fast jet pilot at the age of 13 and culminated in her leading an entirely male dominated Front Line Tornado Squadron on operations.
Of course, this was not a straightforward journey; it contained apparently insurmountable setbacks and immense pressures in a hugely demanding environment.
Mandy shares the strategies and approach she used to get there – and delivers them with high energy and humour that will engage.
Read Full Bio
Mandy Hickson is a former Royal Air Force pilot and Human Factors facilitator. She was the only female pilot on her Front Line Tornado Squadron, flying multi million pound fast jets. Mandy has been the keynote speaker at hundreds of events and is an inspiration to women across the UK.
Mandy has also operated in hostile environments, including patrolling the ‘No Fly’ zone over Iraq. Carrying the latest weaponry, along with her unit, she was ready to drop ordnance on any target in support of operations.
After a turbulent route to the top, Mandy was awarded a RAF flying scholarship at the age of 17, long before she even passed her driving test. However, despite her achievements, she failed the computer based tests required by the RAF. Undeterred, driven by determination and passion, Mandy persuaded the RAF to take her on as a test case, thereby overcoming seemingly undefeatable hurdles.
In her speeches, Mandy Hickson relays her experiences of working with an elite team of fast jet operators with command and clarity, outlining the many ways in which the same values can be applied within any environment. Notably, she demonstrates the importance of remaining calm under pressure and leading from the front, to get the best from herself and her team.
A trained Human Resources Facilitator, Mandy is an expert on interactions among humans. This affords her a detailed understanding of the role of human beings in complex systems. As a result, she applies this expertise, as well as personal experiences of calculating risk and making decisions under pressure, to businesses. Recently, Mandy Hickson founded Inspiring Women for Work, which involves tailor made events designed to help women realise their full potential and regain confidence to return to work.
Mandy Hickson is a highly demanded keynote speaker across a range of business sectors, where she talks with humour and great passion to inspire those around her. She has been invited to share her insights with some of the most successful organisations across the world where she describes the strategies & behaviours that can adopted when the stakes are at their highest.
She has a wealth of experience to share from working in a male dominated environment, from battling imposter syndrome to juggling life as a working mother of two young children.
As a coach, mentor and facilitator Mandy Hickson inspires others, covering the core areas of human performance factors; decision making, communication, leadership, behaviour, workload, conflict, fatigue and stress management.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Mandy Hickson | Former RAF Pilot
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
Overview of User Reviews:
Mandy's presentations have garnered high praise from various professionals, highlighting her ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences. Reviewers consistently commend her dynamic speaking style, which combines humor, personal anecdotes, and relevant themes that resonate with listeners. Many noted her passion and enthusiasm, which not only entertained but also evoked deep reflection among attendees.
Strengths:
- Highly engaging and relatable speaking style
- Ability to connect personal experiences to broader themes
- Inspires and empowers audiences, particularly in leadership and team dynamics
- Tailors content to resonate with specific values and experiences of the audience
Weaknesses:
- No significant weaknesses mentioned in the reviews.
Overall, Mandy's talks are described as impactful and motivational, making her a highly recommended speaker for conferences and events.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (8)
Natalia Bilbao is a renowned event host and emcee with over a decade of experience captivating audiences across diverse industries. Known for her energy, charisma, and bilingual proficiency in both English and Spanish, Natalie has established herself as a top choice for high-profile corporate, entertainment, and cultural events. Her ability to seamlessly engage with international […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Event Emcee
- (27)
A 6-time award-winning keynote speaker Meredith Breitstein tours the world encouraging leaders to step into their destiny, walk through fear, and SHINE by finding their courage. She specializes in helping teams, and her audiences speak up, stand out, and command a room with their presence. After coaching thousands of leaders she has learned there are 5 steps all […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (18)
Maggie Nichols joined the Eureka! Ranch in 1999 after graduating from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. After reading an article about the Ranch during an Entrepreneurship class, she decided that the Eureka! Ranch was the place where she was going to work. Months and dozens of pestering visits later, Founder, Doug Hall, finally acquiesced […]
- Travels from: Cincinnati, OH
- Innovation Speakers
- (9)
- Featured
Robert Hannigan was Director of GCHQ, the UK’s largest technical and cybersecurity agency. Robert established the UK National Cyber Security Centre in 2016 and was responsible for the UK’s first cyber strategy in 2009. He was previously the Prime Minister’s Security Adviser at No10 and worked closely with Tony Blair for a decade on the […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Cybersecurity Speakers
- (16)
Dr. Dennis Cummins is an internationally-acclaimed speaker, trainer, and #1 Best Selling Author of Turning Terrible into Terrific. He has been sharing his real-world strategies for business mastery and leadership communication from the stage for more than a decade. His quick-witted, straight-talking, no-nonsense style offers an entertaining dose of reality with heart. Despite his successes […]
- Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
- Sales Speakers
- (54)
DJ Stormy Monroe is a powerhouse on the turntables, known for her unmatched ability to captivate and energize any crowd. From commanding the SiriusXM stage at Essence Fest to being a mainstay in Atlanta’s underground EDM rave scene, Stormy’s versatility and electrifying performances make her one of the most dynamic mobile DJs in the business. […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Mobile DJ
- (16)
Karen McCullough is a nationally known keynote speaker and expert on change, generational opportunities and workforce trends. Karen helps organizations cut through the generational biases and get back to reality by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on workplace trends, employee […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Generational Speakers
- (22)
At 19, Jeremy Poincenot was just like any other sophomore at San Diego State University—enjoying life with friends, sports, and fraternity activities, all underpinned by his perfect 20/20 vision. However, life took an unexpected turn when Jeremy started losing his sight without any prior warning. Diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.