Mandy Hickson
Video
Mandy Hickson - Speaker on Decision Making, Goal Setting, Effective Teams & Nurturing a Culture of Aspiration & Self-Confidence
Speaking Topics
Effective teams
Inspired goal setting and ultimate focus
Decision making under extreme pressure
Nurturing a culture of self-confidence and aspiration.
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 multimillion 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 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, she 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.
Managing Director, Old Mutual International
“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 great pleasure. “
Partner Dechert LLP, International Law Firm
“Mandy is a fantastic public speaker. She is both inspirational and extremely well prepared. Her ability to relate her own experience working under extreme pressure and in highly performing teams to everyday situations is most impressive. She tops it all with a wonderful sense of humour and great modesty. Listening to her talking about the many challenges that she has successfully overcome should be compulsory for all girls! “
Managing Partner, Russell-Cooke International Law Firm
“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.”
Get in touch
hello@papillonspeakers.com
+44(0) 7814 934 740