Emma Henderson MBE

Pioneering female airline captain & leadership expert who inspires audiences with her remarkable journey & insights

Inspirational International Women’s Day speaker, Emma Henderson MBE is a trailblazing former airline captain, award-winning leader, and captivating keynote speaker with a story of resilience, adaptability, and leadership.

With over 30 years of aviation experience, Emma broke barriers in a male-dominated industry to become one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide.

Her journey from the flight deck to the global stage makes her an inspiring choice for International Women’s Day (IWD) events.

Emma’s keynotes combine real-life experiences with actionable insights on leadership, decision-making, and resilience.

Audiences are drawn to her authenticity as she challenges them to rise above self-doubt, embrace their strengths, and lead with confidence. Emma’s message resonates with individuals at all levels, especially those navigating male-dominated industries.

At the heart of Emma’s talks is her Grounded Leadership framework, built on the principles of Humanity, Humility, and Humour.

She believes effective leaders prioritise people, lead with integrity, and create meaningful, connected environments.

Her approach reframes leadership as a relationship built on trust, ownership, and empathy rather than authority.

What Audiences Can Expect:
Emma’s talks are motivational and practical, helping audiences develop skills to navigate challenges with resilience and clarity. Her aviation stories illustrate how to lead under pressure, foster team cohesion, and thrive in uncertainty.

Key topics Emma covers:
• Leadership and Decision-Making: How to lead with clarity and composure in high-pressure situations.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Strategies for embracing setbacks and using change as an opportunity for growth.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Creating environments where diverse teams feel valued and empowered.
• Storytelling for Leadership: Using personal stories to inspire, connect, and foster openness.

A Unique Voice for International Women’s Day:
Emma understands the challenges of forging a path in male-dominated spaces. Her talks provide practical guidance on overcoming imposter syndrome, building self-confidence, and opening doors for others. She also celebrates pioneering women, like Amelia Earhart, to inspire modern leaders and illustrate how far women have come—and where they can go next.

Leadership in Crisis and Change:
A defining achievement of Emma’s is founding Project Wingman Foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed unused airport lounges into wellbeing spaces for frontline NHS staff. Her initiative, which supported thousands of healthcare workers, highlights the power of resourcefulness, collaboration, and compassion in leadership. Emma’s ability to lead through uncertainty demonstrates her belief that leadership is not about control but about adaptability and service.

Emma’s resilience shines through her personal challenges. When a rare illness ended her flying career, she embraced a new path as a speaker, author, and advocate. Her book Grounded captures her journey of reinvention and shows how setbacks can lead to growth and purpose.

Why Book Emma Henderson MBE for Your IWD Event?
Emma’s engaging style, warmth, and humour make her a standout speaker who captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact. She balances inspiration with practical insights, ensuring attendees leave equipped with tools to make meaningful changes in their personal and professional lives.

Emma is available for in-person and virtual events worldwide and will tailor her presentation to align with your International Women’s Day goals.

For a speaker who will challenge, motivate, and inspire your audience, Emma Henderson MBE is the perfect choice.

Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience, authenticity, and courage are the foundations of true leadership—and the sky is never the limit.

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