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Keynote SpeakerEmma Henderson MBE

Multi-award-winning Professional Speaker, Author, Airline Captain, Founder and CEO of Project Wingman Foundation Ltd.

How would it feel if you could transform your organisation’s leadership culture, navigate change with confidence, and build high-performing teams that thrive under pressure? Emma Henderson MBE, a trailblazing aviation leader and inspirational speaker, offers powerful insights to solve these critical challenges through her expertise in Grounded Leadership. As one... Read more

Watch Emma Henderson MBE in action

Popular Talks by Emma Henderson MBE

  • Bomb-proof Resilience: You Have Control - So Take It!

    In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, leaders often find themselves navigating through turbulent skies of uncertainty. The ability to make confident decisions and maintain control, even when faced with incomplete information or unexpected challenges, is as crucial in the boardroom as it is in the flight deck. Just as a…
  • Doing Less, Well: The Art of Effective Delegation

    The pressure to “do it all” and be “all things to all people” can be overwhelming. However, true leadership excellence often lies not in trying to accomplish everything yourself, but in focusing on what truly matters and empowering others through effective delegation. Just as a captain must trust their flight…
  • From Airbus to Carebus: My Journey Through Aviation and Beyond

    Career paths are rarely linear, and personal dreams often take unexpected turns. The ability to adapt, persevere, and find purpose in the face of challenges is crucial for both professional success and personal fulfilment. Just as an aircraft must navigate through changing weather patterns and unexpected turbulence, individuals must be…
  • How Big Is Your Bucket?: Understanding Leadership Capacity

    Leadership isn’t just about making decisions and guiding teams; it’s about maintaining and managing your energy—both to carry out your own tasks and to inspire and empower others. In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders often find themselves depleted, struggling to balance their own responsibilities while providing the guidance and support…
  • Brave and Inspirational Leadership

    In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, the ability to inspire and lead with courage is more crucial than ever. True leadership isn’t just about making decisions or setting goals—it’s about inspiring others to believe in a vision and follow you on the journey to achieve it. Just as…
  • Overcoming Adversity: Reframing Challenges as Opportunities

    Facing adversity is not a matter of if, but when. The ability to reframe challenges as opportunities and maintain a growth mindset is as crucial in the boardroom as it is in the flight deck. Just as a pilot must navigate through unexpected turbulence or technical issues, modern leaders and…
  • Performing Under Pressure - Leading with Composure at 30,000 Feet

    Leadership isn’t just about guiding teams on a clear day; it’s about maintaining composure and direction when turbulence hits. In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders face constant pressure to perform, make critical decisions, and inspire their teams—often while navigating through unforeseen challenges. The ability to project calm confidence and maintain…
  • Teamwork - Making the Dream Work

    In today’s complex business environment, success is rarely achieved by individuals working in isolation. Just as a commercial airliner requires a well-coordinated crew to navigate safely through the skies, modern organisations need cohesive teams to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. The ability to foster effective teamwork and create high-performance crews…
  • Split-Second Decisions: Mastering the Art of Rapid Decision-Making

    The ability to make sound decisions quickly is often the difference between success and failure. Just as a pilot must make split-second choices that can affect the safety of hundreds of passengers, modern leaders must be prepared to make rapid decisions that can impact the future of their entire organisation.…
  • Understanding the Bigger Picture: Balancing Work and Wellbeing

    In today’s high-pressure business environment, the pursuit of success often comes at the cost of personal wellbeing. However, true leadership excellence requires a holistic approach that balances professional achievements with personal health and fulfilment. Just as a captain must consider not only the destination but also the wellbeing of the…

Biography

How would it feel if you could transform your organisation’s leadership culture, navigate change with confidence, and build high-performing teams that thrive under pressure? Emma Henderson MBE, a trailblazing aviation leader and inspirational speaker, offers powerful insights to solve these critical challenges through her expertise in Grounded Leadership.

As one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide, Emma brings over three decades of aviation experience to the speaking stage. Her unique journey from commanding aircraft at 37,000 feet to founding the acclaimed Project Wingman during a global crisis equips her with unparalleled insights into leadership, resilience, and innovation.

Grounded Leadership: The Key to Success in 2025 and Beyond. Emma’s Grounded Leadership approach, rooted in humanity, humility, and humour, provides a powerful framework for leaders navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape.

Emma Henderson doesn’t just share stories; she equips audiences with practical tools they can implement immediately. Drawing from her personal experiences of overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, Emma offers valuable lessons that resonate across industries and hierarchies.

Emma’s dynamic speaking engagements blend gripping stories from the flight deck with cutting-edge leadership insights, delivering an unforgettable learning experience. Her “captain’s mindset” approach demonstrates how aviation-inspired strategies can be applied to any field, enabling leaders and teams to make swift decisions, adapt to rapid changes, and achieve the seemingly impossible.

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What clients say about Emma Henderson MBE

"Emma's story perfectly reflects the genuine and inspirational person that she is. Told in a refreshingly transparent and humorous way, from take off to landing she captivated our global audience with a warmth and drive that clearly resonated with all. A special person who makes a big difference." Darren Porter FRAeS, Managing Director - Global Aviation & Space, WTW
"I cannot recommend Emma enough for your speaking events. She has worked with me twice now and I have been massively impressed by her professionalism, calmness, clarity of thought, humility and gentle humour. She consistently goes well above and beyond the brief and the members of my audience love her to bits. If you are thinking of someone to delight your audience, you must speak to Emma Henderson." Paul Tizzard, LoveFly
"Emma shared her experience and insights with us in an engaging and compelling manner. Thoughtful, yet also inspirational, she made a profound impact on all those she engaged with during her time with us at the University. I ca
nnot recommend her highly enough." Sir David Bell KCB DL, Sunderland VC & CE
"Emma is an incredibly talented leader and her natural storytelling ability is absolutely inspiring - mesmerising audiences she engages with. I could listen to Emma speak all day long. A wonderful talent." Dr Noel Dennis, Associate Dean, TUBS
"Emma's incredible story provided a unique perspective into change-readiness and the importance of self-belief when dealing with adversity... hers is a challenging and inspirational message that anything is possible if you practice gratitude and care in all things, make time for yourself, and always look to learn. A true leader in all she does." Josh Winfield, Regional Enterprise Manager, NatWest Group
"Hearing her remarkable story, delegates were delighted by Emma's authentic, passionate and humorous perspective of her career. Those attending learnt about humility in leadership, resilience in the face of challenges and altruism borne out of necessity. Emma clearly demonstrates how people can take their passions and dreams to the next level." Tea Coliani, WiHTL
"Emma spoke to our Y13s at the start of the academic year and her message was spot on! At a time in their lives when the need to be resilient and to persevere is so crucial, her inspiring and moving life lessons truly struck a chord and left our students feeling motivated to face the challenges of their final year of school." Mel James, Gordonstoun
"Thank you for sharing your very inspiring story with us. I appreciated the level of self-disclosure you gave in highlighting the challenges you have faced in your personal & your professional life and your honesty in how you faced them. I loved the message that it is ok to fail and how this develops your perspective as a leader and keeps you grounded." Arlene McCrorie, Local Director, RBS
"Your talk was engaging, encouraging, witty, and we were all delighted to leave with so much enthusiasm." Regina Rodriguez, St Albans Chamber of Commerce

How to book Emma Henderson MBE as a keynote speaker

How do I book Emma Henderson MBE for a keynote speech?

You can book Emma Henderson MBE through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Emma's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Emma Henderson MBE's speaking fees?

Emma Henderson MBE's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Emma tailored to your event.

What topics does Emma Henderson MBE speak about?

Emma Henderson MBE speaks on Authors, Business & Management, Change, Communication, Emotional Intelligence. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Emma to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Emma Henderson MBE available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Emma Henderson MBE for events worldwide, subject to Emma's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Emma Henderson MBE deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Emma Henderson MBE is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Emma Henderson MBE?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Emma can accommodate.

Can Emma Henderson MBE tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Emma Henderson MBE on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Emma can offer.

What languages does Emma Henderson MBE present in?

Emma Henderson MBE delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Emma Henderson MBE a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Emma Henderson MBE's areas of expertise include Authors, Business & Management, Change, Communication, Emotional Intelligence. To get a clear sense of Emma's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Emma Henderson MBE speak at?

Emma Henderson MBE can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Authors, Business & Management, Change, Communication, Emotional Intelligence is relevant. Details of Emma's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Emma Henderson MBE offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Emma Henderson MBE is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Emma Henderson MBE?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Emma Henderson MBE, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Emma's current availability for your dates.