Helen  Seymour Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerHelen Seymour

First Female Typhoon Pilot, Keynote Speaker, Helping Leaders Thrive Under Pressure, From Cockpit to Boardroom

As the world’s first female Eurofighter Typhoon pilot, Helen is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She carved her path through one of the most demanding and predominantly male environments in the world, serving as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force for over 20 years. Beginning... Read more

Biography

As the world’s first female Eurofighter Typhoon pilot, Helen is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She carved her path through one of the most demanding and predominantly male environments in the world, serving as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force for over 20 years.

Beginning her career on the frontline Tornado F3 before transferring to the Typhoon in 2009 she has delivered air defence on Quick Reaction Alert for the UK, the Falkland Islands, and NATO in the Baltic states. She deployed on operations during the liberation of Libya and served as Mission Commander on major multinational exercises across the globe. Her operational experience spans hightempo missions, complex air operations, and the kind of decisionmaking that only comes from years at the sharpest end of aviation.

Raised by strong female role models, Helen grew up with deep selfbelief and a determination to succeed. That resolve was tested early when she failed the RAF’s aptitude tests on her first attempt, a crushing moment that could have ended her dream. Instead, she dusted herself off, passed on her second attempt, and pushed forward despite being repeatedly told that flying fast jets was “a man’s job.” Her quiet resilience and exceptional skill proved otherwise.

Whilst serving, Helen became a Typhoon Simulator Instructor, a Qualified Flying Instructor and she later held the pivotal Standards and Evaluation role, responsible for maintaining flying standards across the entire Typhoon Force.

Her last post was as an Evaluator Pilot on the Typhoon Test Squadron, leading the safe and effective introduction of new equipment and capability to the front line. Her work included missile firings, weapons trials, and some of the most complex radar, avionics, and test profiles in the programme. She was also the lead pilot for the Typhoon’s defensive aids system.

From a young girl with a dream to a historymaking fighter pilot, Helen’s story is one of resilience, precision, and breaking barriers and she uses it to inspire others to focus, trust, and thrive under pressure. Today, Helen brings the clarity, discipline, and operational insight of a fastjet cockpit to boardrooms and conference halls alike.

Helen Seymour and Rosie Steevenson (one of the world’s first all-female fighter jet teams) often conduct joint sessions together. Their dual perspective, pilot and navigator, delivers powerful, real-world insights into leadership, resilience and high performance from one of the most elite environments in the world.

“Wow – as organisers, pitching the keynote talk at any major event is no small undertaking, and Helen and Rosie did not disappoint! An incredible and fascinating insight into their world and their experience of “performing under pressure” translated powerfully into the challenges we face in our own business world. It was truly inspiring to hear from two outstanding female speakers whose experiences and perspectives will resonate deeply with all in our business who aspire to succeed and be leaders of the future. They were a pleasure to work with and I’m delighted we will be working on more activity together in the future.” Chief Marketing Officer, Bishop Fleming LLP
“I had the amazing opportunity to hear from Rosie and Helen and the incredible journey they have been on. As part of my role at BFY, I help leaders unlock their potential in a corporate environment, we identified the transferable skills and experience these guys have. What resonated most with the 300 people they spoke to (across multiple talks) was the relatability. Their resilience in the face of adversity, their relentless pursuit of excellence and their ability to train hard and fight easy. This has real and tangible transferable skills into the modern corporate world. I would highly recommend Rosie and Helen to help your organisation unlock the potential in your leaders, and see a unique perspective, that is highly engaging, interactive, and authentic.” Senior Manager BFY Group
“We booked On A Mission because Helen’s inspirational story translated perfectly to where our graduates were in their journey. It met them with meaning, lifted their confidence, and sent them into their next chapter fully energised and inspired. The mission was completed.” Talent Development Executive, BAT
“Rosie delivered an outstanding Amy Johnson Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society. This prestigious annual event celebrates the women shaping the future of aviation, as Amy did, providing a platform to share their experiences and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. Rosie truly embodied the spirit of Amy Johnson, sharing the mentors and inspiration that guided her journey to becoming one of the few female RAF fast jet aircrew. She also spoke candidly about overcoming systemic biases to excel in her role and transition into a career as a human performance expert. A thought-provoking and inspiring keynote speaker, Rosie’s story resonates with a wide range of audiences. Highly recommended!” Chair of the RAeS Women in Aviation, Aerospace and Space Committee
“We engaged Helen and Rosie as our keynote speakers for our law firm’s annual ‘All Firm Meeting’. It can be a challenge finding a speaker that appeals to a relatively diverse audience, but Helen and Rosie absolutely nailed it. They are inspirational, relatable, funny and also clearly incredibly brave – we only wished we had more time with them!” Marketing Director, Lodders Solicitors LLP

Popular Talks by Helen Seymour

  • Communication is Key

    Effective communication underpins operational success; from understanding what communication truly is to recognising how perception, expectation and hearing biases can distort reality. Using fast jet practices, participants learn the power of structured briefing and debriefing, practical tools to strengthen team learning, and a NASA developed method for escalating concerns when…
  • Flightpath Thinking: Navigating Workload & Awareness

    Sharing mental models reduces errors and rework. Individuals and teams build stronger situational awareness by understanding workload, multitasking limits and the human factors that shape perception and decision making. Participants examine how illusions, memory limitations and cognitive biases can distort reality, and learn practical tools to manage workload and optimise…
  • The Fatigue Horizon: Spotting Stress before the Stall

    Improving reliability, safety and wellbeing are key to operational success. This workshop explores how individuals and teams can recognise, manage and mitigate stress to protect wellbeing and improve performance. Participants learn how to harness stress positively, understand the risks of fatigue, and address the impact of incivility on morale and…
  • Altitude Shift: Rising Above self-doubt

    This interactive workshop helps participants understand the difference between Imposter Syndrome and low confidence, while identifying personal triggers, unhelpful thought patterns, and high-pressure situations. Attendees learn practical strategies to challenge negative self-perception, strengthen day-to-day confidence and self-belief, and cultivate a supportive mindset and community. Ideal for professionals seeking to thrive…
  • The Human Cockpit: Seeing the Bigger System

    This workshop introduces the core principles of human factors and system safety, helping participants understand the limits of human performance and how to manage them more effectively. Through a practical systems engineering tool, attendees explore how to optimise both work performance and personal wellbeing by designing safer, smarter and more…
  • Consistency in the Cockpit: SOPs for Better Outcomes

    This workshop explores how checklists and SOPs enhance safety and decision making in high risk, high stakes environments. Participants learn how to design, optimise and maintain effective checklists that streamline processes, reduce error and free up capacity for complex tasks. Through real case studies, including examples from the cockpit, the…
  • Mission Ready: Turning Tasks into Tactics

    This workshop gives teams a hands-on opportunity to put into practise a decision-making tool through a scenario-based exercise. It consolidates key principles from previous sessions, allowing participants to deliver both a brief and a debrief in a realistic, supportive environment. Facilitators provide targeted feedback throughout to maximise learning and strengthen…
  • Performing Under Pressure

    In this high-impact keynote, Helen and Rosie draw on their careers as RAF fast jet aircrew to reveal what it really takes to perform under pressure. They share how trust is built and sustained in environments where teamwork is non-negotiable, and introduce the principle of train hard, fight easy, the…

How to book Helen Seymour as a keynote speaker

How do I book Helen Seymour for a keynote speech?

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

What are Helen Seymour's speaking fees?

Helen Seymour'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 Helen tailored to your event.

What topics does Helen Seymour speak about?

Helen Seymour speaks on Communication, Inspirational Women, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Helen to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Helen Seymour available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Helen Seymour for events worldwide, subject to Helen '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 Helen Seymour 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 Helen Seymour 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 Helen Seymour?

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 Helen can accommodate.

Can Helen Seymour tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Helen Seymour 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 Helen can offer.

What languages does Helen Seymour present in?

Helen Seymour delivers keynotes in English. 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 Helen Seymour a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Helen Seymour's areas of expertise include Communication, Inspirational Women, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation. To get a clear sense of Helen '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 Helen Seymour speak at?

Helen Seymour can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Communication, Inspirational Women, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, Motivation is relevant. Details of Helen '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 Helen Seymour 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 Helen Seymour is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Helen Seymour?

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