Emma Henderson
Emma Henderson MBE – Former Airline Captain and Inspirational speaker
Emma Henderson MBE is redefining the boundaries of leadership and resilience for modern organisations. With over 30 years in aviation – as one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide – Emma brings lessons from both sky and ground.
Her “captain’s mindset” infuses every keynote, workshop and boardroom with actionable wisdom, blending real-world crisis leadership with human-centric management. She pioneered Project Wingman at the height of a global crisis, exemplifying her philosophy: lead with purpose, adapt with courage, and enable others to thrive against the odds.
Emma’s bestselling book, “GROUNDED,” and her media presence, including a feature on ITV’s “Inside the Cockpit,” have made her a guiding voice on topics ranging from high-performance teamwork to resilience in adversity.
Her collaborations with major brands such as BNP Paribas, Marriott Hotels and NATO have delivered lasting transformation and practical strategies to inspire change.
Emma is also the creator and lead instructor of the Whole Pilot® programme for future airline leaders
In 2025, Emma was recognised as Bookers Choice at The Speaker Awards and named one of HR Magazine’s Most Influential Thinkers, reflecting her growing impact on leaders across industries—from finance and healthcare to engineering and elite sport.
Her influence is set to reach new heights with a TEDx appearance scheduled for September 2025, exploring aviations structured models for crisis decision making and promising more of the remarkable insight she is known for. .
EMMA HENDERSON SPEAKING TOPICS
Emma’s unique ability to combine structured insight with humanity sets her apart. She doesn’t just inspire—she equips. Her talks are packed with practical tools, models, and mindset shifts that audiences can implement immediately. She delivers clarity in complexity, calm in chaos, and confidence where it’s needed most.
Aviation-Inspired Leadership: Real-time, grounded advice for leaders seeking stability in uncertainty, and navigating through turbulence.
Decision-Making Under Pressure: Proven frameworks for clear thinking and swift action when it matters most.
Building Resilient Teams: Tools to instil grit, loyalty, and adaptability in any sector.
Personal Growth & Curiosity: Humorous and relatable storytelling – including overcoming setbacks and preparation for new challenges like Kilimanjaro (coming February 2026)
High-Energy, Authentic Experience: Each appearance fuses powerful stories and up-to-date thinking with warmth and optimism, sparking curiosity and empowering audiences to act.
In a world of performative leadership, Emma brings real-world gravitas. She understands risk. She understands people. And she knows how to lead when it counts.
Currently training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Emma continues to challenge her limits—just as she encourages leaders to do. Her journey is one of command, reinvention, and deep commitment to service. The result? Every time she steps on stage, she leaves a room not just inspired—but changed.
"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, Local Director, RBS
"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, 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."
— LoveFly
