Non-binding request for Emma Henderson MBE
Emma Henderson MBE
Emma Henderson MBE helps leaders make confident decisions under pressure using proven aviation frameworks.
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Why you should book Emma Henderson for your next event
- Learn how to make clear, confident decisions when information is incomplete and the stakes are high.
- Discover aviation-tested frameworks that strengthen teamwork, communication, and performance under pressure.
- Gain practical tools to lead through uncertainty and build resilient, high-performing teams.
Non-binding request for Emma Henderson MBE
Former airline captain guiding leaders through uncertainty and high-stakes decisions
Emma Henderson MBE brings over three decades of real-world experience from the flight deck into the world of leadership. As a former airline captain, she understands what it takes to make critical decisions when time is limited and the answers are unclear. Today, she works with organisations across industries to strengthen leadership, improve decision-making, and build teams that perform under pressure. Her keynotes are grounded in lived experience, offering practical frameworks that leaders can apply immediately in complex and demanding environments.
Emma Henderson – Leadership in Action
Emma Henderson MBE is a keynote speaker who translates high-stakes aviation experience into practical leadership strategies for organisations facing complexity and uncertainty. With more than 30 years in aviation, including her role as an airline captain, she has operated in environments where decisions must be made quickly, often with incomplete information, and where the consequences truly matter.
Her approach to leadership is rooted in action, responsibility, and clarity. She brings a perspective shaped by real-world pressure, where teamwork, communication, and structured thinking are essential for success. This makes her insights highly relevant for leaders navigating today’s fast-changing and unpredictable business landscape.
Decision-Making Under Pressure
At the core of Emma’s work is decision-making. In aviation, hesitation or poor judgement is not an option. Emma teaches leaders how to apply similar frameworks within their organisations, enabling them to make better decisions even when conditions are far from ideal.
She focuses on:
- Structured thinking in uncertain environments
- Balancing risk and opportunity
- Maintaining clarity under pressure
- Building confidence in decision-making processes
Her sessions provide audiences with tools they can use immediately, helping them move from indecision to action with greater certainty and control.
Leadership Beyond Titles
Emma’s leadership philosophy was brought to life through her founding of Project Wingman, a nationwide initiative supporting NHS frontline staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project mobilised thousands of volunteer aircrew and created wellbeing lounges across the UK and in New York.
This initiative demonstrated her belief that leadership is defined by action rather than position. It highlighted the importance of stepping forward, taking responsibility, and serving others in times of need. For this work, Emma was awarded an MBE, recognising her impact and commitment.
Recognised Thought Leader
Emma’s influence continues to grow across the leadership and organisational space. She has been named Booker’s Choice Winner at The Speaker Awards and recognised as one of HR Magazine’s Most Influential Thinkers.
Her TEDx talk explores how aviation decision-making models can help leaders manage crisis, complexity, and uncertainty. She has also shared her expertise through media appearances, including the ITV documentary Inside the Cockpit.
As the author of Grounded, Emma examines leadership, resilience, and reinvention, offering further insight into how individuals and organisations can adapt and thrive in changing environments.
Trusted by Global Organisations
Emma works with organisations across finance, engineering, healthcare, aviation, technology, and professional services. Her experience is particularly valuable for industries where risk, complexity, and high-stakes decisions are part of everyday operations.
Her keynotes resonate because they are grounded in reality. She does not rely on abstract theory. Instead, she shares lessons drawn from real situations where performance mattered, decisions carried weight, and teamwork made the difference.
Book Emma Henderson for Your Event
Booking Emma Henderson means bringing a speaker who delivers clarity in complexity. Her sessions are engaging, insightful, and directly applicable to modern leadership challenges. Audiences leave with a stronger understanding of how to lead when the pressure is on and the answers are not obvious.
Emma equips leaders with the mindset and tools needed to navigate uncertainty, strengthen decision-making, and build teams that perform when it matters most.
Customer Reviews
5 of 5
Emma was a joy to work with and delivered a fantastic speech which our audience really enjoyed. Great mix of humour, personal insights and actionable takeaways relevant for any industry.
Citywire
5 of 5
Emma is nothing short of an exceptional speaker, she is engaging, funny, emotive and serious as well as inspiring and galvanising all at the same time. She reads the room and adapts and adjusts to bring the audience on a journey with her, your audience will hang on her every word. A speaker can take an event from being good to outstanding and Emma has this ability in spades. Our guests came away talking about our event and the impact it had upon them and subsequently had a huge positive impact upon our organisation. We could not have asked for more. She exceeded all of our expectations, Highly recommended.
Butterwick
5 of 5
It was an absolute pleasure to have Emma speak at our Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) event this year. Her journey as a commercial airline pilot was fascinating and full of relatable lessons for our audience. She shared her story with authenticity, warmth, and honesty, drawing on her experiences to highlight the importance of remaining calm under pressure, clear communication, and trust in your team. Thank you, Emma, for sharing your insights with us!”
BFA
5 of 5
Emma is a truly inspiring speaker who brings a combination of lived leadership experience, emotional intelligence, and unshakable resilience. From navigating the chaos of grounded planes due to volcanic eruptions, to overcoming the challenges of serious illness, and rebuilding after COVID - Emma has faced adversity head-on. In times of crisis, she finds new paths forward and creates positive impact. Her story is not only powerful—it’s delivered with warmth, humour, and an authenticity that resonates deeply. This is the kind of thinking that empowers leadership teams, inspires growth, and uplifts businesses.
BCGA
Rated 5.00/5 based on 4 customer reviews
Keynotes
Keynote by Emma Henderson:
Leadership in turbulent times
Today’s leaders operate in an environment of constant disruption. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, rapid technological change, and relentless operational pressure mean that turbulence has become the norm.
Drawing on her experience as an airline captain responsible for hundreds of lives, Emma explores how leaders maintain clarity, confidence, and direction when the environment becomes unpredictable.
Through aviation lessons and real-life leadership stories, she shows how calm, structured thinking allows leaders to navigate uncertainty and guide their teams through challenging conditions.
Audiences learn how to:
- Stay calm and focused when pressure rises
- Lead with clarity when the path forward is uncertain
- Turn turbulence into opportunity rather than threat
- Create confidence and stability for their teams
Keynote by Emma Henderson:
Decision-Making Under Pressure
In aviation, decisions must often be made with incomplete information, limited time, and enormous consequences.
Emma introduces the structured thinking pilots use to make effective decisions in complex, high-pressure situations. Through her AVIATE framework, she demonstrates how leaders can slow their thinking, cut through noise, and act with confidence when it matters most. The result is not faster decisions, but better decisions.
Audiences learn how to:
- Make confident decisions when information is incomplete
- Avoid reactive thinking under pressure
- Use structured decision frameworks in complex situations
- Balance speed, clarity, and judgement
Keynote by Emma Henderson:
Human leadership
In complex environments, technical competence alone is not enough. The most effective leaders combine clarity and decisiveness with empathy and connection.
Emma introduces her philosophy of Grounded Leadership, built on three principles: Humanity, Humility, and Humour. Through powerful stories from aviation and founding Project Wingman, she explores why people-first leadership creates stronger organisations and more resilient teams.
Audiences learn how to:
- Build trust and connection within teams
- Lead with empathy without losing authority
- Create environments where people want to perform
- Develop cultures built on respect and accountability
Keynote by Emma Henderson:
Performing under pressure
Pressure reveals the true quality of leadership.
Drawing on aviation scenarios and real-world leadership experiences, Emma explores how individuals and teams maintain composure, clarity, and effectiveness when the stakes are high.
Audiences gain practical tools to manage stress, maintain focus, and lead effectively during challenging situations.
Audiences learn how to:
- Maintain composure in high-pressure situations
- Manage cognitive overload and emotional responses
- Turn pressure into focused action
- Lead others calmly during moments of uncertainty
Keynote by Emma Henderson:
IWD Events
Emma Henderson MBE is one of fewer than 500 female airline captains in the world. After building a career in one of the most traditionally male-dominated industries, she brings powerful insights into leadership,
resilience, and opportunity.
Rather than focusing only on gender, Emma explores the broader leadership lessons that come from challenging assumptions, navigating barriers, and building environments where talent can thrive.
Through personal stories from her aviation career and the founding of Project Wingman, she highlights how inclusive leadership unlocks potential, strengthens teams, and drives better decision-making.
Her talks for International Women’s Day are inspiring, thoughtful, and practical, encouraging organisations to move beyond celebration and towards meaningful progress.
Audience outcomes:
- Greater understanding of how inclusive leadership strengthens organisations
- Practical insights into overcoming barriers and building confidence
- Lessons from navigating and succeeding in male-dominated environments
- Inspiration to create opportunities for the next generation of leaders
Keynote by Emma Henderson:
A.V.I.A.T.E
ICentral to Emma’s talks is the AVIATE decision-making framework, a practical model derived from aviation that helps leaders respond effectively in complex situations.
AVIATE provides a clear structure for thinking and acting when the pressure rises.
- Aviate – Prioritise control and stability
- Validate – Confirm what is really happening
- Investigate – Explore causes, not just symptoms
- Assess – Evaluate options and impact
- Talk – Communicate clearly and consistently
- Execute – Act decisively and follow through
The principle is simple:
- It’s not about reacting faster.
- It’s about responding better.
Emma Henderson showreel (no subtitles) bureaus
Watch Emma Henderson in action
Books by Emma Henderson
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GroundedBy Emma Henderson
