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Emma Henderson MBE

Award-Winning Keynote Speaker · Author · Founder of Project Wingman

Emma Henderson MBE is a former airline captain, keynote speaker and leadership consultant specialising in decision-making at speed in a turbulent world.

With over 30 years in aviation and experience operating in some of the most demanding environments imaginable, Emma now works with organisations around the world to help leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity, confidence and humanity.

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Trusted by leaders & organisations

Barclays Boeing NHS GE Aerospace Marriott RBS BBC Hines Department for Transport Citywire Royal Aeronautical Society UFI Professio Barclays Boeing NHS GE Aerospace Marriott RBS BBC Hines Department for Transport Citywire Royal Aeronautical Society UFI Professio
NatWest EDF Sky News CAE The Access Group Govia Thameslink TASIS Time for God BFA BCGA SLCC National Guardian NatWest EDF Sky News CAE The Access Group Govia Thameslink TASIS Time for God BFA BCGA SLCC National Guardian
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testimonials

"The perfect balance of energy and substance."

Professio · Helsinki

"The highlight of the event."

Barclays · Canary Wharf

"You changed the way some CEOs think — and that's a real result."

UFI · Vienna

"Inspiring and refreshingly down-to-earth."

Hines · Global

"A standout moment. Particularly inspiring and thought-provoking."

EDF · Hinkley Point

“A master storyteller. Her energy shines through even over a Teams call."

GE Aerospace

"The perfect balance between insight and inspiration."

Department for Transport

"Humour, personal insights, and actionable takeaways relevant for any industry."

Citywire · The Closer

"Takes an event from good to outstanding."

Butterwick

"What stuck wasn't the stories from the sky — it was how simple great leadership can be."

Constant Progression · Glasgow

"A very personal story of her journey in aviation — an example to aviators to follow their dream."

Royal Aeronautical Society · Hong Kong

What Emma believes about leadership

Structure beats stress

Emma’s work is built on a simple belief:

When the world feels chaotic, structure creates calm.

In the flight deck, rushing decisions rarely leads to better outcomes. The same is true in organisations. Emma helps leaders replace noise with clarity, stress with structure, and reactivity with thoughtful decision-making.

Her approach is:

  • Human, not hierarchical

  • Structured, not rigid

  • Calm, not passive

  • Practical, not theoretical

This philosophy underpins every keynote, workshop and programme she delivers.

How Emma works today

Emma now brings aviation-tested leadership principles into organisations facing change, pressure and complexity.

She works with:

  • Senior leaders and executive teams

  • HR and L&D professionals

  • Global organisations and growing businesses

  • Event organisers seeking meaningful, credible speakers

Through keynotes, workshops and bespoke programmes, Emma helps teams build confidence, clarity and trust, even when conditions are uncertain.

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From Flight Deck to Boardroom

A female flight attendant in a white uniform talking to two seated passengers inside an airplane. The airplane cabin has rows of orange and gray seats, with passengers sitting and some reading or engaging in conversation.

Aviation taught Emma that leadership isn’t about authority or ego. It’s about structure, preparation, communication and the ability to stay grounded when the pressure is on.

These lessons now form the foundation of her work with leaders and organisations across sectors.

A woman and a man are sitting on stage at The Meetings Show, speaking into microphones while wearing headphones. The woman is wearing a blue dress and white sneakers, and the man is wearing a white shirt and black pants. A large screen is visible next to them, and a water bottle and a small device are on a round table in front of them.

Emma spent more than three decades in commercial aviation. A career that demands precision, trust and decision-making when there is no room for error.

As one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide, she learned early how to lead calmly under scrutiny, communicate clearly in high-pressure situations, and earn trust quickly in diverse teams.

Credibility Earned, Not Claimed

Emma’s work is recognised not just for what she says on stage, but for the impact it has on people and organisations.

A woman in a pink dress holding a framed award certificate and a trophy is standing on a stage with a man in formal attire. Behind them is a large screen displaying the words 'Emma Henderson' and 'Booker’s Choice 2025.' Both are smiling and posing for a photo at an awards event.

She is an award-winning speaker, including being named a Bookers Choice Award recipient — recognition given to speakers who consistently deliver meaningful, high-quality experiences for audiences.

Smiling woman wearing a blue fascinator hat, holding a jewelry box with a medal inside, standing outside in front of a historic stone building with arched windows and a green lawn.

Emma is also the founder of Project Wingman, a volunteer-led initiative that brought airline crew into NHS hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic to support frontline staff. For this work, she was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours List — one of the final honours approved jointly by HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip.

A woman in an orange outfit stands on a stage with a large screen behind her that displays the word 'A.V.I.A.T.E.' and TEDx Northern Quarter signs in front of the stage.

As a leadership speaker, Emma works with organisations around the world, delivering keynotes and conversations on decision-making, communication and leading calmly under pressure. She is also a TEDx speaker, bringing aviation-tested leadership insights to global audiences.

A woman smiling in a formal black tuxedo with a bow tie, standing in front of a large clock with Roman numerals and radiating spokes, with the word 'GROUNDED' and the name 'Captain Emma Henderson MBE' overlayed on the image.

Alongside her speaking work, Emma is a published author, exploring themes of leadership, humanity and performance under pressure — extending her work beyond the stage and into lasting ideas leaders can return to.

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A pioneer without the labels

Emma’s journey as a woman in a male-dominated industry shaped her leadership style, but it does not define her audience.

Her story speaks to anyone who has had to:

  • lead under scrutiny

  • earn trust quickly

  • make decisions with incomplete information

  • stay calm when expectations are high

Leadership doesn’t have to be loud to be effective.

It has to be grounded, clear and human.

If you’re navigating change and want leadership that holds steady under pressure, Emma would love to start the conversation.