Emma Henderson has forged a successful career as an airline pilot, working at many of the UK’s leading airports- from Luton to Gatwick. Formerly a Captain for easyJet, Emma has long enjoyed all things aviation, having been an Officer Cadet of a University Squadron and an RAF wife. Taking voluntary redundancy during the Covid-19 pandemic, Emma now utilises her experiences from flying and the pandemic to help others maximise their mental wellbeing and shares such experiences as a public speaker. Booked to speak at a variety of events and educational establishments, Emma is a powerful and emotive role model.
With an aviation career spanning over 30 years, Emma is within the small minority of female airline captains, such a small minority that there are more endangered Bengal tigers in the world than female airline captains! Emma’s fruitful career has allowed her to learn the importance of prioritising her own wellbeing, something that today she shares her perspective on as a speaker. Emma has also worked as a Flight Instructor for The Moray Flying Club and Wycombe Air Centre, and as the Deputy Chief Flying Instructor for Highland Aero Club.
After working as a Senior First Officer, Flight Ambassador and Captain for easyJet, Emma took voluntary redundancy in September 2020, knowing that she would not fly for some time with the Covid-19 pandemic. In her redundancy, Emma found an opportunity to give back to the NHS frontline staff by becoming the co-founder of Project Wingman. Now the CEO of Project Wingman, Emma and her team of over 6000 volunteer aircrew work to support the wellbeing of frontline NHS staff, serving over 100 NHS trusts across the UK. In reward of her commitment to wellbeing, Emma has been honoured with a Points of Light Award and an MBE, as well as recognition of Captain of the Year and Woman of the Year. In 2024, Emma authored her debut book Grounded and was shortlisted for Best Newcomer and Best Storyteller at The Speaker Awards - a testament to her talent as an inspirational keynote speaker.
With a successful career and inspiring story to her name, Emma is now booked as a motivational speaker for a range of corporate and educational events. Sharing her story full of self-reliance, determination and resilience, Emma spreads awareness of the significance of prioritising your own health and wellbeing, as well as appreciating the wellbeing of those around you. Describing her style to be ‘compassionate’ and ‘anecdotal’ with a ‘wry sense of humour’, Emma’s motivational speeches are guaranteed to resonate with your audience and provide a fascinating and emotive experience for all. When looking for a powerful role model to speak at your next event, book Emma Henderson MBE today.
Books
Grounded
How to hire Emma Henderson
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Emma Henderson for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Emma Henderson's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Bomb-Proof Resilience: You Have Control - So Take It!
- Doing Less, Well: The Art of Effective Delegation
- From Airbus to Carebus: My Journey Through Aviation & Beyond
- How Big is Your Bucket?: Understanding Leadership Capacity
- Brave & Inspirational Leadership
- Overcoming Adversity: Reframing Challenges as Opportunities
- Performing Under Pressure - Leading with Composure at 30,000 Feet
- Teamwork: Making the Dream Work
- Split-Second Decisions: Mastering the Art of Rapid Decision-Making
- Understanding the Bigger Picture: Balancing Work & Wellbeing
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"Your talk was engaging, encouraging, witty, and we were all delighted to leave with so much enthusiasm." - St Albans Chamber of Commerce
"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
"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, Associate Dean, TUBS
"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 cannot recommend her highly enough." - Sir David, 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, Associate Dean, Teesside University Business School
"Emma was brilliant and the ladies loved her! And quite frankly of course they did! Thank you so much for your preparation and openness in answering the ladies' questions... thank you, thank you!" - Rachel, Royal College of Defence Studies Spouses
"Emma's incredible story provided a unique perspective into change-readiness and the importance of self-belief when dealing with adversity. Her contributions to our Women's History Month celebrations provided a challenging and inspirational message that anything is possible if you practise gratitude and care in all things, make time for yourself and always look to learn. A true leader in all she does, we are so grateful for her time to inspire our customers and colleagues and look forward to doing it again (and again!)" - Josh, Regional Enterprise Manager, NatWest Group
"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 they 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" - Melanie, Year 13 Coordinator, Gordonstoun School
- 2024 - Author of "Grounded"
- 2024 - Shortlisted for Best Newcomer & Best Storyteller at The Speaker Awards
- 2021 - Awarded an MBE for Services to Charity
- 2021 - Nominated as one of Lorraine's Women of the Year Kindness Award finalists
- 2020 - Co-Founder, Director & CEO of Project Wingman
- 2019 - Appeared in the ITV documentary 'Inside the Cockpit', becoming known as 'Captain Emma'
- 2016 - Captain at Gatwick Airport for easyJet
- 2015 - Senior First Officer & Flight Ambassador at Luton Airport for easyJet
- 2010 - Senior First Officer at Stanstead Airport for easyJet
- 2009 - Deputy Chief Flying Instructor at Highland Aero Club
- 2008 - Flight Instructor for The Moray Flying Club
- 2007 - Flight Instructor for Wycombe Air Centre
