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.
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.
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's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Wellbeing in the Workplace & Why It Matters
- Being a Woman in a Man's World (It's a Flight Deck, not a Cockpit!)
- Life Is a Box of Chocolates- So Make Sure You Eat Them All
- Being a Servant Leader
- Change Management
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Setting up Project Wingman
- Overcoming Adversity
- Embracing Change
- Offering the Hand of Friendship
Emma is often booked as the guest speaker at a range of speaking events, read her latest feedback below.
"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
- 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