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Kirsty Murphy is a pioneering aviation leader, former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot, and sought-after keynote speaker whose career spans frontline military flying, elite aerobatic display teams, and senior roles in UK aviation and transport innovation. Currently serving as Aviation Senior Consultant at Connected Places Catapult, she works at the intersection of aerospace, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Known for breaking barriers as the first female pilot with the Red Arrows, Kirsty brings a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and high-performance teamwork, as well as anxiety and burnout. Her speaking engagements draw on real-world experience in high-pressure environments, from combat-ready cockpits to national policy delivery, making her an engaging voice on transformation, innovation, and human performance in complex systems.

Kirsty Murphy’s career is marked by exceptional achievement across military aviation, elite aerobatics, and strategic leadership within the UK government and innovation sectors. Beginning her journey as a pilot in the Royal Air Force in 1998, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a BAE Systems Hawk T1 instructor in 2002 and later flying the Tornado GR4. In 2009, she broke new ground as the first female pilot to join the Red Arrows, becoming the Executive Officer of the Red Arrows in 2012.

She went on to shape the future of military aviation as Fast Jet Training & Capability Manager, influencing pilot development and operational readiness. Transitioning into civilian aviation, she flew with the Blades Aerobatic Team while also working in consultancy. In 2019, she was appointed as Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport and was personally chosen for the role by the Secretary of State for Transport. Kirsty is also widely recognised for designing, delivering, and leading major transformation programmes across the UK Space Agency, where she held key positions including Project Delivery Manager, Head of Secretariat, and Chief of Staff. Her career expanded into senior leadership roles within the UK Space Agency and later the Connected Places Catapult, where she now contributes to advancing aviation innovation. Awarded an MBE in Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours, Kirsty’s career reflects sustained excellence, leadership, and a commitment to progress in aviation.

Kirsty Murphy has built a strong public profile through a wide range of media appearances and thought leadership contributions, using her unique career to engage and inspire diverse audiences. As the first female pilot in the Red Arrows, she has been featured in national and international media, where she has spoken about breaking barriers in aviation and the importance of representation in high-performance environments. She also openly discusses anxiety, emotional burnout and sleep disorders, shedding light on the less visible aspects of her life. Kirsty is experienced in speaking at industry conferences, government forums, and STEM engagement events where she shares insights on leadership, resilience, and teamwork.

Kirsty Murphy brings rare, first-hand experience from some of the most demanding and high-stakes environments in the world. Recognised as one of the top trending female motivational speakers to hire for events and named among the top 17 keynote speakers in Europe by Socialnomics, she combines elite operational expertise with powerful storytelling. As a former fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force and the first female pilot to join the Red Arrows, she offers audiences an authentic insight into precision teamwork, resilience, and performing under extreme pressure. She speaks powerfully about leadership, communication, and building high-performing teams, drawing clear parallels between cockpit environments and business settings.

Kirsty is also an inspiring advocate for diversity and inclusion. Having broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, she speaks with authenticity about confidence, mindset, and overcoming obstacles. Audiences leave her talks motivated, equipped with actionable insights, and inspired to raise their own performance, making her a powerful and memorable speaker across a wide range of sectors.

To book Kirsty to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.

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“We were delighted to have Kirsty join us at our recent client event, where she was a huge hit! Not only is Kirsty a fantastic female role mode with a truly inspirational back story, she is also hugely personable, well prepared, professional and client friendly. Kirsty has the unique ability to be able to use her considerable experience to engage knowledgeably and with real insight across a range of subject matters, from instilling and maintaining high-performance culture, leadership, business transformation, innovation and the use of technology and beyond. I would have no hesitation to recommend Kirsty to others.” – Pinsent Masons

  • Breaking Barriers in Military Aviation
  • Diversity & Inclusion in Aerospace
  • High-Risk Decision-Making and Resilience
  • Innovation and the Future of Flight
  • Leadership in Elite Teams
  • Mental Health in High-Pressure Professions
  • Women in STEM & Aviation

The cost of hiring Kirsty Murphy depends on your event format, location, duration and any travel requirements. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a SpeakOut booking agent for expert guidance.