BIO

Matt Lindley is a former RAF Fast Jet pilot, commercial airline captain, and one of the first openly gay pilots to serve in the British military. Today, he is an acclaimed keynote speaker on leadership, resilience, human performance, and inclusive workplace culture.

Matt’s aviation career began in the Royal Air Force, where he flew a range of high-performance aircraft before joining The Royal Squadron—flying members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers, and senior government officials worldwide. But his journey wasn’t just about technical excellence. When he joined the RAF in 1995, it was illegal to be openly gay in the military. Matt kept his identity hidden for years, navigating a macho and intolerant environment that took a toll on his mental health, wellbeing, and performance.

His personal story—of grit, isolation, and eventual acceptance—offers a powerful lens on the human cost of exclusion and the transformative power of inclusive leadership. When the law changed, Matt was finally able to come out, thanks to the support of an inspirational commanding officer who created a culture of trust and belonging. That experience shaped Matt’s belief that inclusion isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s vital for performance, loyalty, and mental resilience.

Alongside his diversity work, Matt delivers dynamic sessions on aviation-style leadership, decision-making under pressure, and reducing human error in high-risk industries. His talks combine captivating stories from the cockpit with actionable takeaways for business leaders and teams.

Matt’s message is clear: inclusive cultures don’t just change lives—they save them.

Video: https://vimeo.com/814714288

Further information, please get in touch with Deborah:

hello@papillonspeakers.com

07814 934740