Kirsty Murphy MBE is a pioneering aviator, mental health advocate and inspirational leader whose extraordinary journey through the skies has broken boundaries and inspired countless individuals. As the first and only female pilot in the RAF’s prestigious Red Arrows, Kirsty carved her name into British aviation history through sheer determination, skill, and resilience. Her military career spanned seventeen years, including time as a combat-ready fast-jet pilot on the Tornado GR4, where she flew 39 operational missions over Iraq. Selected on merit for the elite Red Arrows, Kirsty became a symbol of excellence and inclusion in one of the world’s most competitive flying teams.
Kirsty’s path was never without adversity. During her time in the Red Arrows, she endured the emotional weight of losing teammates in fatal accidents, alongside the personal challenges of a marriage breakdown. These experiences led to severe anxiety, insomnia and emotional burnout. Initially hesitant to seek help, she turned to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which transformed her perspective and approach to mental health. Today, Kirsty speaks openly about her struggles, making her a powerful advocate for wellbeing in high-pressure environments. Her vulnerability and candour offer audiences not just inspiration, but genuine insight into coping and thriving amid personal and professional turbulence.
Beyond the military, Kirsty continued to lead in civilian aviation as a pilot with The Blades Aerobatic Display Team, taking passengers on once-in-a-lifetime flights while also applying her leadership skills in the world of corporate event consultancy. She managed high-stakes operations for brands like Aston Martin and led aviation programmes at global events such as the Farnborough International Airshow. Now working at Connected Places Catapult, Kirsty is at the forefront of aviation’s future, driving sustainable innovation and overseeing projects that champion decarbonisation and emerging flight technologies.
What sets Kirsty apart as a speaker is her rare combination of operational excellence, emotional intelligence, and compelling storytelling. Her talks span leadership, diversity, mental health, innovation and resilience, delivered with warmth and authenticity. Whether addressing corporate teams, school students, or senior executives, Kirsty invites audiences to break through fear, rise to challenges, and create meaningful change. Her story reminds us that the sky is not the limit - it’s only the beginning.
