Captain Niall Downey FRCSI is a captivating motivational speaker whose career spans medicine, aviation, and professional sport. His unique ability to blend personal experiences with practical insights makes him an ideal choice for audiences seeking inspiration and actionable strategies. From saving lives as a surgeon to flying transatlantic routes as an Airbus captain, Niall’s extraordinary career journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and adaptability.
Niall’s professional path began in medicine after graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 1993. He trained as a surgeon, earning his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCSI) in 1997 and specialising in cardiothoracic surgery. His work in leading institutions, including the National Cardiac Surgery Unit in Dublin, equipped him with a profound understanding of high-stakes decision-making and teamwork under pressure. However, his innate curiosity and drive for new challenges led him to explore a completely different field: aviation.
In 1999, Niall embarked on a new career, retraining as an airline pilot with Aer Lingus. He quickly distinguished himself in aviation, operating on both European and transatlantic routes, and by 2010 he had achieved the prestigious position of Captain on the Airbus A330 fleet. His dual expertise in medicine and aviation uniquely positions him as an authority on human factors, systemic safety, and the reduction of error in high-risk environments. These skills have become the foundation of his groundbreaking work in safety training and consultancy.
In 2011, Niall founded Framework Safety Group Ltd, an innovative organisation applying aviation safety principles to healthcare and beyond. He advocates for the adoption of Safety Management Systems and a Just Culture to address systemic faults and empower teams. Niall’s expertise has been widely recognised, with highlights including his TEDx talk at Stormont’s Great Hall in 2016 and the publication of his book, ‘Oops! Why Things Go Wrong’ (2023). His thought-provoking insights resonate with audiences across industries, inspiring them to embrace leadership, collaboration, and systemic improvements. By hiring Captain Niall Downey, organisations gain access to a speaker whose compelling message and transformative ideas can drive meaningful change.
