Kirsty Murphy MBE

Kirsty Murphy MBE is the first and only female pilot to serve with the world-renowned RAF Red Arrows. She is a powerful and inspiring voice in the realm of mental health, drawing from an extraordinary career in aviation and personal resilience in the face of high-pressure environments. She confidently broke gender barriers and redefined what it means to lead under pressure in the face of loss and personal struggles.

With a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering with German from Imperial College London, including a research stint at Technische Universität in Munich. Kirsty joined the Royal Air Force in 1998, training as a fast-jet pilot and becoming an A2-qualified flying instructor and Instrument Rating Examiner. Her distinguished service included 39 operational missions over Iraq with XIII Squadron. In 2009, Kirsty made history by joining the RAF Red Arrows, showcasing exceptional precision and courage. She also flew with The Blades Aerobatic Display Team, further cementing her place in British aviation history. In 2019, she was appointed Aviation Ambassador by the Department for Transport.

What makes Kirsty a compelling mental health speaker is her willingness to share the hidden emotional toll of working in dangerous roles that require intricacy and expertise. She overcame the heartbreaking loss of teammates in fatal accidents, as well as the tough emotional toll of a marriage breakdown. In 2021, she was awarded an MBE for her contributions to aviation. She openly discusses her experiences with anxiety, insomnia, and emotional burnout and how she overcame them using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Her story offers hope and practical insight for anyone struggling in high-stakes careers.

Her talks cover gender equality, mental health awareness, STEM careers, and leadership under pressure. Her unique blend of technical expertise, lived experience, and heartfelt storytelling makes her an exceptional speaker on mental health and resilience. Kirsty looks to bridge the gap between elite performance and personal well-being. Her honesty and humility inspire real conversations and lasting change around mental health. Now working with Connected Places Catapult as an Accelerator Programme Manager, Kirsty is also contributing to sustainable innovation in aviation.