Matt Lindley

Matt Lindley is a trailblazing LGBT+ keynote speaker whose extraordinary career spans military aviation, commercial piloting, and inclusive leadership. As one of the first openly gay pilots in the Royal Air Force, Matt’s story is one of courage, resilience, and transformation in the face of institutional adversity. His lived experience as a gay man in a system that once excluded him has become the cornerstone of his influential speaking career, inspiring audiences across sectors to embrace authenticity, challenge bias, and lead with empathy.

After earning a commerce degree from the University of Birmingham, Matt began his career at the Ford Motor Company as a Japanese Management Consultant, where he developed a strong foundation in organisational efficiency and culture. In 1995, he joined the Royal Air Force, realising his childhood dream of becoming a pilot despite a ban on LGBTQ+ service personnel at the time. Matt went on to become an RAF Fast Jet Pilot, flying high-performance aircraft and eventually earning selection to the elite Royal Squadron. As a VIP Captain, he was entrusted with transporting Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and UK Prime Ministers to destinations around the world. He also served in conflict zones including Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan, and became a qualified flying instructor.

In 2007, Matt transitioned to commercial aviation, joining British Airways as a Boeing 747-400 Pilot and currently captaining the Boeing 777. Alongside his aviation career, he established Propel Performance in 2012 and became Director and later Partner & Head of Human Performance Factors at Verpora, where he applies aviation safety models to reduce human error and improve outcomes in healthcare and corporate environments. Matt’s expertise in human factors and behavioural performance has made him a trusted advisor to global organisations.

As a keynote speaker, Matt combines real-world insight with personal storytelling, delivering impactful sessions on topics such as Inclusive Leadership, Speak-Up Culture, Mental Health, and Authentic Self. His acclaimed TEDx talk ‘Fear: Fight or Flight’ exemplifies his ability to translate personal challenge into universal lessons. From the Home Office to The New York Times, Matt has worked with some of the world’s most recognised institutions, helping leaders create safer, more inclusive and high-performing workplaces. Passionate, articulate and deeply relatable, Matt continues to be a driving force for positive change in leadership and diversity.