Keynote

Nicole Malachowski

First Woman Thunderbird Pilot | Combat Veteran, Fighter Squadron Commander & Former White House Adviser

InnovationLeadershipPeak PerformanceMotivationalWomen

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Nicole Malachowski — Speaker Reel

Speaking Topics

Leaders across every industry share one thing in common: to be successful, they need to effectively navigate failure, organizational change, and the unknown. Like headwinds to a pilot, these perceived barriers can force you to change direction, cost you momentum, and even take away options. These headwinds can feel confusing, disorienting, and downright uncomfortable. However, with the right mindset, anyone can learn to harness the energy of these headwinds in their personal favor, and to the favor of their teams and organizations.

Everyone faces barriers, both personal and professional, that may appear to place limits on what's possible. When people pursue only what is expected, accept cultural norms that hold them back, and view barriers as insurmountable, their lives become limited. Scripted. The Breaking Barriers mindset allows you to see your obstacles and challenges as opportunities to grow and as a chance to reach new levels of personal and professional excellence.

Leaders across every industry share one thing in common: to be successful they need to effectively navigate moments of self-doubt, master the role of a trustworthy team player, and embrace moments of vulnerability. Pushing your own performance envelope, at work and in life, empowers you to bring your best every day and to consistently perform to a standard of excellence as individual leaders and as elite teams. Leaders in fast-moving, high-complexity environments where speed and trust must coexist will find practical tools here.

About Nicole

Col. Nicole Malachowski defies stereotypes as a jet fighter pilot, leader, combat veteran, first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, White House Fellow, and inductee into both the National Women's Hall of Fame and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Her distinguished 21-year Air Force career exceeded her wildest dreams until a devastating tick-borne illness left her struggling to speak or walk for almost nine months. Drawing on stories from her career and personal life, Nicole inspires audiences to rethink challenges and go beyond resilience to become resurgent, urging them to believe that failure and risk are the price of entry for achievement.

Nicole took her first solo flight at sixteen and earned her commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996. Competitively selected among the first group of women to fly modern fighter jets, she served in combat as an F-15E Flight Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Lead, achieving Command Pilot rating with over 2,300 flight hours in six aircraft. She flew as Thunderbird #3, the first woman on any Department of Defense military jet demonstration squadron, and flew over 188 combat hours, including leading the first fighter formation providing security for Iraq's historic democratic elections in 2005.

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Session Formats

KeynoteFireside Chat

Delivery

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What Clients Say

“Simply the best speaker we have ever had in 32 years! Period!”
CEO, Chairman of the Board, Founder of Troon

“You are a spectacular speaker and I have never been to a meeting with our entire team mesmerized by anyone like they were with you. Your story is unbelievable and you deliver it in such a natural and powerful way.”
Director, Marketing Activation, Best Western Hotels & Resorts

“We cannot thank you enough for bringing your inspiring, moving, profound, vulnerable, incredible story to our team. It is 120 people saying you were the absolute highlight of the whole offsite, and many told me you were the best speaker they have ever heard.”
Training Manager, Genentech

“Nicole was exceptionally well received. She connected with the audience: inspiring, thought-provoking, funny, real, open. Our colleagues couldn't stop talking about it. It was the highlight of our event.”
UnitedHealth Group

“Rarely have I found an entire room of business colleagues all so incredibly inspired and engaged by one speaker. After two standing ovations and many tears, it was clear her message resonated with everyone in attendance.”
CEO, Cetera Financial Group

“An indomitable spirit whose life journey adds such warmth and depth to her powerful message.”
VP, Advanced Technology Demonstration Center, Northrop Grumman

“The best speaker we have ever had in the 28 years this event has been held. I strongly recommend her to future clients.”
Group Vice President and General Manager, Lexus Division

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics does Nicole Malachowski speak about?

Nicole speaks on leadership, resilience, navigating change and adversity, and high performance under pressure. Her keynotes, including "Harnessing Headwinds" and "Breaking Barriers," draw on her 21-year Air Force career as the first woman to fly with the Thunderbirds and her comeback from a serious illness.

What is Nicole Malachowski's "resurgent" mindset?

Nicole teaches audiences to move past resilience, which she considers an overused word, into becoming resurgent: actively harnessing the energy of adversity to come back stronger. It draws on both her fighter-pilot career and her recovery from a tick-borne illness that nearly ended it.

Does Nicole customize her presentations?

Yes. Nicole ties her message directly to the client's mission and audience, doing her homework on the organization so her stories map to the challenges that room is facing.

What is the typical format for a Nicole Malachowski keynote?

Nicole delivers keynotes and is also available for a moderated fireside chat or leadership Q&A. Audiences describe her as inspiring, funny, and unfiltered, and her sessions frequently earn standing ovations.

What types of events is Nicole best suited for?

Nicole is a strong fit for leadership events, sales kickoffs, women's leadership programs, and any team facing change, adversity, or high-stakes performance.

What is Nicole Malachowski's speaking fee?

Nicole's fee typically ranges from $30,000 to $40,000, depending on format, location, and event scope. Submit an inquiry for an exact quote for your event.

Does Nicole speak at virtual events?

Yes. Nicole delivers keynotes and fireside chats both in person and virtually.

How far in advance should we book Nicole?

Most clients book 2 to 6 months ahead. Fall conference season and January kickoff dates fill earliest, so reach out as soon as your date is set.