Availability dot

Available to book

Fighter pilot & resilience expert

Nicole Malachowski

Transform barriers into breakthroughs with Nicole Malachowski, speaker, combat fighter pilot and resilience expert. Nicole works with organizations to develop leadership excellence and navigate adversity, delivering powerful insights as the first woman USAF Thunderbirds pilot and White House policy advisor.

Trusted by Ford Motor Company, Lockheed Martin, Delta Airlines, Bank of America, Deloitte

Nicole Malachowski, Speaker | USAF Veteran, Keynote Speaker
Nicole Malachowski

Nicole Malachowski

Denver, United States

Typical fee range

$51k–75k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Nicole's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Nicole

Denver, United States

Starting from

$51k–75k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Nicole Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Nicole Malachowski's biography

At a glance

  • First woman pilot on USAF Thunderbirds
  • Combat veteran with over 188 flight hours
  • White House Fellow & Adviser
Nicole Malachowski is a retired United States Air Force Colonel and combat fighter pilot who broke barriers as the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds, the military’s premier air demonstration squadron. With over two decades of service, she has led elite units, advised national leadership, and championed resilience in the face of complex personal and professional challenges. Nicole was among the first group of women to fly modern fighter jets in the US military, earning her place in operational F-15E squadrons and accumulating over 2,300 flight hours, including combat missions in Operation Deliberate Forge and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her leadership roles included commanding the 333rd Fighter Squadron and directing multimillion-dollar flying hour programmes. Beyond the cockpit, she served at the highest levels of government, including as a White House Fellow and later as Executive Director of the national ‘Joining Forces’ initiative, where she advised the First Lady and Dr Jill Biden on policy affecting service members and military families. Her career took a turn following a medical retirement due to late-stage Tick-Borne Illness. Rather than retreat from public life, Nicole became a powerful advocate for patients with complex medical conditions. She has served on the Department of Health and Human Services Tick Borne Diseases Working Group and the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, offering valuable insight into research and care for affected populations. Nicole's journey is marked by persistence, service, and a commitment to challenging convention. She remains active in mentoring wounded service members and shaping policy for those navigating chronic health issues. Her story is not only one of military excellence but also of personal transformation, making her a compelling voice on leadership, adversity, and the evolving role of women in high-performance environments. Book Nicole to inspire your team with proven strategies that transform barriers into breakthroughs and uncertainty into opportunity.

Nicole's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Harnessing Headwinds – Successfully Navigating Change and Adversity
In her talk, Nicole Malachowski emphasises that leaders must effectively navigate failure, organisational change, and uncertainty to succeed. Using aviation metaphors, she illustrates how perceived barriers, or "headwinds," can disrupt momentum but can also be transformed into opportunities with the right mindset. Attendees will learn to overcome failures, navigate change, endure discomfort, increase resilience, and support their teams, ultimately empowering them to rise above self-doubt and cultural challenges.
Pushing the Envelope – Being the Best When it Counts
In her presentation, Nicole Malachowski, an elite fighter pilot and military leader, emphasises the importance of overcoming self-doubt and embracing vulnerability for effective leadership. Using the aircraft performance envelope as a metaphor, she shares personal stories and practical tools to inspire individuals and teams to transcend limitations. Attendees will learn how to build trust, enhance teamwork, foster accountability, and unleash creativity, ultimately driving personal and professional growth.
Breaking Barriers – Conquering Self-Doubt and Cultural Paradigms
Nicole Malachowski addresses the barriers that limit personal and professional growth, urging audiences to reject societal norms and redefine their boundaries. As a powerful trailblazer, she encourages individuals to view obstacles as opportunities for development and excellence. Attendees will learn to define their own possibilities, challenge traditions, embrace the courage to seek help, and understand the myth of work-life balance. Nicole provides actionable insights for pursuing dreams and living an unscripted life.
Conquering Fog and Friction – Leading Through Times of Crisis
In her talk, Nicole Malachowski emphasizes that "no war plan survives first contact with the enemy," highlighting the importance of effective leadership amidst uncertainty. She draws parallels between military challenges and organizational hurdles, advocating for perspective, priorities, and positive leadership. Attendees will learn how to navigate unknowns, overcome obstacles, and address unique leadership challenges during crises. Nicole provides a framework to maintain focus on purpose and instill confidence, ensuring organizations can thrive even in turbulent times.
The Mach 2 Mindset – Decision-Making in a High-Speed Environment
Nicole Malachowski emphasizes the critical role of speed in both aviation and business, highlighting that organizations that adapt quickly often achieve greater success. Drawing from her experience flying high-tech fighter jets, she shares key principles for maintaining efficiency amid chaos. Attendees will learn to identify factors that hinder their organization’s speed, understand the impact of a fast-paced environment on decision-making, and the importance of trust, clear roles, and effective communication in navigating challenges swiftly.

Why we recommend booking Nicole

Book Nicole Malachowski to inspire your team with proven strategies that transform barriers into breakthroughs and uncertainty into opportunity. Her story of military excellence and personal transformation offers a compelling perspective on leadership and resilience.

Check Nicole's availability

Trusted by Ford Motor Company, Lockheed Martin, Delta Airlines, Bank of America, Deloitte

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Nicole Malachowski for my next event?
Email nicole.malachowski@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Nicole's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Nicole Malachowski's speaking style like?
Nicole Malachowski structures her talks around aviation metaphors drawn directly from her career as a fighter pilot, using concepts such as the aircraft performance envelope and headwinds to frame leadership and resilience principles. She pairs these metaphors with personal narrative, including her experience as the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds and her medical retirement, to ground abstract concepts in documented events.

What topics does Nicole Malachowski specialise in?
Nicole Malachowski's sessions cover navigating change and adversity, overcoming self-doubt and leadership under pressure, and challenging cultural barriers to personal and professional growth. She is the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds, a distinction she earned during a military career spanning over 2,300 flight hours, combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and senior roles including White House Fellow and Executive Director of the national Joining Forces initiative.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.