Jo Salter

Dr Jo Salter MBE BEng (Hons), MBA, DA (h.c.) is a pioneering leader whose career spans aviation, business and transformative leadership. Best known as Britain’s first female fast jet pilot, Jo’s journey from the cockpit of a Tornado GR1 to global boardrooms has inspired generations. Her story is one of resilience, inclusion and navigating change. Today, she shares that lived experience with audiences around the world as a sought-after speaker, leadership coach and advisor.

Jo joined the Royal Air Force at 18 and studied Electronic Systems Engineering at the Royal Military College of Science. She earned her wings in 1992 and became a combat pilot on the legendary 617 Squadron. She later served as a Qualified Tactics Instructor, flying the Hawk T1, and supported the next generation of Air Cadets, flying them on Air Experience Flights for more than a decade. Her trailblazing aviation career didn’t just break gender barriers - it laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to leadership and service.

Since leaving the RAF, Jo has built a rich and varied business career. She held multiple senior leadership roles at PwC, including Director of Global Transformative Leadership and Global Advisory Lead for GenAI. She played a key role in PwC Australia’s 2023 transformation response,  and shaped global digital strategies that helped upskill 270,000+ employees. Her work has influenced the way organisations approach leadership, risk, innovation and the human side of transformation.

Jo has also run her own consultancy, Saltin Ltd, since 2002 - delivering high-performance coaching, strategic programme management and thought leadership on transformation, resilience and mindset. A former Associate Lecturer for the Open University Business School, Jo is as comfortable in a boardroom as she is on stage - whether she’s leading a session on leadership or addressing 3,000 people at a conference.

She is the author of two books on personal energy and mindset, and regularly contributes to conversations around inclusive leadership, digital ethics and navigating emerging technologies like AI. In 2025, Jo was named the No.1 motivational speaker in Global Gurus’ official list of Top 10 Motivational Speakers to Hire for Corporate Events - selected by a panel based on client feedback and event impact. Whilst Jo’s accolades also include being named one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in the World by Harpers & Queen, what people often remark on most is how grounded, genuine and approachable she is - qualities that shine through in every interaction. 

Beyond her professional work, Jo remains deeply involved in advocacy and charitable initiatives. She is a past Trustee and active supporter of the Royal Air Force Club, a livery member of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, a Trustee of Ripples charity and an Ambassador for Global Angels. Her media appearances have included TV, radio and live interviews with people such as Tim Peake and Rachel Riley. And there are not many people who can say that Tom Cruise asked to meet them at the UK premiere of Top Gun: Maverick!

Awarded her MBE by Prince William and an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University, Jo continues to champion leadership that is authentic, inclusive and grounded in purpose. Whether she’s in a cockpit, a boardroom or on stage, her message remains the same: when we lead with courage and clarity, extraordinary things are possible.