Be unapologetically you

Human factors training

Human factors and competency based training

Analysis from many sectors has indicated that up to 80% of accident causes can be attributed to human factors (Helmreich, 2000).

This means that as leaders, you need to understand the human dimension to your business – which factors enhance performance? They are not new or mysterious skills but are essentially what the most successful team members do to achieve consistently high performance and what everyone else does on a good day.

Mandy works closely with experts and world leaders in the field of competency-based training and assessments. Able to evaluate individual performances and behaviours, she uses proven techniques to help you to protect your business and reputation. Using facilitated training sessions that are designed to be fun but with a serious ‘takeaway’ message, Mandy’s aim is to provide you with practical tools that you can use effectively and daily.

Mandy Hickson at a speaking engagementMandy Hickson
A marquee of images related to human factors training
A marquee of images related to human factors training

The power of

diverse thinking

The crowd at a Mandy Hickson speaking event

Flying fighter jets required every ounce of Mandy’s training and instinct, but it was the diverse perspectives of her team that kept them ahead of the game. Teams with varied backgrounds and viewpoints can tackle complex challenges with creativity, fill in blind spots, and make better decisions. Yet, diversity of thought doesn’t happen by accident – it must be nurtured. There is a need to recognise the benefits that neurodiversity brings to every team.

Leaders need to actively design environments where diverse thinking thrives. This means managing meetings to encourage input, avoiding groupthink, and embracing differences as strengths. When done successfully, the true power of collective intelligence is unlocked, driving innovation and elevating performance.

Mandy Hickson giving a talk

The most effective teams Mandy has worked in were never afraid to speak up. Whether it was challenging an idea, sharing a mistake, or asking a simple question, psychological safety gave them the freedom to operate at their best. Without it, teams withhold critical information, avoid conflict, and collaborate poorly.

Leaders play a crucial role in creating psychological safety. It’s about building a culture where openness isn’t just accepted—it’s expected. When teams feel safe, they share more, trust grows, and performance skyrockets. It’s a simple principle, but one that transforms the way we work together.

When people picture a fighter pilot, they often think of sharp minds and quick reflexes. But success in the cockpit goes far beyond IQ—it’s about EQ, emotional intelligence. The ability to read the room, resolve conflicts, and build relationships is what sets great leaders apart. As AI grows exponentially, it is EQ and human behaviours that will shape your business and give you your identity!

Emotional intelligence isn’t just innate—it’s a skill that can be developed. With practice, anyone can improve their ability to connect with others, manage emotions, and navigate challenging situations. These aren’t just nice-to-have qualities; they’re essential to leading high-performing teams and driving success.

Mandy Hickson