Nicole Malachowski First Woman Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, Fighter Squadron Commander, White House Fellow & Adviser, and Indomitable Spirit

Col. Nicole Malachowski

Col. Nicole Malachowski is a trailblazing Air Force veteran, renowned for her resilience in both aviation and health advocacy. As the first woman Thunderbird pilot and a dedicated health advocate, Nicole’s multifaceted journey inspires audiences worldwide.

Col. Nicole Malachowski: Jet Fighter Pilot & Resilient Leader

Col. Nicole Malachowski stands out as more than just a fighter pilot. She’s a seasoned leader with a 21-year Air Force career. As the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, her achievements extend beyond the cockpit and include her work as a White House Fellow and her advocacy work in health and veteran affairs.

Aviation Career and Achievements

Starting her solo flights at sixteen, Nicole progressed quickly in her aviation career. Chosen to fly combat aircraft, she became part of the first wave of women flying modern fighter aircraft. Throughout her service, she’s logged over 2,300 flight hours in six Air Force aircraft and had the significant responsibility of leading the fighter formation that secured Iraq’s democratic elections in 2005.

Service Beyond the Air Force

Her leadership roles didn’t end in the skies. Nicole worked as a White House Fellow and later as the Executive Director of the ‘Joining Forces’ initiative. There, she advised figures like Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden on topics related to service members and their families.

Advocacy in the Face of Personal Adversity

After being diagnosed with a severe tick-borne illness, Nicole became an advocate for others with similar diseases. She actively contributes to the LivLyme Foundation and The Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness, highlighting the pressing need for research and understanding in this field.

Recognitions and Accolades

Nicole’s dedication has led to multiple honors, including being named to the World Economic Forum’s “Global Leaders of Tomorrow.” Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with two Master of Arts degrees and a top honor from the U.S. Naval War College.

Family and Personal Life

Outside her professional roles, Nicole is a mother to twins Garrick and Norah and is married to Paul, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Born in Santa Maria, CA, she has consistently served as an example for both women in the military and those facing health challenges.

Book Nicole for Your Event

Nicole Malachowski offers insights from both her military career and her personal journey. If you’re looking for a speaker who combines experience with authenticity, Nicole fits the bill. Contact us to see how Nicole can add value to your next event.

What people say about Col. Nicole Malachowski

“Colonel Nicole Malachowski is an exceptional speaker who embodies the qualities of a true American hero. She has this innate ability to form a genuine connection with every member of the audience. She’ll effortlessly draw parallels between her high-stakes world, essential business principles, and the challenges we face in our own professional and personal lives…I’ve been so fortunate to have her as a featured keynote at two different companies and she continually showcases her unparalleled expertise as a speaker and scores top audience ratings…With Nicole, you can be confident that every element of the event will be seamlessly orchestrated, resulting in an enjoyable and moving experience for all involved. She truly leaves a lasting impression for every audience member and was our highest ranked speaker at our largest client event of the year. Planning tip – have tissues in the room, there will be tears in the very best way.”

Marketing Director, Private Advisor Group

“Nicole is an engaging, authentic and inspirational speaker who will energize your group. Reckitt Health recently had the pleasure of hearing Nicole address our teams on the importance of trust, courage, vulnerability and pushing the envelope to drive out performance. Working with Nicole was a joy – she was genuinely curious to learn more about our business culture & values so she could tailor her message to be even more relatable to the team. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to engage and inspire their team.”

Reckitt Health

“This shouldn’t come as a surprise…Nicole was a hit. She nailed it out of the park. Standing ‘o’ at the end and the feedback? Incredible. So many people were touched and connected by what she had to say. And let’s not forget what an amazing person she is! I could have talked with her for hours. She was incredible to work with and someone I hope I get to meet again.”

Emcor

“Colonel Nicole Malachowski is an exceptional speaker who embodies the qualities of a true American hero. She has this innate ability to form a genuine connection with every member of the audience. She’ll effortlessly draw parallels between her high-stakes world, essential business principles, and the challenges we face in our own professional and personal lives…I’ve been so fortunate to have her as a featured keynote at two different companies and she continually showcases her unparalleled expertise as a speaker and scores top audience ratings…With Nicole, you can be confident that every element of the event will be seamlessly orchestrated, resulting in an enjoyable and moving experience for all involved. She truly leaves a lasting impression for every audience member and was our highest ranked speaker at our largest client event of the year. Planning tip – have tissues in the room, there will be tears in the very best way.”

“Nicole is an engaging, authentic and inspirational speaker who will energize your group. Reckitt Health recently had the pleasure of hearing Nicole address our teams on the importance of trust, courage, vulnerability and pushing the envelope to drive out performance. Working with Nicole was a joy – she was genuinely curious to learn more about our business culture & values so she could tailor her message to be even more relatable to the team. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to engage and inspire their team.”

“This shouldn’t come as a surprise…Nicole was a hit. She nailed it out of the park. Standing ‘o’ at the end and the feedback? Incredible. So many people were touched and connected by what she had to say. And let’s not forget what an amazing person she is! I could have talked with her for hours. She was incredible to work with and someone I hope I get to meet again.”

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Topics

  • HARNESSING HEADWINDS – SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING CHANGE & ADVERSITY
  • PUSHING THE ENVELOPE – BEING THE BEST WHEN IT COUNTS
  • BREAKING BARRIERS – CONQUERING SELF-DOUBT AND CULTURAL PARADIGMS
  • CONQUERING FOG AND FRICTION – LEADING THROUGH TIMES OF CRISIS
  • THE MACH 2 MINDSET – DECISION-MAKING IN A HIGH-SPEED ENVIRONMENT