With the release of the ITSM23 conference agenda just a couple of weeks away, we are delighted to announce our Opening Keynote & Awards Special Guest.
Opening Keynote: Mandy Hickson
Mandy Hickson was one of the first female pilots to serve in a front line Tornado GR4 squadron, playing an active role in the conflict in Iraq. Obsessed with flying from a very young age, Mandy applied to join the RAF while at university. Despite failing the computerised tests twice, instructors passed her application and she was soon on the path to joining an elite group of fast jet pilots.
After twenty years service, she now talks about the personal and strategic lessons learned with frankness and appropriately wry humour. From motivation to decision-making, Mandy gives a vivid insight into the leadership, teamwork and communication required to define and then realise specific goals in high-pressure situations. She also highlights the value of honest and open debriefing after any project or phase; something the Royal Air Force always do, but which businesses often overlook.
Awards Special Guest: Troy Hawke
Milo McCabe is the creator of Troy Hawke, through whom the viral Greeters Guild series was born. Troy is an erudite home-schooled 1930s throwback… the Errol Flynn of the high street. Educated, sophisticated, but utterly clueless.
As well as surprising the Manchester City Team, Peter Andre, Naughty Boy and various other celebrities with off the cuff compliments, he has been performing full time on the domestic and international comedy circuit for the last ten years and has won several awards. His 2019, 2021 and 2022 tours have all sold out as well as his last two Edinburgh runs.
