"My Boss Changed my Life"

Training overview

Airline and former Royal Air Force pilot Matt Lindley talks candidly about being one of the first openly gay pilots in the UK Armed Forces. Listen to his journey of having a childhood dream to fly, almost crushed by a ban on gay personnel serving in the Forces.

Matt describes how he consciously suppressed his sexuality and joined an organisation knowing that being 'out' could have resulted in a possible prison sentence. His story is one of self-motivation, determination, and drive. Matt fulfilled a boyhood dream and qualified as a Hawk fighter jet pilot. Soon after qualifying however, high workload, geographical and emotional isolation, together with the work place banter associated a non inclusive culture, resulted in a catastrophic mistake at work.

Matt shares with the audience how a line manager transformed his professional and private life by demonstrating exceptional inclusive leadership, support and trust

But this is not just another 'coming out story', instead Matt uses his experience to discuss how the RAF positively adapted its culture from one of open hostility towards gay personnel, to acceptance and support.