Jo Salter is famed for becoming the first female fast jet pilot, having flown the Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft during her services in the Royal Air Force. Joining the RAF aged 18, Jo has since taken Air Cadets into the skies as part of Air Experience Flights and become the Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PWC. Having developed first-class expertise in leadership, analytical thinking and performing under pressure, Jo is now a highly sought-after public speaker to share stories from her time in the skies.
Aged 18, Jo joined the Royal Air Force and began her studies at the Royal Military College of Science. Initially passionate to become an engineering officer, Jo’s decisions made a U-turn when it was announced that women would be allowed to pilot jet aircraft. In 1992, Jo earned her wings to fly and she later completed her fast jet training at the end of the year. Becoming a Flight Lieutenant of 617 Squadron, Jo went on to claim the title of the first female fast jet pilot. Since then, Jo has piloted flights in the Air Cadets Air Experience Flights and inspired countless budding armed service members to pioneer a male-dominated sector.
Since leaving the military behind, Jo has established a strong business career working in roles such as Head of Technical Services for NetConnect, European Operations Manager for Automated Power Exchange and Managing Director of Saltin Ltd.
Jo is a passionate Trustee of The Royal Air Force Club and an Ambassador of the Global Angels charity, an organisation that gives communities around the world access to clean water, education, healthcare and encourages female and youth empowerment. Jo has also authored two books, titled Energy: 52 Ways to Fire Up Your Life and Become an Energy Angel and Energize: Spring Clean Your Mind and Body to Get Your Bounds Back Today and Every Day. In recognition of her achievements throughout her career, Jo has also been named as one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in the World by Harpers & Queen. She is now working as the Director of Global Transformation Leadership at PWC, after working in other roles such as Director of Risk Technology Strategy, Director Chief of Staff to Head of Technology & Investments and the Director of People & Organisations. In 2022, Jo was invited personally by Tom Cruise to attend the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.