Kate Munari

Kate Munari's Biography

Kate Munari is the only female Australian Navy pilot to see active service in Afghanistan. As the only female pilot in the workforce of over 150 pilots and aircrew, she completed a four year exchange flying for the Royal Marine Commandos in the UK. Engaging right from the start, Kate will enthral with stories from a harsh and unique workplace and inspire the audience to realise that stereotypes and seemingly insurmountable odds shouldn’t stop them from pursuing their goals.

Kate served in Afghanistan three times as a helicopter pilot, embedded in the British Royal Marine Commando’s Helicopter Force. There she captained mission's day and night into some of the most hostile areas of the war torn country. Helmand Province was her home for almost 12 months. Day time temperatures exceeded 45 degrees, night time temperatures reached below -15 degrees, and throughout it all, Kate was expected to operate at the top of her mental and physical performance, lives depended on it.

Being the only female amongst a workforce of over 150 aircrew at Commando Helicopter Force, living away from family and friends and working in close conditions in the pressure cooker environment of a war zone, were just some of the challenges she faced and successfully overcame.

Confronted with ever changing situations, Kate made critical decisions time and time again, day after day for months on end. This high tempo of operations taught her the skills of planning, prioritization, leadership and practical people management that contributed to three successful tours of Afghanistan.

On return to Australia, Kate was selected to study at the Australian Defence Force’s Capability and Technology Management College, graduating with a Masters in 2013. Returning to flying in 2014, Kate was a Flight Commander flying the MRH90 helicopter at sea on HMAS Canberra, one of Australia’s newest ships followed by her final posting in the Navy as the Operations Officer at 808 Squadron.

Kate has recently retired from the Royal Australian Navy after 17 years of service and has started a new career with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau as an Air Accident Investigator.

Throughout her presentation, Kate will take you on a unique journey to places you have never been and through situations that will have you on the edge of your seat. Her accounts combine a mixture of serious situations, emotionally moving moments and surprisingly humorous accounts of some of the toughest and challenging experiences of her career. Kate is also a motivational speaker who is keen to share her experiences with others. Kate will inspire and motivate audiences to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Speaking Topics Include

Leadership - As a military helicopter pilot, Kate has had up to 40 people’s lives in her hands. Hear how she dealt with this responsibility

Communication - Be it verbal or non-verbal, communication is a fundamental factor in all aspects of work. Kate has had to deal with personalities of all types. Effective communication has been key to her success at every level

Decision Making - Some decisions have no easy answer, but a decision must be made. Hear how Kate made these decisions during her time on operations

Teamwork - Behind every successful leader is a good team. Knowing when to lead and when to follow is vital. Kate was still part of a bigger team and had to play her part

Women in Leadership - Kate shares the subtleties of succeeding in a male dominated work environment, and the trials leading to her gaining the respect of her peers and team members.

Overcoming the Odds - Everyone has dreams and goals. Hear how Kate overcame the odds, to achieve and realise her goal of becoming a military pilot. 

Success During Adversity - Kate shares the challenges she faced and the tools she used to succeed during times of adversity.