Natalee Johnston
Natalee Johnston is an experienced leader, facilitator and skilled communicator. Natalee became the Royal Australian Navy’s first female pilot. Her naval career spanned 24 years and many roles including; a helicopter pilot, flying instructor, operations officer, commander and respected leader. Natalee’s strength, perseverance and decision making enabled her to survive and thrive in her naval career.

Speaker Categories
- After Dinner Speakers
- Business Speakers
- Diversity and Inclusion Speakers
- Female Motivational Speakers
- Goal Setting Speakers
- Inspirational Speakers
- Leadership Speakers
- Motivational Speakers
- Overcoming Adversity / Resilience Speakers
- Team Building and Teamwork Speakers
- Workplace Safety/ OH&S Speakers
Testimonials for Natalee Johnston
Natalee Johnston was great to work with, she really went above and beyond by reviewing our Awards script pre event and flagging any pronunciation questions. She also researched the finalists so arrived at the studio SUPER prepared. Very impressive!
Two de Force
Lieutenant Commander (RAN Rtd.) Natalee Johnston presented a series of safety culture workshops to more than 100 Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance personnel in support of Defence Safety Week 2018. Natalee focused on the tragic loss of a Royal Australian Navy Sea King helicopter and the resulting loss of all on board, providing an in-depth overview which clearly conveyed the importance of organisational safety culture and the broader values, attitudes, leadership commitment and community expectations beyond work, which collectively drive and influence safety culture. Natalee highlighted the need for ongoing organisational vigilance; in particular the need for leaders to understand their business risks and an inherent need to resource and support measures which manage monitor and evaluate those risks in order to prevent harm to all workers. Additionally, the criticality of ensuring that managers understand motivational pressures placed on their workers to succeed operationally, must be weighed up against worker perception and understanding that safety must not be compromised under any circumstances, against achieving operational outcomes. Natalee’s presentation inspired and motivated all attendees, making a strong impression in developing effective leadership in work health and safety, which features engagement and consultation, allowing managers to make better decisions relating to WHS matters, and striving to reduce work-related death, injury and disease.
WHS&E Manager - Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance
Osborne Naval Shipyard
Fee Range: POA
Natalee Johnston's Biography
Natalee Johnston is an experienced leader, facilitator and skilled communicator. After completing her undergraduate studies and military flying training, Natalee became the Royal Australian Navy’s first female pilot. Her naval career spanned 24 years and many roles including; a helicopter pilot, flying instructor, operations officer, commander and respected leader.
Natalee’s strength, perseverance and decision making enabled her to survive and thrive in her naval career. Any naval helicopter pilot faces many challenges in a dynamic environment, Natalee dealt with the additional obstacle of being one of the only women in a male dominated arena. These challenges only grew as she became a mother and faced some demanding personal decisions.
As a pilot, leader and mother Natalee understands the need for clear and timely decisions. Natalee also recognises the impact a poor decision can have on all aspects of operations, especially if it is not recognised or acknowledged by yourself or the business. Natalee is a confident, accomplished and proven decision maker. She uses her skills within the local community as a Patrol Captain and Trainer at the local Surf Lifesaving Club, and an active member of Women in Aviation International Australian Chapter.
Natalee is trained in Human Factors, soft skills development, risk management, accident investigation and business management. Natalee has a unique story that adds the extra element to her passionate and engaging workshop delivery.
She is a captivating speaker and practiced facilitator who makes learning about decision making interesting and enjoyable. Natalee will provide you with lessons that can improve your professional skills, enhance how you interact with your team and understand the decisions that have been made.
Understanding the how and why can lead to a more cohesive workplace, better decision making and then increased trust throughout the organisation. The combination of qualifications, experience and developed skills makes her the ideal choice to develop you and your team as skilful decision makers.
Speaking Topics Include
Importance of safety and organisational culture
Safety and organisational culture are intertwined as they have such a significant influence on each other. Understanding how they are linked and having the ability to identify when they are failing can not only, save businesses but also lives.
Resilience and perseverance
With opinions and attitudes against her, Natalee’s perseverance and resilience enabled her to become the first female pilot in the RAN. Overcoming the hardest critic, herself, along the way.
Soft skills and decision making
Soft skills are the skills that enable us to effectively interact with our environment and each other. Understanding how they influence our decisions and behaviours significantly contribute to improved leadership, communication and safety. It can be the difference between success and failure.