In this episode, we welcome Michelle "MACE" Curran, former F-16 fighter pilot and lead solo for the USAF Thunderbirds, who shares her journey from a small-town girl to making history in one of the world’s most elite demonstration teams. Michelle opens up about the intense pressure of flying high-stakes missions, the grit required to break barriers as a female fighter pilot, and the lessons learned in the cockpit that now fuel her motivational speaking and writing career. We dive into topics like overcoming self-doubt, embracing vulnerability, and how to lead with authenticity—both in the air and on the ground. Whether you're looking to conquer personal challenges or gain insights on elite performance, this episode delivers actionable wisdom and an inspiring story of defying the odds and pursuing bold goals.
MACE’s Links:
https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran
https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/
Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Business and Life 02:19 The Power of Vulnerability 07:56 Embracing Fear and Taking Risks 13:50 Adaptability in High-Stakes Environments 23:34 The Mindset of a Fighter Pilot 33:22 The Importance of Humility, Approachability, and Credibility 35:35 Vulnerability in High-Stakes Environments 42:05 Navigating Identity and Stereotypes in the Military 51:57 Finding Authenticity Beyond the Uniform 01:00:57 The Perspective of Death and Living Authentically 01:08:31 Reframing Regret: A New Perspective 01:11:28 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 01:14:27 Identifying and Maintaining Energizing Relationships 01:18:29 Future Aspirations: Speaking and Writing 01:22:25 Advice to My Younger Self: Embracing Vulnerability and Connection
