From pushing the limits at 1,500 mph to pushing past fear in everyday life, Michelle Curran—also known by her call sign “MACE”—joins Kate to share what it truly means to lead with courage. As a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the only female solo demonstration pilot with the Thunderbirds from 2019–2021, Michelle spent years performing high-speed, high-stakes maneuvers before live audiences of thousands. But the story behind the uniform is even more remarkable.

Michelle opens up about the mental and emotional challenges that came with life in the cockpit: navigating imposter syndrome, learning how to trust herself and her team under immense pressure, and making the decision to walk away from an elite role to find deeper alignment and purpose. She and Kate talk about what it really means to face fear—not by eliminating it, but by choosing to act anyway.

This episode explores the power of vulnerability in leadership, how to build self-trust through action, and why chasing perfection can actually hold us back. Whether you’re facing a major decision or just trying to show up more fully in your life, Michelle’s story will leave you inspired to stop overthinking, start trusting yourself, and go full throttle toward the life you truly want.

If this episode speaks to you, please share with a friend, leave a comment, and drop a review—I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway!

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:00 ) Fear, Flight & Fighting to Belong

(00:13:48 ) The Pressure to Perform & The Masks We Wear

(00:25:32 ) When the Dream Doesn’t Fit the Personality

(00:39:20 ) Leaving the Thunderbirds—and Everything They Represented

(00:51:39 ) Turning Fear Into Fuel & Reclaiming Identity

(00:57:44 ) Mistakes, Call Signs & Embracing Your Whole Self

Resources:

• Website: macecurran.com

• The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower by Michelle ‘MACE’ Curran

• Instagram: instagram.com/mace_curran

• Facebook: facebook.com/macecurran

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/macecurran

Connect with Kate:

• Watch the episode on YouTube

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• Website

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