066 The Power of Upside Down Dreams with Thunderbird Michelle "Mace" Curran

When Women Fly

Michelle “Mace” Curran is known for her impressive thirteen-year career as a fighter pilot flying F-16s. She went on to serve three years as the only female pilot for Air Force's elite demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, where she was only the second woman to fly as the Lead Solo in the Thunderbird demonstration since the team’s creation in 1953.
It may seem like Michelle always was self-assured and confident, but throughout her journey, Michelle faced feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and lack of confidence. Her story is one of grit, perseverance, and determination.
She recently realized the true gift flight gave her—the ability to help and inspire others to chase their dreams. She now speaks at organizations around the nation to share the lessons she’s learned about overcoming obstacles and gaining self-confidence.
In this episode, Sylvia and Michelle talk about Michelle's path to becoming a fighter pilot, the experience of being a Thunderbird during the pandemic, the flyover at the Superbowl, the power of change to enable dreams, the birth of "Upside Down Dreams", and why she views empathy as her superpower.
Topics Include:
- Navigating college and joining ROTC
- Experience learning to fly and the challenges of initial flight screening
- Confidence and imposter syndrome
- What can you learn from the opportunity to change
- Advice for people experiencing setbacks
- Physical stresses of being an F16 pilot
- Relationships and dating as a pilot
- Importance of debriefing and how this transfers to other areas of life
- Michelle’s transition into public speaking
- Upside Down Dreams
- Empathy as a superpower
- And other topics…
Michelle “Mace” Curran led an impressive career as a Fighter Pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Michelle was only the second woman to fly as the Lead Solo in the Thunderbird demonstration since the team’s creation in 1953.
In 2022, Michelle left active duty to found Upside Down Dreams, where she travels the country speaking to organizations on lessons of grit, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. She’s made appearances on media such as The Kelly Clarkson Show, Glamor, and CBS Evening News, among others.
Resources Mentioned:
Nowhere for Very Long by Briana Madia: https://www.amazon.com/Nowhere-Very-Long-Unexpected-Unconventional/dp/0063047985
Michelle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran/
Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-curran5/
Michelle’s Website: https://macecurran.com/
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