#0036 - Michelle "MACE" Curran - Thunderbird Pilot “Be Bold. Be Brave”


In this episode of the Harder Not Smarter podcast, host Kevin and Greg sit down with Michelle “MACE” Curran, a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot. Michelle shares her journey from being a shy child with social anxiety to becoming a public figure and a role model for women in aviation. She discusses the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, the rigorous selection process to become a Thunderbird, and the pressures of being a public figure in a male-dominated field. Michelle also reflects on the physical demands of flying, the importance of support systems, and her transition after leaving the Thunderbirds. In this engaging conversation, Michelle Curran shares her experiences as a Thunderbird pilot and her transition to entrepreneurship. The discussion highlights the lack of support for physical fitness and mental health in the military, the challenges of public speaking, and the importance of maintaining a strong social media presence. Michelle also reveals the story behind her call sign and emphasizes the significance of physical fitness in achieving personal and professional success. Show Links  Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI  Join us here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠   Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music.  https://linktr.ee/harder_not_smarterMichelle’s Linkshttps://macecurran.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran/https://www.facebook.com/macecurran/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michelle Curran and the Thunderbirds 01:29 Michelle's Background and Overcoming Shyness 15:51 Applying and Joining the Thunderbirds 36:07 The Physical and Mental Demands of Being on the Thunderbirds 36:49 Challenges Faced by Thunderbird Pilots 45:31 Lack of Support and Resources for Pilots 50:25 Transitioning from the Military to Entrepreneurship 01:05:01 The Importance of Problem-Solving and Creativity in Entrepreneurship 01:06:57 The Fulfillment and Challenges of Entrepreneurship 01:08:15 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt: The Power of Vulnerability 01:09:40 The Impact of Speaking Engagements: Inspiring and Motivating Others 01:13:16 The Process of Getting Published: From Manuscript to Children's Books 01:16:28 The Significance of Call Signs: Stories Behind the Names 01:19:39 The Importance of Physical Fitness for Mental Health and FocusTakeaways Michelle overcame her childhood shyness to become a public speaker. Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for high achievers. Public speaking skills can be developed through practice and exposure. The pressure of being a role model can be overwhelming. The selection process for the Thunderbirds is highly competitive. Life as a Thunderbird pilot is physically demanding and exhausting. Nutrition and health support for pilots is often lacking. Chronic pain can be a significant issue for fighter pilots. The importance of representation in aviation for young girls. Transitioning from a high-profile role to civilian life can be challenging.  Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding. Public speaking can provide a platform for sharing personal narratives and inspiring others. Social media is a powerful tool for building a personal brand and connecting with audiences. Call signs in the military often have humorous or embarrassing origins. Finding autonomy in one's career can lead to greater satisfaction and success. Vulnerability can be a powerful tool in connecting with others and fostering success. Keywords Michelle Curran, Thunderbird pilot, imposter syndrome, public speaking, role model, Air Force, fighter pilot, aviation, women in aviation, overcoming challenges, military support, entrepreneurship, public speaking, social media, call sign, physical fitness, mental health, personal growth, vulnerability, success