923 | Learning to See the Flipside with Michelle "MACE" Curran

In this episode, we speak with Keynote Speaker | Former Fighter Pilot | Leadership Coach | Founder of Upside Down Moments™, Michelle Curran. Michelle is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, renowned for being the only female solo pilot with the elite Thunderbirds demonstration team from 2019 to 2021. She flew more than 150 airshows and served as a symbol of excellence, leadership, and grit. After completing her military service, Michelle founded Upside Down Moments™, where she delivers impactful keynotes that encourage audiences to push past fear and live boldly. As a speaker, author, and mental resilience advocate, Michelle shares her story to empower others to lead with authenticity and courage. HIGHLIGHTS 00:01:00 - Overview of "The Flip Side" 00:04:00 - The Responsibility of Storytelling 00:05:00 - Navigating Self-Doubt 00:06:00 - The Role of Doubt in Career Progression 00:08:00 - Imposter Syndrome in the Military 00:10:00 - Challenges of Being a Female Fighter Pilot 00:12:00 - Coping with Personal and Professional Struggles 00:14:00 - The Pressure of Representation 00:16:00 - The Exhaustion of Navigating Gender Dynamics 00:18:00 - The Importance of Vulnerability 00:20:00 - Fear as a Superpower 00:24:00 - The Thrill of Flying 00:26:00 - Transforming Fear into Action 00:32:00 - Becoming a Thunderbird Pilot 00:36:00 - The Decision to Leave the Air Force 00:40:00 - Transitioning to Speaking and Entrepreneurship 00:43:00 - Embracing the Entrepreneurial Journey 00:45:00 - Building a Support Network Connect with Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran Website: https://macecurran.com/Order Michelle's book, the FLIPSIDE: https://macecurran.com/flipside/ Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster Meet me at the Heart-Wired CEO LIVE Event on November 7th & 8th. Grab your tickets HERE and save $260!! Download FREE "You Are Supported" Hypnosis and Subliminal Bundle HERE Join the next cohort of OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification (kick-off in January 2026) HERE Learn more about changing the Stories We Tell Ourselves Digital Program HERE. Use Code PODCAST to receive 20% off. Code FASTACTION20 Tap the "Follow" button never to miss a show, and if you love the show, please feel free to tag me on social media, share it with a friend, or leave me a rating and review. This helps the show grow! Website: www.marshavanw.comConnect on IG. Click HERESubscribe on YouTube. Click HERE Mentioned in this episode:QUIZOUTSPOKEN AD QUIZ https://nlp.marshavanw.com/ OUTSPOKEN August Cohort: https://www.marshavanw.com/nlp