Building Confidence When You Don’t Feel Ready

You don’t have to be fearless to be brave. In this episode of XO Conversations, Dr. Rishma Walji sits down with Michelle “Mace” Curran, former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird fighter pilot and author of The Flip Side, to explore how courage really works — in the air and in life. From blacking out mid-flight at nine times the force of gravity to performing in front of millions as one of the few women fighter pilots in the world, Michelle’s story is about more than speed and precision. It’s about what happens after the fear hits — and how to move anyway. Together, they dive into: ✈️ What fighter jets taught her about failure and control 💭 How to separate self-worth from performance 🪞 Why courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the pause before reaction 🌱 How to build confidence through recovery, not perfection 💡 The real meaning of starting before you’re ready Whether you’re standing at the edge of a big decision or simply craving more confidence in everyday life, this conversation will remind you that bravery starts with one small, honest step. 🎧 Listen if you’re ready to: Overcome self-doubt and imposter feelings Reframe failure as feedback Build courage in uncertainty Learn from one of the few women fighter pilots in the world Watch on YouTube: Learn more: macecurran.com More Resources: livingxo.com/resources Engage & Connect: Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes. Gifts for Listeners: Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!