Episode 46 - Using the Smart Device Between Your Ears to Get Inspired About Your Future

In this episode, we explore how chasing discomfort can lead to greater growth and success, even in the face of life-altering setbacks. Cran Middlecoat, an aviator, survivor, and motivator, shares his incredible journey from flying jet airliners to facing the devastating end of his airline pilot career due to a serious medical condition. Despite being diagnosed with an Arachnoid Cystic Brain Lesion and undergoing neurosurgery that left him with permanent brain damage, Cran has used this challenge to pivot his career and redefine what failure truly means. Join us as Cran opens up about how failure breeds success, why perfection and practice should never go hand-in-hand, and how discomfort is often the best teacher. Guest Spotlight: Name: Cran Middlecoat Bio: Cran Middlecoat, known as “That Pilot Guy,” is an aviator with thousands of hours in the cockpit, having flown everything from mail runs for the Royal Flying Doctors to jet airliners through the world’s busiest airspace. A Guinness World Record holder, Cran's career was tragically cut short in 2016 when he was diagnosed with an Arachnoid Cystic Brain Lesion, culminating in neurosurgery in 2020 that left him with permanent brain damage. Although his airline pilot career came to an end, Cran now inspires audiences through public speaking, reflecting on three decades in the cockpit and sharing invaluable life lessons on pivoting, embracing discomfort, and redefining failure. Links: Website: CranMiddlecoat.com Social: LinkedIn: Cran Middlecoat Episode Highlights (Optional - with Timestamps): [00:00:00] Introduction to Cran and his lifelong passion for aviation [05:00] The importance of chasing discomfort for growth [10:00] Cran’s journey through the devastating diagnosis and what it taught him about resilience [15:00] Redefining failure: how setbacks are setups for greater success [20:00] The dangers of perfection and why practice should always come before perfection [25:00] Insights from Cran’s favorite places: Edwards Air Force Base and Kennedy Space Centre [30:00] Closing thoughts: Embracing discomfort and using it as a tool for success Podcast Description: Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where we explore the transformative power of perspective and the pivots that shape our lives. Every week, we bring you inspiring stories of growth, failure, and success from people who’ve learned to navigate life’s turbulence with resilience and grace. Whether you're facing a career change, personal challenge, or simply seeking a new way to approach life, this podcast will give you the tools and mindset to turn your pivots into your superpower. Sponsored By: WHOOP: join.whoop.com/sarahthepivoter – Get 30 Free Days and Optimize Your Performance Call to Action: Subscribe to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter on your favorite podcast platform. Like and share this episode with your network. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices