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
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