Ep. 156 Turning Fear Into a Superpower: Lessons from Thunderbird Pilot and Author Michelle “MACE” Curran

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Michelle “MACE” Curran, U.S. Air Force veteran, former Thunderbird pilot, and author, to explore her extraordinary journey from fighter jets to inspiring audiences around the world. MACE shares how her time in the Air Force—culminating as one of the few female Thunderbird pilots—shaped her approach to leadership, overcoming fear, and finding purpose in high-pressure environments.

Throughout the conversation, MACE dives into the lessons military veterans can bring to civilian life, including resilience, risk management, and mission-focused thinking, while offering practical advice for transitioning into entrepreneurship, speaking, and storytelling. She also discusses the power of mentorship, networking, and leveraging your unique experiences to make an impact beyond the military.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Translating military skills like discipline, focus, and courage into entrepreneurial and civilian success
• Navigating career transitions after service, including choosing purpose over the “easy path”
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear while pursuing bold, unconventional goals
• Building a personal brand and using platforms like LinkedIn to tell your story and create opportunities
• Inspiring the next generation through children’s books and adult storytelling
• The value of mentorship, authentic networking, and giving back to create long-term impact
• Lessons from near-miss experiences, high-stakes decision-making, and leadership under pressure

MACE also shares insights from her books—Upside Down Dreams, What’s Your Call Sign, and The Flip Side: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower—and how she translates lessons from the cockpit into actionable strategies for anyone facing fear, self-doubt, or career pivots. Whether you’re a transitioning veteran, aspiring leader, or someone ready to chase big dreams, this episode provides inspiration, practical guidance, and a roadmap for turning challenges into opportunities.

🔗 Connect with MACE → macecurran.com
🔗 Follow on Instagram → @mace_curran
🔗 Follow on LinkedIn → Michelle “MACE” Curran
🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #AirForce #Leadership #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #PublicSpeaking #Books #Motivation #Mentorship #Networking #MilitaryToCivilian #Resilience #TheMilVetPodcast

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