Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Mach Speed Mindset with Michelle “Mace” Curran
Host: Mick Hunt ("Realm")
Guest: Michelle “Mace” Curran, former Thunderbird fighter pilot, author, keynote speaker
Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Mick Unplugged features a dynamic and candid conversation between host Mick Hunt and former Thunderbird fighter pilot Michelle “Mace” Curran. The discussion centers on the concept of the "Because"—the core purpose that drives impactful leadership and personal growth. Michelle shares her journey from a small-town Wisconsin upbringing to becoming a trailblazing Air Force pilot and now a leadership speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Key themes include overcoming imposter syndrome, cultivating trust, facing fears, and building confidence under pressure—all informed by Michelle’s unique perspective from inside cockpits and on modern stages.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Discovering Your "Because" (03:27–06:19)

• Mick introduces the idea of the "Because"—a deeper motivator beyond 'Why'.
• Michelle discusses her current "Because":
  • She feels more clarity now than ever, driven by legacy building, empowerment, and the tangible impact she sees through her speaking and writing.
  • "Entrepreneurship is hard and uncertain, but this deeper purpose keeps me running towards the target without hesitation. Maybe naively sometimes, but I absolutely love it." (05:39, Michelle Curran)

Memorable Quote:

“I get to tangibly see the inspiration happen in front of my eyes... It’s not just ‘I feel good,’ it’s ‘I’m going to act accordingly because of that.’”
— Michelle Curran (05:01)

2. Early Life & The Military Path (07:25–11:27)

• Michelle shares Wisconsin upbringing stories—laced with humor (like her dad’s “Beloit” joke).
• Her path to the Air Force:
  • No aviation or military family background, inspired in part by her grandfather’s WWII relics.
  • Attended college on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, initially planning to become an FBI agent, influenced by pop culture ("X-Files").
  • Changed her life trajectory after witnessing her first fighter jets take off:
    “Goosebumps, jaw dropping. I’m like, forget the FBI—how do I go do that?” (10:58, Michelle Curran)

3. Embracing Leadership (11:29–16:48)

• When did Michelle accept her role as a leader?
  • Experienced imposter syndrome due to not formally holding certain military leadership titles.
  • Only after entering civilian life and reflecting for her book did she accept her status as a leader.
  • Leadership is demonstrated in-action, not just by title.

Memorable Quote:

“From an outside perspective, I was leading in so many different ways… But I had a harder time identifying as a leader in general. I definitely stumbled around it for over a decade.”
— Michelle Curran (15:08)

4. Confronting Imposter Syndrome (17:32–21:21)

• Both discuss the prevalence of imposter syndrome.
• Michelle normalizes the experience:
  • Nearly everyone—including C-suite leaders—feels it.
  • Her exercise: Going to war with your inner critic.
    • Name and describe this inner voice to recognize its influence.
    • "Mine’s name is Stan. Now when it shows up, I can choose to ignore it or listen." (20:06, Michelle Curran)
  • Normalize by discussing it with mentors or peers.

5. The New Currency: Building Trust (21:21–25:53)

• Trust as the foundation of modern leadership (esp. for millennials and Gen Z):
  • “Trust is what they crave, trust is what they desire… It’s no longer about your benefits, your 401k package… Can I trust you?” (17:58, Mick Hunt)
• Military aviation offers extreme lessons in trust:
  • Flying in close formation demands absolute trust.
  • The fighter pilot debrief: radical candor + accountability without shame.
    • "When the wing commander fesses up his mistakes the same as I do, that's what creates that trust." (25:36, Michelle Curran)
  • Mistake-sharing accelerates growth, creates psychological safety, and drives high performance.

6. Lessons from "The Flip Side" (26:24–29:07)

• Michelle’s new book, "The Flip Side":
  • Written to be more than 'jet stories'; it’s about addressing fear—especially fear of failure and not being enough.
  • "The fear I dealt with most often was the fear of failure, not the fear of physical harm." (27:33, Michelle Curran)
  • Blends stories with research in psychology.

7. Tools for Facing Fear (32:09–35:56)

• Actionable approach to facing fear:
  • First: acknowledge it—write it down, talk about it.
  • Evaluate the worst-case scenario; plan for it, just like in flight planning.
  • Prepare contingency plans; recognizing fear helps build confidence and resilience.
  • “That can be enough right there… When you plan for the worst case, the scale will tip towards going after the opportunity.” (34:39, Michelle Curran)

8. Rapid-fire Leadership Tactics for Overcoming Self-Doubt (36:05–38:17)

• The SBCs Method: Small, Bold Choices
  • When big leaps feel too daunting, take incremental bold steps.
  • Example: Want a career change? Message 5 people on LinkedIn in your target industry.
    • “It should feel a little bit bold but not so terrifying that it scares you back to stagnation.” (37:01, Michelle Curran)
  • Consistent small actions build confidence and minimize risk.

9. Notable Resources

• Michelle’s website: macecurran.com
• Social: @macecurran on Instagram, LinkedIn

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leadership Identity:
  “I had so many moments where I was a leader… but I had a hard time identifying as a leader in general… Now, three years later… I think writing the book really solidified that for me.” (15:08, Michelle Curran)

• On Trust in High-stakes Teams:
  “Flying as close as 18 inches from another airplane going 400–500 miles an hour… you just have to trust that they’re not going to hit you… After every flight, we have this opportunity for feedback, ownership, and accountability… The purpose is not to shame, it’s because we want to be the best team we can possibly be.” (24:30–25:53, Michelle Curran)

• On Imposter Syndrome:
  “It is such a common thing, but no one talks about it that openly… I realized so many of my decisions were filtered through this inner voice—‘Stan’—made up of society’s expectations…” (19:20-20:07, Michelle Curran)

• On Facing Fear:
  “When we let that [primal] fear propagate to every part of modern life where there’s no saber tooth tigers, that’s where it holds us back… Write down the worst case. When you get it out, you realize it’s not as big a deal—you can weather that storm.” (33:22–35:56, Michelle Curran)

• On Small, Bold Choices:
  “Pick the smallest action step you can take right now… It should feel a little bold, but not so terrifying that it scares you back to stagnation.” (37:01, Michelle Curran)

Fun Rapid-Fire (38:46–41:00)

• Cheese curds over mozzarella sticks (“Wisconsin people get it.”)
• Favorite cheese: Colby cheddar.
• Favorite call sign: “Code Brown” (for cockpit emergencies!).
• How she recharges: The gym—workouts.
• Hype-up song: Not “Danger Zone,” but “Pink Pony Club” and powerful female ballads, including Taylor Swift.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Leadership is an evolving practice—not a title. Embrace the messy middle and learn from every chapter.
• Imposter syndrome is universal. Name the inner critic, talk about it, and support each other.
• Trust is the currency of high-performing teams. Foster psychological safety and transparency.
• Face fear by acknowledging and planning for it. Fear is normal and manageable.
• Build confidence with small, bold choices. Don’t let fear or self-doubt paralyze you.
• You don’t have to do it alone. Find your mentors, your wingmen, your tribe.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:27] – Michelle’s current "Because" and sense of legacy
• [07:25] – Growing up in Wisconsin and her path to aviation
• [11:29] – Accepting responsibility as a leader
• [14:37] – Imposter syndrome and leadership identity
• [17:32] – The reality of imposter syndrome and confronting it
• [21:21] – Trust as the new currency in modern leadership
• [25:53] – Fighter pilot culture and trust-building
• [26:51] – Details about "The Flip Side" book
• [32:09] – Facing fears and practical strategies
• [36:38] – Advice for overcoming self-doubt: Small, Bold Choices
• [38:53] – Rapid-fire Q&A

Final Words

Mick and Michelle wrap with gratitude, humor, and a shared commitment to legacy, action, and authenticity.
Mick’s sendoff:

“Remember: your ‘Because’ is your superpower. Go unleash it.” (42:33)

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking bold, actionable strategies to command confidence, lead with trust, and transform fear into fuel for progress.