What if the secret to overcoming imposter syndrome isn't getting rid of your fear, but learning to invert your perspective and use it as fuel?
In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney sits down with Michelle "Mace" Curran, a former F-16 fighter pilot and lead solo pilot for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. As only one of two women in history to hold that title, Michelle has flown inverted inches from her wingman at 500 mph—all while battling the same inner critic that many high-achieving women face in the boardroom.
Michelle shares how she moved from a shy, introverted high-achiever to a decorated combat veteran, revealing the mental discipline required to override survival instincts and the power of "call sign culture" in building psychological safety.
Inside the Episode:
- Training Over Instinct: Michelle explains how the "insane" maneuvers of an air show are actually the result of thousands of hours of repetition, and how that same building of competence is the foundation for confidence in any male-dominated career.
- The Survival Brain in the Boardroom: How to distinguish between real physical danger and the primal fear of social judgment. Michelle shares her "zoom out" method to get worst-case scenarios out of your head and onto paper.
- The "Costume" of Confidence: Michelle opens up about her early career struggles in Japan, where she felt like she had to wear a "Type A costume" to belong, and the shock to her identity when she realized she couldn't be a "golden child" on day one.
- The Inner Voice vs. The Verdict: A breakdown of how to identify your inner critic—Michelle’s looked like a "tactical older male pilot"—and why recognizing the source of that voice takes away its power.
- MACE: The Call Sign Story: The vulnerable story behind Michelle's call sign (Mock At Circle Entry) and how a near-catastrophic mistake involving 9 G-forces became her ultimate badge of honor.
- Call Sign Culture & Safety: Why having a nickname based on a mistake is actually a tool for psychological safety, encouraging a "debrief culture" where even the highest-ranking leaders openly admit their errors.
- Inverting Your Perspective: A look at Michelle’s book, The Flip Side, and how to use the "action creates confidence" loop to navigate moments where "the shit hits the fan."
If you’re waiting to "feel ready" before chasing your biggest dreams, this episode is the reality check you need to start taking action in the presence of doubt.
🔗 Resources:
- Get Michelle’s book: The Flip Side: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower.
- Learn more about Michelle Curran at Upside Down Dreams.
- Connect with Erica Rooney on LinkedIn.
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