Miracle on the Hudson Survivor Maryann Bruce on Purpose, Perspective & Redefining Success

In this episode of Midlife Remix, I sit down with Maryann Bruce, a remarkable woman whose life was forever changed on US Airways Flight 1549, better known as the Miracle on the Hudson. When Captain Sully said “brace for impact,” Maryann didn’t think she was going to die. She thought about why she had to live.From the moment of impact to the decision that followed—to leave her high-powered executive career behind—Maryann shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, reflection, and renewal.We talk about:- Facing mortality and the clarity that comes with it- The emotional and spiritual aftermath of surviving a plane crash- How Maryann redefined success from title and money to meaning and impact- Her "two P’s" philosophy—and the third one she discovered after the crash- Practical mindsets and habits for living a purpose-driven life- A simple litmus test she uses to help others decide when it’s time to walk awayNow an advocate for women in leadership and board member at organizations like Amalgamated Bank, Maryann proves that you can do well and do good, and that it’s never too late to rewrite your life.Subscribe for more conversations about midlife reinvention, career transitions, and living intentionally: @MidlifeRemixChapters:0:00 – When Sully said "brace for impact"1:14 – Surviving the Miracle on the Hudson4:26 – Becoming the “Diva of Disaster”7:14 – How the crash changed her life8:17 – The missing “P”: Perspective10:32 – Redefining priorities after trauma12:16 – Creating impact through board service15:36 – A new definition of success16:30 – Five mindset shifts that changed her life19:54 – A litmus test for when to walk away21:02 – The one truth that changed everythingQuote of the episode:“It’s as if I went to my own funeral… and didn’t have to die.”#MidlifeRemix #MaryannBruce #MiracleOnTheHudson #CareerChange #LifePurpose #Perspective #ExecutiveCoaching #RedefiningSuccess #StevenMiyao #coachingmetta