Workday Playdate 317: A Fighter Pilot Shares how to Flip Your Fears—The Tiny Moves that Build Big Confidence with Michelle "Mace" Curran
In today’s episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Michelle “Mace” Curran—a combat veteran, former fighter pilot, author, and only the second woman ever to fly Lead Solo for the Thunderbirds—to unpack how humor, perspective, and playfulness can transform the way we work and live.
From high-stakes cockpit lessons to everyday team dynamics, Michelle shares why the stakes are usually not as high as we think, how finding humor in our mistakes turns them into fuel instead of fear, and why seeking silver linings is a leadership superpower. Together, Erin and Michelle explore the joy of incorporating playfulness into work, the underrated brilliance of cohesive personal branding, and yes—Michelle’s unapologetic love for true crime podcasts.
If you’ve ever taken yourself way too seriously at work, wished you could see challenges through a lighter lens, or wanted to bring more authenticity and courage into your leadership, this episode flips your perspective.
Inside This Episode:
- High Stakes, Big Perspective: What flying fighter jets teaches you about pressure, perception, and courage.
- Humor as a Power Tool: How laughing at mistakes transforms them into memorable, growth-filled stories.
- Silver Linings 101: Why reframing setbacks builds resilience and joy.
- Playfulness at Work: How small moments of levity can boost morale, creativity, and productivity.
- True Crime & Branding: What Michelle’s personal passions teach us about cohesive, authentic personal branding.
- The Flipside in Action: How to invert your perspective and turn fear into your superpower.
Who This Episode Is For:
- Leaders craving lightness, resilience, and more human connection.
- Professionals looking to integrate play, humor, and authenticity into their workday.
- Anyone eager to learn from a world-class pilot about courage, perspective, and storytelling.
- Listeners seeking practical tools for reframing fear and finding joy at work.
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No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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