Fighter pilot Michelle "Mace" Curran returns for Part 2 of her conversation with Dwayne Kerrigan and this one opens with a near head-on collision at roughly 1,000 mph closure speed during a Thunderbirds training pass.
In this episode, Michelle breaks down "the space between": the pause between feeling fear and deciding what to do with it. She walks through the physical disruptor a flight instructor taught her (wiggling her toes) to break out of over-control under pressure, the neuroscience behind why it works, and how the Thunderbirds' hiring process prioritizes personality and composure over raw technical skill. She also shares the real story behind her call sign "Mace," her strict self-care "bubble" routine during her third year flying with the Thunderbirds, and why she sees fear as a signal rather than a stop sign for pilots and entrepreneurs alike.
If you haven't caught Part 1, go back and watch first.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Competence Over Noise
00:30 Meet Michelle “Mace” Curran
01:19 Imposter Syndrome Pivot
02:49 Bravery And Fear
07:23 Space Between Fear
12:33 Near Midair Story
15:28 Toe Wiggle Reset
24:30 High Performance Habits
30:42 Hiring For Traits
35:55 Thunderbirds Tryouts
38:15 Pressure And Prep
38:44 Working Interview Weekends
40:06 Downtime Reveals Drive
41:07 Panels And Perception Bias
42:59 Women In Fighter Aviation
45:44 DEI Noise And Competence
49:26 Media Vs Real Life
53:30 Leadership And Future Impact
57:44 Confidence Through Setbacks
58:43 Self Care For Performance
01:01:03 Wrap Up And Where To Find
01:03:16 Call Signs And Failure Lessons
01:07:35 Final Thanks And Subscribe
Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs and high performers who've built something real. What's the "space between" moment in your own life — the pause where you chose fear or courage?
Tell us in the comments.
Connect with Michelle
Website: https://macecurran.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macecurran/
Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/
Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.com
Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.
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