#99: Fighter Pilot to Influential Speaker with Michelle Curran

“Once I was there, I got to see just how impactful interacting with people could be, especially little girls and young women. I loved that part of the job. It was the most rewarding and most fulfilling part.” — Michelle Curran In this episode of Make Your Move, you'll hear from an extraordinary force of nature, Michelle "Mace" Curran. Michelle's career is awe-inspiring as a former Air Force F-16 fighter pilot and elite Thunderbird demonstration pilot. She's carved a place in aviation history, proving there is no limit if you push the boundaries of what's possible. You can also dive into her story in The Military Effect by Scott Manthorne, chapter 32. Becoming a Thunderbird is a challenge few can meet—it's a test of skill, grit, and relentless dedication. Michelle recounts the focus and support it took to earn her place on this prestigious team. Her journey didn't stop when she hung up her flight suit. Transitioning into public speaking, she had to master a completely different set of skills and learn to connect with audiences in a new way. Her transition will leave you intrigued and inspired. Michelle's authenticity shines through as she shares the honest truth. Success on stage required as much discipline as her time in the cockpit; she embraced the need for growth. Listen to the full episode to hear her story of continual evolution, from the adrenaline of fighter jets to the excitement of inspiring others from the stage. Visit themilitaryeffect.com, read Scott Manthorne's book, and listen to each weekly episode of Make Your Move to learn more. By challenging your assumptions and understanding the incredible impact veterans have and continue to have, we can create a better future for all of us.   WHAT’S IN THIS EPISODE Transition to Post-Military Career A Speaker's Craft and Business Discussion on Thunderbirds Business Advice and Networking   YOUR MOVE Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e99 Connect with Gene on linkedin.com/in/genemoran or visit genemoran.com Connect with Michelle Curran on LinkedIn, Instagram, or at macecurran.com