Episode 317: A Fighter Pilot Shares how to Flip Your Fears—The Tiny Moves that Build Big Confidence with Michelle "Mace" Curran

Written By Erin Diehl
 
 
 

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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Michelle “Mace” Curran—a combat veteran, former fighter pilot, and the second woman in history to fly Lead Solo for the Thunderbirds—to explore how humor, perspective, and playfulness can flip even the highest-pressure moments on their head. Through Mace’s cockpit-to-career stories, this episode reveals how finding silver linings and embracing levity can transform your work, your mindset, and your ability to lead with authenticity. 

If you’ve ever felt the weight of self-imposed pressure, struggled to shake off mistakes, or wished you could bring more joy into your workday, this conversation will help you flip the script. Erin and Mace unpack real stories, practical reframes, and playful mindset shifts to help you see challenges with clarity. 

The Stakes Are Usually Not As High as You Think 

Mace shares how flying fighter jets gave her a front-row seat to perspective. Learn why most of what we stress about isn’t life-or-death—and how reframing pressure can help you lead and communicate with greater ease. 

Humor Turns Mistakes Into Stories 

Instead of spiraling when things go sideways, Mace highlights how finding humor in the missteps transforms them into memories—and makes you more resilient, relatable, and brave. 

Seek the Silver Linings 

Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about perspective. Discover how intentionally looking for the upside strengthens emotional intelligence, adaptability, and confidence. 

Playfulness Enhances Productivity 

From the cockpit to corporate life, bringing joy into your work isn’t frivolous—it’s strategic. Erin and Mace explore how play fuels creativity, morale, and connection. 

Cohesive Branding Is Key 

Mace’s love of true crime podcasts sparks a conversation about personal branding—why consistency matters, how authenticity builds trust, and how your “off-duty” interests can strengthen your professional story. 

Your Play Challenge 

This week, press pause when something feels heavy and ask: “Where’s the humor or the hidden lesson in this?” 

Let yourself find the silver lining, lean into levity, and watch how your mindset (and your day) shifts. 

If you’re ready to lead with courage, lighten up your workday, and see challenges from The Flipside, this episode will show you how to turn play, perspective, and boldness into your most powerful leadership tools. 

You’ve tried the Slack hacks, rewriting the meeting agendas, and promised yourself you’d protect your team’s time. But somehow hybrid work still feels like an endless game of communication ping-pong. More messages, more overwhelm. 

Enter The Remote Leader’s Reset: your 5-step guide to lowering the noise, resetting expectations, and helping your team finally exhale. These simple, human-centered resets will help you reduce friction, create clarity, and make your people feel seen—no matter where they’re working from. 

Download it here. 

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) 

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Connect with Michelle “Mace” Curran 

Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! 

 
Erin Diehl
Next

Episode 316: Let’s Talk Feedback: How to Give It, Get It, and Grow From It