S2 EP1: Proving Your Credibility with Major Michelle Curran

In this episode, I’m joined by Major Michelle Curran. Michelle has been in the air force for more than 10 years and is the Lead Solo Pilot in the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. During Michelle’s training and career as an Airforce Pilot, she rarely had other females around her and was often the only female in her classes.

I was so thrilled to have her on this show because when one of the first careers that came to mind when I first started this podcast was a fighter pilot. I just don’t know how you can be more badass than that! Although the Airforce has made some great strides over the years, such as allowing women to fly combat aircraft in 1993, there are still very few women who do what she does.

We discuss the foundations of building a good reputation, how you need to pick your battles, the role of a driven and goal-oriented mindset to thrive, and many more.

Episode Highlights:

How growing up in a rural area fostered her sense of adventure
Her parents’ support and guidance in her career
The powerful first-time experience she had with jets as a child
Why she didn’t want to join the military as a teenager
Why she chose the Air Force branch of the military
Why she loves her F-16s
Her day-to-day life as an Airforce Pilot
How the pandemic affected her air shows and life in general
How being athletic played a part in her training and career
Sexist comments and how to deal with them
Her advice for women who want to be in her field

About the guest:

Michelle Curran is a Major in the United States Air Force, serving for about 10 years, and has logged over 1,300 flight hours.

Already in her second season, she currently flies the No. 5 jet in the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron as the Lead Solo Pilot and has been a Thunderbird Pilot since September 2018.

In Afghanistan, she has more than 160 combat hours supporting the Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Operation Resolute Support.

She was formerly a flight commander and an F-16 Instructor Pilot in Texas for three years since 2015.

Prior to this, she was the Chief of Scheduling and F-16 Pilot in Japan from 2012-2015.

She received her training as a student pilot from 2009 to 20011 in Columbus Mississippi and from 2011-2012 in Phoenix Arizona.

In 2009, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from the University of St. Thomas and acquired her commission through Air Force ROTC.

Michelle grew up in a small town in Wisconsin.

In her downtime, she enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, and being with her family.

Connect with Michelle:

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