In this conversation, Michelle Mace Curran, a combat veteran and former F-16 fighter pilot, shares her journey from a shy child with diverse aspirations to becoming a lead solo pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds. She discusses the influences that shaped her career, the challenges she faced as a female pilot, and the importance of resilience and performance in overcoming obstacles. Michelle offers valuable advice for young women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields, emphasizing the need to focus on personal excellence and the meritocracy of performance. In this conversation, Ken shares his experiences as an F-16 pilot, including the physical challenges of flying at high G-forces, the nerves of his first solo flight, and the transition from a military career to the business world. He discusses the importance of inspiring the next generation through children's books and the significance of his call sign, MACE, which reflects his journey and experiences in aviation.

Takeaways

• Michelle's childhood experiences sparked her interest in aviation.

• The journey to becoming a fighter pilot was not straightforward for Michelle.

• Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for high-achieving individuals.

• Being the only woman in her pilot training class highlighted both support and bias.

• Michelle emphasizes the importance of focusing on performance over external perceptions.

• Young women should prioritize being the best at their jobs to gain respect.

• The military environment fosters a unique pressure to perform.

• Training for G-forces is a critical part of becoming a fighter pilot.

• Michelle's experiences in the Thunderbirds involved high G maneuvers regularly.

• Resilience and preparation are key to success in challenging fields. Flying at high G-forces is physically demanding and uncomfortable.

• The first solo flight is a nerve-wracking yet surreal experience.

• Transitioning from military to business requires a shift in mindset.

• Inspiring young girls through relatable children's books is impactful.

• The call sign MACE represents a rite of passage in aviation.

• Celebrating small wins is essential for personal fulfillment.

• Public speaking can be learned through practice and exposure.

• Feeling nervous is common, even for accomplished speakers.

• Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

• Sharing personal stories can inspire others to pursue their dreams.

  
  

  Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michelle Mace Curran

02:56 Early Influences and Aspirations

05:49 The Journey to Becoming a Fighter Pilot

09:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

12:04 Challenges Faced as a Female Pilot

18:13 Advice for Young Women in Aviation

21:04 The Importance of Performance and Meritocracy

23:59 Experiences in Fighter Jet Training

30:47 Experiencing G-Forces in Flight

35:31 The First Solo Flight

38:57 Transitioning from Military to Business

52:19 Writing Children's Books and Inspiring the Next Generation

57:01 The Story Behind the Call Sign MACE

It's another episode with amazing co-host John Skomski and we're exploring the concept of company culture, discussing its importance, signs of toxicity, and how to create a place where people actually want to show up. Enjoy!

Takeaways

• Culture is often misunderstood and dismissed by many employees.
• A toxic culture is characterized by infighting and blame.
• Understanding individual whys is crucial for building a strong culture.
• Timed pathways help align personal and organizational goals.
• Leaders must actively engage with employees to understand their needs.
• A positive culture fosters employee retention and productivity.
• Culture should be simple and straightforward, not theoretical.
• Listening to employees is key to preventing cultural decay.
• Creating a culture of support leads to better business outcomes.
• Leadership plays a vital role in shaping and maintaining culture.

Chapters

00:00
Defining Organizational Culture

03:02
The Importance of Culture in the Workplace

05:51
Signs of a Toxic Culture

08:55
Understanding Individual and Organizational Whys

11:47
Creating Timed Pathways for Success

14:46
Bridging Individual and Company Goals

17:58
Practical Steps to Improve Culture

20:47
The Role of Leadership in Culture

23:45
Conclusion and Call to Action
Follow me on Instagram @ kenruskofficial for daily intrapreneurial motivation

Music:

By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
keywords: organizational culture, workplace culture, toxic culture, employee engagement, leadership, company goals, individual goals, culture improvement, team dynamics, business success

As faithful listeners know, I'm not afraid to try out new topics and formats. Well, today I pull back the curtain on something that's been in the works for over a year. Maybe you'll love it, maybe you won't. Check it out and let me know!

Takeaways

• The idea of 'Two Crappy Chairs' is to challenge the elite speaking circuit.
• The goal is to provide practical, actionable advice for listeners.
• Creating a positive workplace culture is essential for business success.
• Employees should feel empowered to voice their ideas and concerns.
• A toxic work environment often reflects a culture of zero-sum thinking.
• Understanding what employees want is key to improving culture.
• Agency in the workplace allows employees to take ownership of their roles.
• Culture should be defined and assessed regularly within organizations.
• A win for one should not come at the expense of another.
• The conversation encourages a cultural revolution in workplaces.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the experiment

06:01
Relentlessly Practical: A Toolbox for Change

11:59
Empowering Employees: The Key to Success

18:13
Culture as a Reflection of Values

23:48
Conclusion and Call to Action

Follow me on Instagram @ kenruskofficial

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)
keywords: experiment, Two Crappy Chairs, workplace culture, employee empowerment, practical advice, business success, toxic environments, agency, culture definition