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The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower
Former Thunderbird Lead Solo Michelle "MACE" Curran provides a blueprint for converting your fear into a strength based on the hard-earned lessons she learned in the cockpit and beyond.
Michelle Curran can fly an F-16 fighter jet upside down, but she’s afraid of spiders. And tight spaces. During high altitude chamber training, she wondered if her fellow airmen—and they were all men—could tell she was panicking under her oxygen mask. Yet she flew sorties in Afghanistan and served as Lead Solo for the Thunderbirds, performing in aerial showcases nationwide—often upside down. All this, while grappling with what was, to her, an even bigger opponent: imposter syndrome. In time, she learned how to turn fear into strength and self-doubt into confidence. Most of all, she learned how to make uncomfortable choices by flipping her perspective, like her jet, upside down.
In The Flipside, Michelle “MACE” Curran addresses how fear tends to force us back into our comfort zones and onto autopilot. She shares lessons she learned from high-stakes missions and life-defining moments, helping readers unlock their resilience to face life’s challenges with courage—and ultimately, rise above.
Michelle Curran can fly an F-16 fighter jet upside down, but she’s afraid of spiders. And tight spaces. During high altitude chamber training, she wondered if her fellow airmen—and they were all men—could tell she was panicking under her oxygen mask. Yet she flew sorties in Afghanistan and served as Lead Solo for the Thunderbirds, performing in aerial showcases nationwide—often upside down. All this, while grappling with what was, to her, an even bigger opponent: imposter syndrome. In time, she learned how to turn fear into strength and self-doubt into confidence. Most of all, she learned how to make uncomfortable choices by flipping her perspective, like her jet, upside down.
In The Flipside, Michelle “MACE” Curran addresses how fear tends to force us back into our comfort zones and onto autopilot. She shares lessons she learned from high-stakes missions and life-defining moments, helping readers unlock their resilience to face life’s challenges with courage—and ultimately, rise above.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
74 people are currently reading
2911 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 30, 2025
I picked up "The Flipside" with a bit of skepticism, expecting yet another self-help book filled with recycled wisdom and feel-good platitudes. What I found instead was a delightful surprise that had me hooked from the very first page. Mace Curran doesn’t just share insights; she takes you on a thrilling ride through her experiences as a fighter pilot and beyond, weaving personal stories into lessons that feel not only relatable but refreshingly applicable to everyday life.
What stands out most is Mace's vulnerability. She shares her journey with a sense of humor and authenticity that makes you feel like you’re chatting with an old friend rather than reading a book. Each anecdote is rich with emotion, often making me laugh out loud or pause to reflect on my own fears and aspirations. It’s an incredible balance—motivating without ever slipping into the cliché territory that so many books fall into.
As I turned each chapter, I found myself underlining passages more than I anticipated. Mace has a gift for storytelling; these aren’t just generic tales but vivid, high-stakes moments that draw you in and challenge you to rethink what you believe about fear, failure, and taking bold action. Her insights linger long after you’ve closed the book, inviting you to embrace life with a newfound courage and perspective.
In short, if you’re searching for a book that feels like a heartfelt conversation with a friend who just happens to have a wealth of life experiences as a fighter pilot, look no further than "The Flipside." It’s a journey worth taking, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
September 14, 2025
I never thought a book about a fighter pilot would hit so close to home, but Michelle Curran makes it feel like she's talking right to you. She's funny, honest, and incredibly open about fear and self-doubt, which makes her story that much more powerful. Her experiences in the cockpit turn into lessons about everyday life. You don't need to love aviation to love this. It's about the small moments of bravery we all need and the kind of courage that fits into everyday life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 7, 2025
WHERE do I start? The Flipside is going to be a 'before and after' read for so many people-- you'll be thinking about how small you were playing in your life before you read it, and choosing to live a new story after you fly through this book. No pun intended. This is packed with practical advice for letting fear become a helpful force in your life instead of keeping you down-- all wrapped up in thrilling, vulnerable storytelling. MACE brings you into her world of higher stakes than most of us will ever experience, but expertly relates her own adventures-- both triumphs and 'failures'-- to the everyday moments of we who will never be in the cockpit of a fighter jet. If you're craving a book that will actually light a fire under you AND give you practical tools to go do something about it-- looking no further. And for the fun of it, I definitely recommend reading The Flipside on a flight. ;)
September 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Her storytelling was well done and the advice/steps were both meaningful and actionable.
September 16, 2025
I love "Mace" Curran and was super excited about her book.
I love a lot of the people the cited like Brene Brown, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
A great listen!!
I love a lot of the people the cited like Brene Brown, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
A great listen!!
September 20, 2025
I was Leary of this book, afraid it might be just another boring self-help book. I was wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the author’s experiences as a fighter pilot and how to apply what she learned to “real life.” She is a brave but humble woman who sets a great example for young and old.
October 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book; it gave me a lot of perspective that being silent when you have something to say can cause more harm than good. Finding the good in a bad situation is something I’m already pretty good at, but I struggle bad with imposter syndrome and it was interesting to hear someone else, at a very high level, struggles too.
This was a quick book to get through, read very well, and I got a lot from it.
This was a quick book to get through, read very well, and I got a lot from it.
September 28, 2025
Authentic, emotional, and refreshingly real.
I’ve been a fan of Mace Curran since her Thunderbirds days, so The Flipside was at the top of my reading list — and it did not disappoint.
What I love most is how Mace brings you into her world — not just the flights and the missions, but the mindset shifts behind them. She writes with authenticity and warmth, and a bit of humor, turning complex experiences into stories and takeaways that stick with you long after you’ve put the book down.
As a former Air Force aircraft maintainer, her words struck a deeply personal chord. While she was in the cockpit breaking barriers, I was on the flight line in an AFSC in which there were only two other women training for during my 5 months at tech school and only one other at each of my subsequent duty stations. Her book brought back the grit, isolation, and pride of being part of that small percentage — and reminded me how far women have come in roles like ours.
This isn’t a typical self-help book. It’s powerful, authentic, and motivating without clichés — a true guide to turning fear into a superpower. Highly recommend to anyone looking for inspiration and a fresh perspective on courage, growth, and embracing bold action.
I’ve been a fan of Mace Curran since her Thunderbirds days, so The Flipside was at the top of my reading list — and it did not disappoint.
What I love most is how Mace brings you into her world — not just the flights and the missions, but the mindset shifts behind them. She writes with authenticity and warmth, and a bit of humor, turning complex experiences into stories and takeaways that stick with you long after you’ve put the book down.
As a former Air Force aircraft maintainer, her words struck a deeply personal chord. While she was in the cockpit breaking barriers, I was on the flight line in an AFSC in which there were only two other women training for during my 5 months at tech school and only one other at each of my subsequent duty stations. Her book brought back the grit, isolation, and pride of being part of that small percentage — and reminded me how far women have come in roles like ours.
This isn’t a typical self-help book. It’s powerful, authentic, and motivating without clichés — a true guide to turning fear into a superpower. Highly recommend to anyone looking for inspiration and a fresh perspective on courage, growth, and embracing bold action.
November 12, 2025
I enjoyed this practical guide for conquering fear and acting boldly to create "pinch me "moments in our lives. Further summary below:
1. Fear is not the enemy — it’s intel
Curran emphasizes that fear doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong; rather, it’s a signal that you need to pay attention, shift your mindset, or act.
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
In her words: “Fear is Intel.”
Michelle MACE Curran
Take-away: Instead of trying to eliminate fear (which is futile), ask what it’s telling you and let it inform your next move.
2. Flip your perspective (the “Flipside” mindset)
One of her central metaphors is flying your jet upside-down and flipping your viewpoint. Curran encourages looking at problems from a different angle — “Invert Your Perspective.”
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: When you feel stuck (in a career pivot, in giving difficult feedback, in personal growth), change the frame. What would you see if you were “upside down”? What assumptions could you drop?
3. “Wiggle Your Toes Reset” — a physical reset for panic or overwhelm
Curran provides a concrete tool: a 10-second physical interrupt (in her case in a fighter-jet cockpit) to regain composure before emotion or autopilot takes over.
Michelle MACE Curran
Take-take how this might map to your world (HR/leadership/training): When a manager is about to deliver a corrective-action conversation and feels stuck (or fear of backlash), they might use a physical or mental reset (“go to your toes” metaphorically) to pause and re-center.
4. Focus on the “Closest Alligator”
In the book’s outline, Chapters highlight “Focus on the Next Closest Alligator” — meaning: when everything seems overwhelming, pick the nearest urgent issue (not the far-off fears) and act.
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: In organizational or personal change, the biggest barrier is often inaction. Picking one next step rather than trying to plan the whole 2-year horizon avoids paralysis.
5. Comfort vs. Uncomfortable Uncertainty
Curran argues that staying in “comfortable misery” (what you know) is easier than embracing “uncomfortable uncertainty” (what you could be). She dedicates a chapter to “Don’t Get Stuck in the Comfortable Misery.”
Michelle MACE Curran
Take-away: For your coaching/training work, you could challenge leaders to identify where they or their teams are choosing the “known pain” rather than risking growth for a potential better state.
6. Mistakes refine you; imposter syndrome is real
From her own experience (fighter pilot, etc) Curran weaves in how mistakes and self-doubt (including imposter syndrome) aren’t disqualifiers — they can be refining. One chapter: “Go to War with Your Inner Critic.”
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: Especially relevant to leaders giving difficult feedback or facing write-ups/terminations: the narrative isn’t “I must be perfect” but rather “I must show up, learn, adjust, lead.” Your audience of credit-union managers could benefit from this reframing.
7. Boldness = Bridge between slim chances and big opportunities
Her final chapter (Chapter 12) is titled: “You’re Saying There’s a Chance” — signalling that boldness (taking a chance) turns possibility into action.
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: As you develop your Opportunity Leadership Model, this idea aligns with “Opportunity Quotient” — that seeing possibility and acting despite fear yields growth.
1. Fear is not the enemy — it’s intel
Curran emphasizes that fear doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong; rather, it’s a signal that you need to pay attention, shift your mindset, or act.
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
In her words: “Fear is Intel.”
Michelle MACE Curran
Take-away: Instead of trying to eliminate fear (which is futile), ask what it’s telling you and let it inform your next move.
2. Flip your perspective (the “Flipside” mindset)
One of her central metaphors is flying your jet upside-down and flipping your viewpoint. Curran encourages looking at problems from a different angle — “Invert Your Perspective.”
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: When you feel stuck (in a career pivot, in giving difficult feedback, in personal growth), change the frame. What would you see if you were “upside down”? What assumptions could you drop?
3. “Wiggle Your Toes Reset” — a physical reset for panic or overwhelm
Curran provides a concrete tool: a 10-second physical interrupt (in her case in a fighter-jet cockpit) to regain composure before emotion or autopilot takes over.
Michelle MACE Curran
Take-take how this might map to your world (HR/leadership/training): When a manager is about to deliver a corrective-action conversation and feels stuck (or fear of backlash), they might use a physical or mental reset (“go to your toes” metaphorically) to pause and re-center.
4. Focus on the “Closest Alligator”
In the book’s outline, Chapters highlight “Focus on the Next Closest Alligator” — meaning: when everything seems overwhelming, pick the nearest urgent issue (not the far-off fears) and act.
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: In organizational or personal change, the biggest barrier is often inaction. Picking one next step rather than trying to plan the whole 2-year horizon avoids paralysis.
5. Comfort vs. Uncomfortable Uncertainty
Curran argues that staying in “comfortable misery” (what you know) is easier than embracing “uncomfortable uncertainty” (what you could be). She dedicates a chapter to “Don’t Get Stuck in the Comfortable Misery.”
Michelle MACE Curran
Take-away: For your coaching/training work, you could challenge leaders to identify where they or their teams are choosing the “known pain” rather than risking growth for a potential better state.
6. Mistakes refine you; imposter syndrome is real
From her own experience (fighter pilot, etc) Curran weaves in how mistakes and self-doubt (including imposter syndrome) aren’t disqualifiers — they can be refining. One chapter: “Go to War with Your Inner Critic.”
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: Especially relevant to leaders giving difficult feedback or facing write-ups/terminations: the narrative isn’t “I must be perfect” but rather “I must show up, learn, adjust, lead.” Your audience of credit-union managers could benefit from this reframing.
7. Boldness = Bridge between slim chances and big opportunities
Her final chapter (Chapter 12) is titled: “You’re Saying There’s a Chance” — signalling that boldness (taking a chance) turns possibility into action.
Michelle MACE Curran
+1
Take-away: As you develop your Opportunity Leadership Model, this idea aligns with “Opportunity Quotient” — that seeing possibility and acting despite fear yields growth.
October 6, 2025
I finished the book last week, of all places, in an airplane. It was a commercial plane, so thankfully we were not in the flipside. 😉
NO SPOILERS- I am a rabid consumer of books that offer positive ways of thinking and "self-help." Dale Carnegie, Zig Zigler, Kenneth Blanchard, Stephen Covey, David Goggins, Robert Ringer, and the legendary Tony Robbins, and more. I even did a live 3-day TR course. The Flipside is right up there with all of those, and in my opinion surpasses all of them for me with the possible exception of TR, and only because he has been at it for decades.
The Flipside is so high for me (pun intended) because it is relatable and immediately actionable. I have already internalized and taken action on things I read in this book. Real stories that she compares to the non-military world, and then references modern life (Facebook, Google, etc.,) all fits in with how we live our lives today.
I also enjoyed the personal insights and peeks into her personal life, early career, and the aviation stories. Being vulnerable and authentic, Michelle has written a book that stands out. It is both entertaining and helpful.
NO SPOILERS- I am a rabid consumer of books that offer positive ways of thinking and "self-help." Dale Carnegie, Zig Zigler, Kenneth Blanchard, Stephen Covey, David Goggins, Robert Ringer, and the legendary Tony Robbins, and more. I even did a live 3-day TR course. The Flipside is right up there with all of those, and in my opinion surpasses all of them for me with the possible exception of TR, and only because he has been at it for decades.
The Flipside is so high for me (pun intended) because it is relatable and immediately actionable. I have already internalized and taken action on things I read in this book. Real stories that she compares to the non-military world, and then references modern life (Facebook, Google, etc.,) all fits in with how we live our lives today.
I also enjoyed the personal insights and peeks into her personal life, early career, and the aviation stories. Being vulnerable and authentic, Michelle has written a book that stands out. It is both entertaining and helpful.
November 16, 2025
I love fighter pilots memoirs and that was the prior reason of my purchase, only to find out that this book is more focused in self improvement. I wasnt disappointed though. Miss Curran is an amazing person, a very educated and humble woman that speaks in a very kind and friendly tone to your heart. Going through tough times she became a real master of flipping failure and shame to a positive mindset for wining and fireworks! I appreciated the funny and down to earth approach and the lack of cursing was the cheffs kiss. If i had to complain about something it would be that Mace tries to stack as much advice as she can in a chapter and at times you feel bombadized with information that keeps popping relentlessly. Much like a two hour speaking session that all aspects must be covered and there is little time for your mind to process what you ve just received. Mace if you are reading this, thank you both for your service and the great read. How about the next one being a novel inspired from the movie "allied"? Flipside? Mission accomplished in flying colors!
September 17, 2025
Thanks for bringjng me along Mace
Gosh, this book is what I expected as an air show fan!
I miss Mace, ok. A lot. Mace left everything out there in her Viper - vapes, smoke, formation flying and yes oh yes afterburner! Maybe because Mace also worked out in the gym for us airshow fans - and her back - to be the best version of herself and inspire others.
Just as Mace let us peek into what makes Mace tick. From the true origin of her call sign to her many struggles, Mace now has written a book not to make you another fighter pilot but the same kind of decisive thinking that can build a better you.
You'll learn how to address fear, back pain, imposter syndrome and sadly harassment. Oh and adapt to have post traumatic growth to heal.
I intend to recommend this tour de force book to many! You go Mace!!!!!!!
Gosh, this book is what I expected as an air show fan!
I miss Mace, ok. A lot. Mace left everything out there in her Viper - vapes, smoke, formation flying and yes oh yes afterburner! Maybe because Mace also worked out in the gym for us airshow fans - and her back - to be the best version of herself and inspire others.
Just as Mace let us peek into what makes Mace tick. From the true origin of her call sign to her many struggles, Mace now has written a book not to make you another fighter pilot but the same kind of decisive thinking that can build a better you.
You'll learn how to address fear, back pain, imposter syndrome and sadly harassment. Oh and adapt to have post traumatic growth to heal.
I intend to recommend this tour de force book to many! You go Mace!!!!!!!
October 3, 2025
She’s a rockstar. The adversity she endured in her chosen profession was disheartening to read. To this day, she’s only one of five women to fly for the Thunderbirds; the second to fly the lead solo slot (#5…which, if you know the team, is mostly flown inverted). Add to this the fact that the first woman added to the team was done so in 2005. The team has been around since 1953.
Her backstory was the reason I wanted to read this book. The addition of perspective and different ways to successfully maneuver through life’s challenges was interesting as well.
Her backstory was the reason I wanted to read this book. The addition of perspective and different ways to successfully maneuver through life’s challenges was interesting as well.
December 12, 2025
I previewed this book for my granddaughter to verify its appropriateness for her, and I am happy to strongly endorse it for anyone with ambition or desire to jump into the aviation industry. "MACE" took her real-life events, which were incredibly remarkable, and blended them into a life-skills book that take equal amounts of her successes and failures into an easily digestible 'lessons learned' story. Where she used flying traditions and jargon, she carefully explained their meanings, so the reader was not left at "Base Operations" when the story took off. Well Done!
December 13, 2025
While I’m not into self-help books especially, this one was based on the author’s career flying F-16 fighter jets for the US Air Force. She ended her career with an amazing 3 years with the Thunderbirds. I loved all the insights into flying high performance aircraft, especially the formation work - with its constant practice, upgrading of knowledge and techniques, and her enthusiasm for finding a life lesson in every experience, including the adverse ones. Michelle MACE Curran is now a featured speaker and author, including a children’s book.
September 25, 2025
Loved Mace’s vulnerability and the way she used her learning experiences to get to the flipside of self doubt, self limiting beliefs, and to get to a place where she could take the limits off the universe! Going to put the final chapter on repeat and listen to it like meditation. No matter who you are, where you are, or what you want to accomplish, this should be part of your curriculum for the rest of your life!!
September 26, 2025
I was hesitant when I started this book. I was hoping for more of a memoir and got more of a self-help book (my fault for not looking into it). As I continued to listen to it, I found that her tips and tricks were not earth-shattering, but rather good reminders. I appreciated her life experiences that she shared with us and enjoyed learning more about her career. I would recommend this to anyone! No language, no spice.
July 29, 2025
Received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway today and it was ruined in the shipping process. Very disappointed that I had to dispose of it without reading it.
Not sure what happened, but the mailer was severely damaged and the book was wet, wrinkled, and starting to smell like mildew.
Maybe it got in a flooded area or a severe storm? Because my area is dry. So bummed.
Not sure what happened, but the mailer was severely damaged and the book was wet, wrinkled, and starting to smell like mildew.
Maybe it got in a flooded area or a severe storm? Because my area is dry. So bummed.
September 16, 2025
As ex-USAF myself, I found it particularly engaging. A lot of what the author says in this book correlates well with my own experiences and with my own Stoic philosophy.
True, honest, earned, lived wisdom in these pages…
~Brian Kelly, former 436th AW, USAF
Current A&P/IA
True, honest, earned, lived wisdom in these pages…
~Brian Kelly, former 436th AW, USAF
Current A&P/IA
September 27, 2025
I read the book which I purchased directly from the author and it’s great.
This book is packed with great stories and backed by science and references about things like imposter syndrome and how to overcome it by flipping your mindset and perspective.
I highly recommend this book.
This book is packed with great stories and backed by science and references about things like imposter syndrome and how to overcome it by flipping your mindset and perspective.
I highly recommend this book.
December 21, 2025
I heard the author on a podcast and enjoyed her interview, and this audiobook felt like a good continuation of that conversation. It's an easy read/listen with straightforward advice, but Curran manages to avoid the trap of sounding too much like every other book in this genre, partly because she has a more unique backstory to draw examples from as a former fighter pilot and one of only two women to ever fly as the lead solo on the Thunderbirds. She's interesting, willing to be vulnerable, and sharing solid ideas. I think this book would be an especially good pick to discuss with high school or college students trying to map out their future, but it's also very applicable for someone contemplating a pivot later in life, or who's just interested in hearing from a woman with a unique and challenging career path. I took some helpful ideas and inspiration from it and enjoyed the ride.
August 20, 2025
Great perspective!
September 20, 2025
As a Air Force spouse this book is amazing. Definitely recommend. ✈️🇺🇸❤️
October 10, 2025
Such an awesome book and solid advice. Loved hearing about a female fighter pilot’s experience
October 18, 2025
Listened to the audio version which she does a terrific job of narrating. It's more than what I expected. A lot of good, and positive advice beyond talking about her experiences and struggles.
October 24, 2025
This book is incredible and easy read. It’s given me a different perspective on how I view life and the world around me. Must read for all women!
December 12, 2025
so many inspiring and important lessons…my favorite growth book so far
December 21, 2025
I am glad she wrote this book but there were alot of repetitive thoughts.
December 31, 2025
This book had an unfair advantage with me from the start: I am a huge fan of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Having interviewed former Thunderbird Colonel Chris "Elroy" Strickland multiple times on The Soul of Enterprise, I already knew the culture—precision, trust, discipline under absurd pressure. Flipside delivers that world from the inside.
Michelle Curran’s central idea is that when everything goes sideways, leaders must learn to flip the script—from control to curiosity, from ego to team, from fear to adaptability. These aren’t platitudes here; they’re survival skills forged at 1,000 miles per hour of closure rate.
What elevates this to five stars is the humility. Curran is honest about injury, doubt, and the physical toll of elite performance. The Thunderbirds aren’t superheroes; they are professionals who debrief relentlessly, trust deeply, and hold each other accountable without theatrics.
This is a leadership book that earns its authority the hard way.
Pull-quotes:
• “Your inner critic is just a voice, not a verdict.”
• “Solo we build skill. Together we build strength.”
Bravo and Encore if you are a fan of the Thunderbirds.
Michelle Curran’s central idea is that when everything goes sideways, leaders must learn to flip the script—from control to curiosity, from ego to team, from fear to adaptability. These aren’t platitudes here; they’re survival skills forged at 1,000 miles per hour of closure rate.
What elevates this to five stars is the humility. Curran is honest about injury, doubt, and the physical toll of elite performance. The Thunderbirds aren’t superheroes; they are professionals who debrief relentlessly, trust deeply, and hold each other accountable without theatrics.
This is a leadership book that earns its authority the hard way.
Pull-quotes:
• “Your inner critic is just a voice, not a verdict.”
• “Solo we build skill. Together we build strength.”
Bravo and Encore if you are a fan of the Thunderbirds.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews