Keywords: skydiving, personal growth, coaching, entrepreneurship, overcoming fear, professional athlete, keynote speaking, life lessons, investment banking, human experience, commitment, skydiving, overcoming fear, support systems, high performance, personal growth, teamwork, self-reflection, entrepreneurship, mental health Summary: In this episode of the Just Human podcast, host Jay Boykin speaks with Melanie Curtis, a former investment banker turned professional skydiver, life coach, and keynote speaker. They explore Melanie's unique journey, the role of fear in personal growth, and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Melanie shares insights on coaching, the challenges of being a professional athlete, and the transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes the significance of facing fears, thinking bigger, and the value of hard work in achieving personal and professional goals. In this engaging conversation, Jay Boykin and Melanie Curtis explore themes of commitment, overcoming fear, and the importance of support systems in personal and professional growth. Melanie shares her experiences in skydiving, teamwork, and the challenges of high performance, emphasizing the need for skills, systems, and a supportive circle to navigate life's fears and challenges. The discussion highlights the significance of self-reflection and the choices we make in our relationships, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their fears and pursue their passions with courage. Takeaways: Melanie Curtis transitioned from investment banking to skydiving. Fear can hold us back from pursuing our passions. Confidence is a result of taking action, not a prerequisite. Type two fun refers to experiences that are rewarding after completion. Thinking bigger is a skill that can be developed. Coaching is about being a teammate in achieving goals. Melanie prefers working with experienced skydivers for coaching. The journey of a professional skydiver involves rigorous training. Personal growth often requires facing uncomfortable challenges. Entrepreneurship allows for greater impact and personal fulfillment. I've burned my boats. I'm not going back. I nerd out on finances and spreadsheets. Fear is universally human. You're not failing. We need skills, systems, and support. You have to choose wisely who you surround yourself with. High performers often exhaust themselves deeply. Building skills around fear is essential. Support systems are crucial for overcoming challenges. Self-reflection helps in understanding our choices. Embrace discomfort as a pathway to breakthroughs. Sound Bites: "How do we grow?" "I was exposed to this." "I lucked out." "I didn't like saving lives." "Thinking bigger is a skill." "I nerd out on finances and spreadsheets." "I got hypoxic. My vision was narrowing." "I learned a lot from that skydive." "We need skills, systems, and support." "We can't do this life alone." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Just Human Podcast 01:00 Melanie Curtis: From Investment Banking to Skydiving 02:58 The Journey of a Professional Skydiver 05:52 The Role of Fear in Personal Growth 09:07 Understanding Professional Skydiving 11:58 Coaching and Keynote Speaking: A New Path 14:59 The Importance of Facing Challenges 18:07 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Life 29:04 Embracing Change and Commitment 30:27 The Thrill of Skydiving and Teamwork 35:43 Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose 37:39 Skills, Systems, and Support in Facing Fear 41:45 The Importance of Choosing Your Circle 44:50 Defining High Performance and Self-Reflection
