Despite Impossible

From So Long, Farewell to Hello, Hello: Moving Beyond Succession Planning to Leadership Renewal

To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Rashmi Airan. Rashmi is known to be courageous, kind, loyal, vulnerable, and loving. She is also a celebrated motivational speaker, cultural consultant, and former attorney whose journey from corporate law to overcoming a federal conviction has made her a powerful advocate for conscious and courageous leadership. This is Rashmi’s story.

2025 is almost over but not our support of University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey Team! If you missed these conversations with the team, we re-released them back-to-back-to-back for your holiday listening pleasure!  Go Blue!

Today’s guest is Michael Randall. Mike is passionate about community development. He is an independent filmmaker, someone who enjoys a walk around the block, and crafting small cities out of cardboard. He is also the Executive Director at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, where he leverages his passion and expertise to strengthen his community for the benefit of his family, neighbors, and the broader city. Mike’s goal is to “expand our work and impact the lives of our neighbors while inviting new families to live and build businesses in our community.” This is Mike’s story.

Today’s guest is MacKenzie Isabelle Stearns. MacKenzie is an adventurer, a dedicated athlete, someone who deeply enjoys music, she is full of energy, and her friends describe her as someone incredibly fun to be around. MacKenzie is a first-year high school student, where she is deeply committed to walking with people going through stuff. She is also my kind, generous, creative, courageous, disciplined, and bold daughter. This is MacKenzie’s story.

Today’s episode of Third Fork centers on audience questions they’ve never seen before. No prep. No scripts. Just real talk.

Tansley and Ryan dig into the messy middle of career growth. How to build skills when you’re not sure where you’re headed next, what it looks like to advance without a perfectly mapped-out path, and why starting your day early might quietly be the most underrated power move in the workplace.

They also get candid about impostor syndrome (yes, it still pops up) and share how to cultivate genuine relationships with leaders...

Today’s guest is Dr. Missy Stults. Missy exudes high energy; she is a mom, a relentless problem-solver, an avid puzzler, and an upcoming speaker at HERd 2026 on February 20th. She is also the Director of the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovation, which works with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America. This is Missy’s story.

Today’s guest is Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh. She is driven, loves Michigan summers and dancing, and is ensuring mental health has the attention it deserves and that we reduce stigma to support people fully. She is also a is a clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression related disorders in teens and adults. She completed her undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Michigan, followed by her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University. This is Gretchen’s story.

This week, Tansley and Ryan unpack the biggest career myths we’ve all been told. From “follow your passion” to “climb the ladder.” Ryan shares why chasing passion might actually lead you in circles and diminish the joy you find in a hobby you are passionate about. Tansley challenges the idea of perfect work-life balance, arguing instead for a life filled with what truly fuels you. Together, they explore why lateral moves can spark just as much growth as promotions, and why “sales” isn’t a dirty word. It’s how we all move ideas forward.

Of Diet Coke and Falling Asleep to Bad Television: Building New Habits at Work and at Home

To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Jerry Paffendorf. Jerry is an artist, a Yooper, a skateboarder, and someone who enjoys a sauna. He is also the Co-Founder & CEO at Regrid with a mission to map out how the world is subdivided, owned, inhabited, and used in the form of land parcels, and help people put that data to work. This is Jerry’s story.

Negotiating pay can feel like walking a tightrope in dress shoes. 

Ryan’s been on both sides of the table, coaching candidates and now extending offers, and he’s seen how the script changes depending on your role, your leverage, and your timing. 

Tansley admits she once didn’t even know salary negotiation was a thing. The two unpack what compensation really means beyond the paycheck. From knowing how to start the conversation, to understanding how to collect enough information to make a decision. This one’s for anyone standing at the start of a new career...

Today’s guest is Vince Paul. Vince is an artist, a Detroiter, and boasts an alter ego, Tenacious V, who makes an appearance once a decade. He is also the President and Artistic Director of the Detroit Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Having dedicated decades to the arts, Vince spent most of his career in New York City or touring globally with theater, music, or dance productions. When the opportunity arose to lead the Detroit Music Hall, Vince knew it was an incredible chance to make a meaningful impact in his hometown through artistic experience. This is Vi...

In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan take a playful jab at the language of work. Those buzzwords and phrases that fill meetings, memos, and Teams/Zoom chats everywhere. 

From “innovation” to “synergy,” they unpack how jargon shapes culture, signals belonging, and sometimes hides the lack of actual doing. Ryan asks his favorite question: Will my future self roast me for saying this? Tansley reminds us that saying the right thing isn’t the same as doing the right thing. 

The conversation  hits close to home, and might make you rethink your next “low-hanging fru

Today’s guest is Michael Randall. Mike is passionate about community development. He is an independent filmmaker, someone who enjoys a walk around the block, and crafting small cities out of cardboard. He is also the Executive Director at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, where he leverages his passion and expertise to strengthen his community for the benefit of his family, neighbors, and the broader city. Mike’s goal is to “expand our work and impact the lives of our neighbors while inviting new families to live and build businesses in our community.” This is Mike’s story.

Today’s guest is Maddie Farris. Maddie is outgoing, empathetic, and someone who enjoys keeping up with her little sister. Maddie also plays forward and defense for the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey team. Maddie is from Northville, MI and is a junior this year. Maddie wears jersey #20 for the team and she also previously played for Honeybaked AAA. This is Maddie’s story.

Today’s guest is Mariana Ceballos. Mariana is an adventurer, a hiker, and someone who puts effort in everything she does. She also plays defense for the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey team. Mariana will be representing the Wolverines in jersey #29 for the 2025-26 season. She’ll be double majoring in Computer Science and Economics as part of the 2026 class. This is Mariana’s story.

Some days hit different. You wake up and something’s off, maybe it’s you, maybe it’s the air. The inbox feels louder, the faces in meetings blur together, and your usual spark is just… missing. We all have experienced them. Sometimes it’s work, sometimes it’s life, sometimes it’s both tangled up together. What matters isn’t pretending you’re fine, it’s learning how to move through it without dropping what makes you, you.

Ryan shares, ‘Err on the side of vulnerability, and be cautious about who you share with.’ Vulnerability is powerful when it’s place...

Removing Spinach from Our Teeth: From Potential to Human Impact

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Julia Lindahl. Julia is driven, passionate, and empathetic. She is also a forward for the University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey team. She’ll be graduating as an architect as part of the 2026 class. This is Julia’s story.

Today’s guest is Lauren Hood. Lauren is an expander of boundaries, someone who elevates what’s possible, and is always trying to maximize her potential. She is also an educator, a writer, a city planner, and a community developer with a focus on the imaginative capabilities of the arts. In 2021, she founded the Institute for AfroUrbanism (IAU), a research organization dedicated to strategic development and the ideation and enrichment of Black communities. This is Lauren’s story.

Behind the title and the resume is a human being stepping into new territory.

Behind the title and the resume is a human being stepping into new territory. Culture is felt in the little things: an intentional lunch invite, a personal story about values, or a structured check-in from a peer. This episode of Third Fork highlights the art of onboarding leaders with heart. Ryan poses the question of what those first 90 days should look like, while Tansley offers a grounding reminder: every leader is human, butterflies included.

Today’s guest is Jesse Thistle, who is a dedicated father and swimming cheerleader to his daughter Rose, a skilled pancake chef, and an avid writer. Jesse is also the author of “From the Ashes,” the winner of the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Nonfiction, Indigenous Voices Award, and High Plains Book Award, and a finalist for CBC Canada Reads, and an assistant professor in Humanities at York University in Toronto. Jesse won a Governor General’s Academic Medal in 2016 and is a Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholar. This is Jesse’s story.

Today’s guest is MacKenzie Isabelle Stearns. MacKenzie is an adventurer, a dedicated athlete, someone who deeply enjoys music, she is full of energy, and her friends describe her as someone incredibly fun to be around. MacKenzie is a first-year high school student, where she is deeply committed to walking with people going through stuff. She is also my kind, generous, creative, courageous, disciplined, and bold daughter. This is MacKenzie’s story.

In this episode of Third Fork, Ryan and Tansley break down what it truly takes to connect across generations at work. 

From legacy systems that challenge even the most tech-savvy new hires to the courage it takes to admit when you don’t know the latest slang, they remind us: stay curious, be open, and leave assumptions at the door.

Plus, they share the personal moments that shaped how we show up across generations.

Making the Last Mile Count: Strategic Execution at its Finest 

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Dr. Aimee Daily. Aimee is committed to helping ensure that kids get the care they need to reach their full potential. Aimee is also the president and chief executive officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals where she focuses on leading with authenticity, accessibility, and responsiveness and on building connections with team members, hospital leaders, and CMN Hospitals’ dedicated network of corporate, media, and community partners. This is Aimee’s story.

In this episode of Third Fork, hosts Tansley and Ryan dive into the art of small talk at work. This is an underrated skill that can make or break your office experience. 

They explore practical strategies for young professionals looking to build connections in a new workplace, from confidently introducing yourself to a colleague, to balancing openness with healthy boundaries. 

Whether you’re navigating a new office environment or trying to strengthen relationships with teammates, this conversation offers insights, real-life examples, and tips for making meaningful connections without overthinking every word.

Today’s guest is Missy Testerman. Missy is a passionate joy-seeker, a gardener, a teacher at heart and professionally, and someone deeply committed to education. She is also the 2024 National Teacher of the Year in the K-8th grade category, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher who is a staunch advocate for her students, their families, and her fellow teachers. This is Missy’s story.

In this heartfelt episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan explore the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to a beloved leader when they move on to a new opportunity.

Tansley reflects on the importance of celebrating a colleague’s departure as a graduation, a recognition that their growth and success are something to cheer for. She reflects on a quote from the movie Elizabethtown to cope, embrace, and look forward to what's next: "You have five minutes to wallow in the delicious misery. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Discard it. Then proceed." 

Ryan adds perspective on how...

Today’s guest is Kelley Cusmano. Kelley is a charismatic educator, energetic, outgoing, a mother of two fantastic children, and a twin sister. Kelley is also the 2025 Michigan Teacher of the Year, an ELA and Leadership teacher who believes all students can achieve their potential. She is skilled in bridging the gap between teacher voice, curriculum design, and state education policy. This is Kelley’s story.

Today’s guest is Dr. Amy Hillman, a giver, a lifelong learner, someone who is never afraid of trying new things, resilient, and a human capable of redrawing her future. She is also the Rusty Lyon Chair of Strategy, former Dean of the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, and the fellow leading Filene’s Center of Excellence for Leadership, Strategy, and Governance. This is Amy’s story.

In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan dive into the all-too-familiar feeling of vacation guilt. That anxious voice that whispers you’re falling behind, even when you’re supposed to be resting.

Tansley opens up with a personal story from her childhood, recalling how she could feel the tension and guilt building at home in the days leading up to family vacations, and how that same mindset can follow us into adulthood. She shares what it’s taken to quiet those feelings and fully unplug, especially during the first couple of days away.

R...

The Gift of Experience: Five Ways Credit Unions Can Leverage the Post-Service Era

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Lamont Black. He is an educator, thinker, dreamer, speaker, an author with a focus on financial innovation, and a futurist. He’s inspiring our credit union movement to test, invest, and strategize to embrace Artificial Intelligence. Lamont is also the Associate Professor of Finance at DePaul University in Chicago and a former economist at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. This is Lamont’s story.

We’re rewinding one of our most popular and insightful episodes from the Third Fork archive: Curiosity Over Criticism. 

In this conversation, Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown explore the delicate art of navigating unsolicited advice. Tansley shares how leading with questions rather than statements fosters openness and curiosity, while Ryan encourages listeners to assume positive intent, creating space for healthier dialogue. Together, they offer practical strategies for receiving, processing, and growing from feedback. Whether it’s your first time tuning in or you’re revisiting this one, you’ll walk away with tools to transform feedback, wanted or not, i...

Our Future's Playlist: Your Strategy Plays Here (Tansley Stearns originally published this article on December 6, 2024)

To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Christopher Veal. He is a great listener, someone who’s warm, thoughtful, challenging the traditional definitions of masculinity, and he’s known to be silly. He’s also a dad. Christopher is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, and faculty for the Co-Active Training Institute and ACT Leadership & Performance Coaching, a former Marine Officer, and the author of The Whole Man: Evolving Masculinity. This is Christopher’s story.

Four Strategy Lessons from Ms. Pac-Man (Tansley Stearns originally published this article on December 6, 2024)

To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today's guest is Vince Kadlubek, co-founder of Meow Wolf, an arts and entertainment company with experiential exhibits in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and Denver. He creates immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. This is his story.

To learn more about his organization, visit: meowwolf.com

In the second part of our Third Fork series on interviews, Tansley and Ryan shift focus to external job opportunities, when your growth journey calls you beyond your current workplace.

Whether you’re passively exploring or actively applying, this episode offers practical insights on:

...

Raise Your Glass: Lessons from a Pink Concert (Tansley Stearns originally published this article on November 8, 2024)

To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Greg Mitchell. Born into a family of farmers in the Midwest, he grew up to become a devout Christian, a Coast Guard member, a Disco dancer, and the CEO of First Tech Credit Union. All the way through, his life’s work has been making the most of his gifts to assist other humans in reaching their potential. This is Greg’s story.

This week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan kick off a two-part series on navigating interviews, and we’re starting from the inside out. With experience leading HR and People teams (and with Ryan’s early career roots in recruiting), they unpack the unique dynamics of applying for internal opportunities within your current organization.

From preparing to talk about your career growth, to understanding how to balance role satisfaction and ambition, this episode covers:

·      What hiring managers look for in internal candidates

·      How to frame your contributions without sounding like you're owed the rol...

Credit Unions, Americans Are Hurting: Our Time Is Now (This article was originally publised on by Tansley Stearns on November 8, 2024)

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Megan Spanitz. Megan is a voracious reader, intellectually curious, and someone who loves her Peloton (and Cody Rigsby). Megan is also the Chief Strategy Officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber, playing a leading role in planning and executing the annual Mackinac Policy Conference and shaping the future of the great state of Michigan. This is Megan’s story.

This week on Third Fork, we’re bringing back one of our most inspiring conversations, perfect for returning from the long weekend and resetting to refocus.

In this rewind episode, Tansley Stearns welcomes Cortney Arnold, Community Development Director at Filene Research Institute and leader of The Cooperative Trust. Cortney’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, possibility, and purpose-driven work. Whether you’re early in your career or navigating a new season of leadership, her insights remind us why holding onto our dreams is essential.

From building community to champi...

In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan explore how young professionals can be powerful catalysts for innovation, not by having all the answers, but by asking the right questions.

From legacy systems that “have always been done that way,” to processes crying out for a fresh look, innovation often begins with a simple but profound curiosity: “Why do we do it this way?”

Ryan reflects on the value of healthy skepticism and how the boldness to question the status quo can unlock possibilities others may no longer see. Tansley shares why insight, rather than ins...

Empathy: An Unlock Feature for Credit Unions.

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Doug Schwartz. Doug is warm, friendly, aims to be present in the moment, and is someone who enjoys a good slice of key lime pie. He is also the founder of Detroit Wick. Detroit Wick manufactures limited-edition products onsite as a scent branding facility. This is Doug’s story.

At Community Financial, listening isn’t just polite, it’s a superpower. In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan unpack how the art of listening has shaped their leadership, their learning, and their impact.

From sticky note reminders like “WAIT” (Why Am I Talking?) to the importance of clarifying questions, they explore why hearing others, often, matters more than being the loudest voice in the room.

Whether you're a young professional eager to grow or a seasoned expert hoping to stay curious, this episode dives into how to:

·       Use listening as...

Cooking Up an AI Strategy: The More You Cook, The More Ideas Are Served

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Eden Alonso. Eden is confident, a go-getter, kind, a current high schooler, and someone who enjoys traveling. She is also the recipient of an award from NPR's Student Podcast Challenge, where she beat out nearly 2,000 other entries. This is Eden’s story.

Milestones That Matter: Why We Pause, Reflect, and Celebrate

This week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan delve into the complex, yet meaningful, world of milestones, from birthdays and graduations to retirements, work anniversaries, and promotions, and everything in between. Whether you’re the type to throw a party, create a viral social post, or quietly journal in your favorite notebook, milestones are more than markers of time. They’re powerful tools for reflection, renewal, and recognition. 

Meanwhile, our hosts explore what feels authentic (and what doesn’t) when it comes to professional milestones like work ann...

Follow Liz’s Lead: Embrace and Celebrate Our Many Roles

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Dr. Bob Sornson. Bob is an educator, author of over two dozen books, someone who appreciates live music, and possesses a magnetic sense of humor. He is also the Founder of the Early Learning Foundation, which is dedicated to helping schools and parents provide every child with an opportunity to achieve early learning success, laying the foundation for lifelong success. This is Bob’s story.

This week, we're heading to our quarterly strategic deep dive, so we’re revisiting an episode that highlights big first meetings. Whether it’s your first time in a strategy planning meeting or you’re facing a boardroom of seasoned leaders, the unspoken rules and quiet influence dynamics can feel overwhelming.

In this Third Fork rewind, hosts Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown revisit what it was like to be the new voice at the table, reflect on what still resonates today, and offer timeless advice to help young professionals enter high-stakes meetings with confidence and clarity.

If y...

Brave Strategy Horizons: Slam Poetry Is Just the Start.

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Dr. Mona Hanna. She is compassionate, loves puzzles, possesses a contagious sense of humor, and passions for holistic children’s health and changing the world. Mona is also the is the Associate Dean for Public Health and C. S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and the founding director of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative, an innovative partnership of MSU and Hurley Children's Hospital in Flint, Michigan. This is Mona’s story.

This week on Third Fork, Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown tackle the delicate art of handling unsolicited advice. Tansley emphasizes the power of starting with a question instead of a statement, encouraging listeners to remain open and curious. Ryan advises assuming the best intentions behind the advice, helping to foster a more constructive dialogue. Together, they share practical strategies for receiving, coping with, and acting on feedback, ensuring that every piece of advice becomes a valuable learning opportunity. Tune in to discover how to turn unsolicited advice into a tool for personal and professional growth.

It's a Sign: Be Bold. Be Epic. Be the Best in Governance.

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Najah Bazzy. She is visionary, justice focused, strategic and possesses a great sense of humor. Najah is also an RN, an internationally recognized healer, humanitarian and interfaith leader who left a six-figure salary as a critical-care nurse to build Zaman International. The Metro-Detroit based non-profit empowers marginalized women and children to break the cycle of extreme poverty. In 2019, she was recognized as a Top Ten CNN Hero highlighting Zaman’s growth from a grassroots team of volunteers to a world-class organization with a global reach that has helped more than 5 million people in 20 countries since 2010. This...

As young professionals, keeping close attention to mental health is essential. In this episode, Ryan and Tansley share their personal commitment to mental health and offer advice on how to prioritize it for ourselves and our teams. 

This week, we reflect on a recent article I wrote for CU Insights, Finding Cushions in Credit Unions: Materially Supporting Mental Wellbeing.

To access this article, visit CUInsights through this link.

To subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Sandra Sagehorn-Elliot. Sandra is driven and collaborative, someone who loves Arizona’s sunsets, and is an engaging and succinct communicator. She is also the president and CEO of Vantage West Credit Union, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, and serving over 191,000 members, making it the largest credit union in Southern Arizona. Vantage West Credit Union is changing lives daily under her leadership. This is Sandra’s story.

In today's online-dominated world, having a thoughtful digital presence is essential for young professionals looking to establish themselves in their field. But how do you strike the perfect balance between showcasing your personality and maintaining professionalism? On this week's episode of Third Fork, Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown share their perspectives on crafting a compelling digital footprint and avoiding common pitfalls. Tune in for practical tips on building a strong online brand that will help you in your career.

Harnessing Control: Creating Joy in an Uncertain World 

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Meag Schwartz. Meag is a problem-solver, a millennial who enjoys a Goo-Goo Dolls song, loves scuba diving, and is passionate about maintaining the clarity of our Michigan lakes’ water. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Great Lakes Great Responsibility, an environmental non-profit that aims to prevent marine debris in the Great Lakes through litter cleanups. This is Meag’s story.

Tune in to this week's episode of Third Fork as Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown dive into a pivotal moment in a young professional's journey: the college internship. They explore how early career experiences, whether thrilling or underwhelming, can shape your path, build resilience, and sharpen your sense of purpose. Drawing from their own stories and lessons learned, Ryan and Tansley reflect on why internships matter, how to stay committed even when the fit isn’t perfect, and how to turn any opportunity into a launching pad for growth.

Food and Credit Unions: Breaking Bread and Changing the World Together

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Susan Mitchell. Susan is tenacious, a planner at heart, someone who is an energetic voice for financial democracy and human equality, a grandmother, and Susan gets shit done. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates, which offers innovative consulting services, including strategic planning, board governance, and executive education. This is Susan’s story.

Meet Jimese Harkley, Chief Community Engagement Officer at Harborstone Credit Union, and mom to a newly minted college grad. On this week's episode of Third Fork, Jimese opens up about the joys and surprises of watching her child launch into adulthood, drawing parallels between parenting and leading teams. She also reflects on the wise counsel of mentors who've shaped her journey, emphasizing the importance of forging your own path rather than trying to replicate someone else's success. Join Tansley Stearns and Jimese as they explore themes of identity, legacy, and finding your unique voice in leadership.

Of Fractions & Multipliers: Winning the War for Talent with Creativity and Curiosity

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest Jason Gittinger. Jason is a drummer, musician, a community builder, and someone who loves the color orange. Jason is also the Founder and Executive Producer of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music, one of Metro Detroit’s most respected and cherished live music performance schools, helping thousands of students and families gain confidence sharing their music even more broadly. He also has bold dreams about how community can come to life. This is Jason’s story.

Get ready to learn from a true trailblazer in the credit union space! This week on Third Fork, Tansley Stearns chats with Lauren Culp, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Having led impactful initiatives throughout her career, Lauren shares her secrets for making a swift and lasting impression in new roles, building a reputation as a respected leader, and navigating complex office dynamics. Plus, she reveals the value of being a "respected pest": persistently pursuing goals while earning the trust and support of others. Tune in...

Hustle & Grind: Running with our Members as a Financial Best Friend

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Amy Peterson. Amy is a fireball. Amy’s energy leads to getting shit done consistently. She is a surfer, a good friend, and a serial entrepreneur building new enterprises in surprising ways. Amy is also the Co-Founder and CEO of women-owned social enterprise Rebel Nell, with a dedication to providing employment, equitable opportunity, and wraparound support for women. This is Amy’s story.

Tune in to this week's episode of Third Fork as Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown tackle a crucial yet often stigmatized topic: managing anxiety in the workplace. Rather than aiming for complete elimination, they propose a refreshing approach: embracing a balanced relationship with anxiety to optimize productivity and overall well-being. By sharing their own stories and expert insights, Ryan and Tansley show listeners how to recognize the signs of healthy vs unhealthy anxiety levels and develop personalized strategies for achieving equilibrium.

The Power of a Tater Tot Casserole: Credit Unions’ Potential in Dark Moments

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today's guest is Scott Berman. Scott is thoughtful, insightful, and not afraid of confronting his fears. He is also driven and willing to fight that urge to charge. Scott is also the Founder of Sky Cave Retreats, the first darkness retreat center in the United States. He believes in healing through Darkness Therapy. This is Scott's story.

On this week's episode of Third Fork, Tansley Stearns reconnects with Ryan Brown to tackle one of the most critical aspects of long-term success: setting yourself up for holistic wellbeing. They dive into key decisions made early in their careers that continue to shape their lives today, covering everything from financial planning to boundary-setting and prioritizing purpose over prestige. Listen in as Ryan shares actionable takeaways for investing in your whole self, both personally and professionally.

Lessons from the Mall: Bridging Generations to Build the Future of Credit Unions

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is David Silver. David is a New York transplant, a competitive horse rider, and exemplifies perseverance. He is also the Founder and Executive Director at Detroit Horse Power, with a vision to give under-resourced youth a safe and enriching space that furthers their future development. Horses teach children critical traits, including empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence, and self-control. This is David’s story.

This week on Third Fork, Tansley Stearns welcomes Cortney Arnold, Community Development Director at Filene Research Institute and Leader of The Cooperative Trust. As a champion of collaboration and lifelong learning, Cortney discusses her work empowering members across the credit union movement through innovative programs and resources. Tune in to hear Cortney's vision for building stronger communities, a lesson on perseverance, and her vision for a brighter future for cooperative finance.

 Credit Unions: Best Friends Built for Dark Times

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Dan Pitera. He is an energetic leader, and someone who is also challenging current structures, and he is a political and social activist masquerading as an architect. Dan is currently the Detroit Mercy School of Architecture & Community Development dean and the former executive director of the Detroit Collaborative Design Center. Under his direction, they received the National AIA’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Award and the Curry Stone Design Award’s Social Design Circle. This is Dan’s story.

Join us on this week's episode of Third Fork as Tansley Stearns and special guest Emily Sutton candidly explore the many opportunities surrounding us if we just stay curious enough to discover them. 

Plus, you may recognize Emily's voice... Look out for a clue when you start the show.

Fueling Collaboration: Six Ways to Act on the Sixth Cooperative Principle

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Christi Lower. Christi is an entrepreneur, inquisitive, and someone who is honest and offers no judgement. She is also the Founder & CEO of Highline Spirits, where she honors her fascination with spirits and distillation but also aims to create a transparent business that clears the smoke and mirrors around common industry practices. In a way, she hopes to build an honest relationship with her customers and one that welcomes new faces to the industry. This is Christi’s story.

Join us on this week's episode of Third Fork as Tansley Stearns sits down with special guest Blake Woods to explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating a career transition as a young professional. With humor and candor, Blake shares his own story of stepping into unfamiliar territory, from mastering the art of using a fax machine to observing leadership habits at play. 

We'll delve into the lessons he learned along the way, including how to build connections with colleagues, earn trust from leaders, and turn mistakes into opportunities for growth. Don't miss Blake's anecdotes about crashing t...

 Our Extravaganza: Creating a Movement of Credit Unions as Connectors

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Megan Spanitz. Megan is a voracious reader, intellectually curious, and someone who loves her Peloton (and Cody Rigsby). Megan is also the Chief Strategy Officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber, playing a leading role in planning and executing the annual Mackinac Policy Conference and shaping the future of the great state of Michigan. This is Megan’s story.

In this episode of Third Fork, we dive into the nerve-wracking but pivotal moment of attending your first big executive meeting. Whether it’s a boardroom full of decision-makers or your first ALCO meeting, knowing how to navigate the unspoken rules can make all the difference. 

 Join hosts Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown as they share their first experiences in high-stakes meetings, unpack what they wish they had known, and offer practical tips to help young professionals make a strong first impression.

 A Story to Remember: Credit Unions as the Answer to Economic Pain

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Jolene Delisle. Jolene is resilient, possesses brilliant creativity, and is someone who those who know her well describe as fun. She is also the founder & creative director of the branding and creative agency The Working Assembly. Her work has been recognized by the Type Directors Club, Print, D&AD, The One Show, and Fast Company. This is Jolene’s story.

In Part II of this debut episode of Third Fork, we introduce the heart of our podcast — helping young professionals make sense of those unspoken workplace rules. From brushing up on networking etiquette to tackling conference jitters, we’re here to share the real-world insights no one ever spelled out.

Join hosts Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown as they recount navigating their very first big conference (like, the America's Credit Union's GAC last week!) 

Americans’ Best Friends Need a Best Friend: Five Ways We Can Unify Now

To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Brandon Michaels. Brandon is passionate, driven, innovative, serious, a pilot, a dancer, and someone who is always willing to put people first. He is also the President & CEO at OneAZ Credit Union, where he is a curator of a dynamic, member-focused community that spans the entire state of Arizona. This is Brandon’s story.

In this debut episode of Third Fork, we introduce the heart of our podcast — helping young professionals make sense of those unspoken workplace rules. From brushing up on networking etiquette to tackling conference jitters, we’re here to share the real-world insights no one ever spelled out.

Join hosts Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown as they recount navigating their very first big conference (like, the America's Credit Union's GAC this week!)