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I am Tansley Stearns, and this is Despite Impossible. I am a long-time credit union executive leading orsa credit union as president & ceo. I have always admired and been inspired by people whose passion is boundless and who don't comprehend the word impossible. This show focuses on their stories.
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This week on Third Fork—what does it mean to grow up in a world that’s changing faster than ever? Tansley and Ryan explore the realities younger generations are navigating—from AI to the lasting impact of the pandemic. Ryan reflects on his own kids and the future they’re stepping into, while Tansley sees something just as powerful: a deep and steady sense of hope. They bring it into the workplace, too—where multiple generations are learning, stretching, and sometimes struggling to understand ...
Today’s guest is Heather McKissick. Heather is optimistic, someone who is community-minded, outgoing, and self-described as impatient. She is also the CEO of the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES), an organization dedicated to providing credit union professionals, directors, and suppliers the resources they need to reach their greatest potential. This is Heather’s story.
Today, Tansley and Ryan talk about candor. Specifically, when and how you should tell someone that something is wrong or that they might want to fix something. Candor is kind! A few great examples they discuss: "You have some broccoli in your teeth" or "Is there something off with the data in this slide?" and ofcourse "Tansley... you have two different boots on." A really fun epsiode with some real practical advice on those awkward encounters we all face.
Today’s guest is Jerry Colonna. Jerry is a coach, a writer, someone who has been journaling since age 13, and who provokes deep feelings in others. Jerry is also a speaker who focuses on leadership, business, and the practice of radical self-inquiry. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Reboot.io, a company born from the rallying cry that work does not have to destroy us. This is Jerry’s story.
This week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan reflect not just on the actual seasonal time change but on how one might spring a head in life or work. Ryan talked a lot about the seasonality and importance of a reset to prep for the next season and how as an individual and a team you might get there... he also shares his new obsession with Cloudcode. Tansley shares how at orsa smaller sprints help chunk out the larger goals when we are looking at both short and long term horizons. She ...
Today’s guest is Dr. Keith Crandall. Keith is an upbeat dreamer, a native Michigander, a biologist, and someone who enjoys observing and learning from the world around him. He is also the founding Director of the Computational Biology Institute at the George Washington University. This is Keith’s story.
This week, Tansley and Ryan talk about how to handle your work life when your personal life gets complicated and noisy. It is a HUMAN thing! You are not alone! Tansley and Ryan share great advice on how you can walk through your work life, showing up in an authentic way and be successful - even when your personal life turns up the volume!
Today’s guest is Nick Thomas. Nick is a fun-loving Michigander, an avid puzzle solver, and someone who is not intimidated by practicing a skill to perfection. Nick is also a World-Record-Holding entertainer who transforms ordinary events into unforgettable experiences through his electrifying juggling, which was featured on ABC’s The Gong Show and Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America. Nick’s comedy juggling combines mind-blowing skills with laugh-out-loud audience interaction. This is Nick’s...
Join Tansley and Ryan this week as theyrecorded LIVE from GAC. They talk about themes, bug take aways, and the most important thing to do when you come back from a big conference. This is also a VIDEO episode, so check out the youtube channel to see the full live video!
Today’s guest is Darius Wise. Darius is intense, caring, fun, and someone who leads with intention. He is also the President and CEO of Red Rocks Credit Union, leading the growth and expansion of this premier Colorado financial institution. This is Darius’ story.
Dear 2022 Tansley, 2026 Tansley is Calling: Six Lessons for an Aspiring CEO To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
Today’s guest is Brett Wooden. Brett is a strategist, builder, and proud dad who sees opportunity where others see play. He is a consultant, speaker, and software leader dedicated to helping credit unions innovate with intention and relevance. Through his work at Buildable, Brett partners with credit unions, banks, and fintechs to design digital products that create measurable impact. His mission is clear: help financial institutions experiment thoughtfully, engage the next generation early, ...
REWIND BACK to our debut episode of Third Fork, we introduced 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!) And watch out for even more speci...
Linda Armyn is the President and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in New York state and my alma mater. Linda is a dear friend and a huge fan of the Irish rock bank U2, which might rival my Dave Matthews Band fandom. This is her story. Dr. Missy Stults 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 a...
Today’s guest is Dr. Anthony Oraha. Anthony is passionate about health, caring, a great listener, and someone dedicated to empowering patients’ agency. He is also the founder of Synergy Longevity Centers and an Emergency Medicine physician with a focus on preventative medicine and longevity optimization. This is Anthony’s story.
This week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan dig into what to do (and what not to do) when you know you’ve messed up. Tansley shares her hot take on apologies, Ryan breaks down why real accountability actually matters, and together they unpack why owning your mistakes is essential—especially in an innovative culture. They also explore apologies from both the over-apologizer and the under-apologizer perspective. Don’t mess it up. Listen to the episode!
A Love Letter to the Mitten: Keep Growing To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
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 mak...
A throwback epsiode from 2025 w/ guest co-host Lauren Culp: 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 leade...
Today's guest is Dr. Monica Merritt, Superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. She has also been recognized as Michigan's 2023 Superintendent of the Year. Monica attributes her strength to the many lessons she learned from her father, Herman Boone – football coach at TC Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., whose story was portrayed in the Disney movie Remember the Titans. This is her story.
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