Despite Impossible

In early celebration of Mother's Day, today's episode of Third Fork is all about moms! Ryan and Tansley kick things off by sharing heartfelt memories of their own mothers and recounting the stories of their very first jobs. The conversation then shifts to the intersection of motherhood and work, exploring the unique challenges and joys of balancing both. Finally, they reflect on some of...

Today’s guest is Sheena Allen. Sheena is an innovative entrepreneur, music-lover, and world changer who is fun-loving and considers herself to be weird. She is also a venture-backed tech founder, creative architect, and speaker building at the intersection of technology and financial equity. With a career spanning a bootstrapped app studio to founding and operating a digital bank, she is a leading...

This week's episode is a REWIND: At orsa credit union, 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, matte...

Please Tell Me When I Have Spinach in My Teeth To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Laura Killingbeck. Laura is an independent explorer, adventurer, authentic listener, someone whose friends seek as a mediator, and she sees patterns in her journey and is inspired by nature in a genuine and unique way. She is also a writer, trailblazer, and you’ll want to add her to your social media feed. This is Laura’s story.

In this rewind episode of Third Fork from June 2025. 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?”...

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’ ded...

This week friends at work Ryan and Tansley discuss what it means to have friends at work. Understanding all the research out there, they question, if there is a downside and Ryan flexes his HR wisdom! Tansley thinks credit unions the perfect place to develop friends at work and shares how that has shaped her network over the years. Our favorite work friends discuss the importance of boundaries and...

Today’s guest is Jess O’Brien. Jess is an artist, a coffee aficionado, a sky gazer, and someone who is deeply inspired by nature. Jess is also the photographer of our Northern Lights’ lighthouse debit card design, highlighting Michigan’s beauty, available now at orsa credit union. This is Jess’s story.

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,...

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...

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 ch...

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 come...

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...

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 conf...

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 o...

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...