Despite Impossible
I am Tansley Stearns, and this is Despite Impossible. I am a long-time credit union executive leading Community Financial 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.
- Update frequency
- every 2 days
- Average duration
- 18 minutes
- Episodes
- 198
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Rewind Episode: Greg Mitchell
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. Al…
The Inside Track: A Guide to Internal Interviews
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 ear…
Rewinde Episode: Credit Unions, Americans Are Hurting: Our Time Is Now
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, v…
Rewind Episode: Megan Spanitz
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 Regi…
Rewind: Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams (with Cortney Arnold)
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 welc…
You Don’t Need All the Answers to Innovate
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 …
Empathy: An Unlock Feature for Credit Unions
Empathy: An Unlock Feature for Credit Unions.
To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
Season 3 Episode 37: Doug Schwartz
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 …
WAIT: Why Am I Talking?
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, an…
Cooking Up an AI Strategy: The More You Cook, The More Ideas Are Served
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.
Season 3 Episode 36: Eden Alonso-Rivera
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 Challen…
Milestones That Matter: Why We Pause, Reflect, and Celebrate
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 re…
Follow Liz’s Lead: Embrace and Celebrate Our Many Roles
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.
Season 3 Episode 35: Bob Sornson
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 …
Rewind: Your First Big Meeting (Still Worth Sweating Over)
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…
Brave Strategy Horizons: Slam Poetry Is Just the Start
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.
Season 3 Episode 34: Mona Hanna
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 th…
Curiosity Over Criticism
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, encour…
It’s a Sign: Be Bold. Be Epic. Be the Best in Governance.
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.