
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.
Episodes
166 episodes
Milestones That Matter: Why We Pause, Reflect, and Celebrate
Milestones That Matter: Why We Pause, Reflect, and CelebrateThis week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan delve into the complex, yet meaningful, world of milestones, from birthdays and graduations to retirements, work anniversaries, an...
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14:12

Follow Liz’s Lead: Embrace and Celebrate Our Many Roles
Follow Liz’s Lead: Embrace and Celebrate Our Many RolesTo access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously ...
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18:37

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 Learning Foundation, which is dedicated to he...
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25:15

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 facing a boardroom of seasoned leaders, the ...
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20:54

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 ...
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13:08

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 the Associate Dean for Public Health and C. S. ...
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17:24

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, encouraging listeners to remain open and curious. R...
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19:18

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' Curiousl...
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14:11

Season 3 Episode 33: Najah Bazzy
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 cri...
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23:18

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
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.
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18:24

Finding Cushions in Credit Unions: Materially Supporting Mental Wellbeing
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,
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14:44

Season 3 Episode 32: Sandra Sagehorn-Elliot
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 Tuc...
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19:08

Building Your Professional Digital Footprint
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 maint...
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21:05

Harnessing Control: Creating Joy in an Uncertain World
Harnessing Control: Creating Joy in an Uncertain World To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curio...
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11:00

Season 3 Episode 31: Meag Schwartz
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 Dire...
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17:11

Internships Aren’t Glamorous. They’re Foundational!
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, ...
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10:46

Food and Credit Unions: Breaking Bread and Changing the World Together
Food and Credit Unions: Breaking Bread and Changing the World TogetherTo access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curio...
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10:20

Season 3 Episode 30: Susan Mitchell
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,...
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31:36

Parenting & Leading: Following Your Own Path
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 ad...
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22:19

Of Fractions & Multipliers: Winning the War for Talent with Creativity and Curiosity
Of Fractions & Multipliers: Winning the War for Talent with Creativity and CuriosityTo access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'
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13:49

Season 3 Episode 29: Jason Gittinger
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 ...
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20:00

Pestering Progress: How to Create Immediate Impact
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 t...
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27:03

Hustle & Grind: Running with our Members as a Financial Best Friend
Hustle & Grind: Running with our Members as a Financial Best FriendTo access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously D...
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15:18
