Despite Impossible

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 role

·      Navigating awkwardness when you’re applying for a job down the hall

·      Tips for standing out while staying true to your values

·      What not to say in internal interviews (yes, even if they know you)

If you're considering your next step within your current organization, this episode is your go-to guide for moving up, across, or in a bold new direction, with purpose and poise.

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 championing collaboration, Cortney shares her vision for the future of cooperative finance, the power of lifelong learning, and how young professionals can shape the system from within.

If you’ve ever needed a nudge to keep going or a reason to believe that your voice matters in the movement, this one’s still for you.

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 instant solutions, is where early-career professionals can shine. Even without deep expertise, asking better questions and noticing what others overlook is an invaluable contribution.

Whether you're a young leader finding your voice or a seasoned professional hoping to invite new thinking into your work, this episode is a reminder: innovation doesn’t always start with knowledge; it often starts with noticing.

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 a tool for influence

·       Ask better questions that peel back the next layer

·       Solicit insights from the smartest people in the room

·       Show up with novice eyes, even when you’re the subject matter expert

In a noisy world, listening well might be the ultimate competitive advantage.