Third Fork

In the second part of our Third Fork series on interviews, Tansley and Ryan shift focus to external job opportunities, when your growth journey calls you beyond your current workplace.

Whether you’re passively exploring or actively applying, this episode offers practical insights on:

• How to prepare for external interviews without losing your authenticity
• Navigating loyalty and transparency with your current leader
• What to ask (and what to avoid) in a first conversation
• Why preparing your current leader to root for you is part of the process
• How to stay aligned with your personal values and career goals

If you're stepping into the unknown, Ryan and Tansley remind you: external opportunities aren’t just about new roles, they’re about renewed clarity on what matters most.

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.

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.

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.

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 retirements, work anniversaries, and promotions, and everything in between. Whether you’re the type to throw a party, create a viral social post, or quietly journal in your favorite notebook, milestones are more than markers of time. They’re powerful tools for reflection, renewal, and recognition.

Meanwhile, our hosts explore what feels authentic (and what doesn’t) when it comes to professional milestones like work anniversaries and exits. What should we do more of? What are we overthinking?

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 unspoken rules and quiet influence dynamics can feel overwhelming.

In this Third Fork rewind, hosts Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown revisit what it was like to be the new voice at the table, reflect on what still resonates today, and offer timeless advice to help young professionals enter high-stakes meetings with confidence and clarity.

If you're new to the room or mentoring someone who is, this one’s still for you.

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. Ryan advises assuming the best intentions behind the advice, helping to foster a more constructive dialogue. Together, they share practical strategies for receiving, coping with, and acting on feedback, ensuring that every piece of advice becomes a valuable learning opportunity. Tune in to discover how to turn unsolicited advice into a tool for personal and professional growth.

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. 

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 maintaining professionalism? On this week's episode of Third Fork, Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown share their perspectives on crafting a compelling digital footprint and avoiding common pitfalls. Tune in for practical tips on building a strong online brand that will help you in your career.