Shows / Despite Impossible
Despite Impossible
I am Tansley Stearns, and this is Despite Impossible. I am a long-time credit union executive leading orsa credit union 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
Despite ImpossibleFinding 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…
- Despite Impossible
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…
Despite ImpossibleBuilding 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…
Despite ImpossibleHarnessing 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' Curiously Driven…
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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…
Despite ImpossibleInternships 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…
Despite ImpossibleFood and Credit Unions: Breaking Bread and Changing the World Together
Food and Credit Unions: Breaking Bread and Changing the World Together To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
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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…
Despite ImpossibleParenting & 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…
Despite ImpossibleOf Fractions & Multipliers: Winning the War for Talent with Creativity and Curiosity
Of Fractions & Multipliers: Winning the War for Talent with Creativity and Curiosity To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit…
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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…
Despite ImpossiblePestering 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…
Despite ImpossibleHustle & Grind: Running with our Members as a Financial Best Friend
Hustle & Grind: Running with our Members as a Financial Best Friend To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
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Season 3 Episode 28: Amy Peterson
Today’s guest is Amy Peterson. Amy is a fireball. Amy’s energy leads to getting shit done consistently. She is a surfer, a good friend, and a serial…
Despite ImpossibleRight-Sizing Anxiety in the Workplace
Tune in to this week's episode of Third Fork as Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown tackle a crucial yet often stigmatized topic: managing anxiety in the workplace…
Despite ImpossibleThe Power of a Tater Tot Casserole: Credit Unions’ Potential in Dark Moments
The Power of a Tater Tot Casserole: Credit Unions’ Potential in Dark Moments To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley…
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Season 3 Episode 27: Scott Berman
Today's guest is Scott Berman. Scott is thoughtful, insightful, and not afraid of confronting his fears. He is also driven and willing to fight that urge to…
Despite ImpossibleEarly Career Choices That Last A Lifetime
On this week's episode of Third Fork, Tansley Stearns reconnects with Ryan Brown to tackle one of the most critical aspects of long-term success: setting…
Despite ImpossibleLessons from the Mall: Bridging Generations to Build the Future of Credit Unions
Lessons from the Mall: Bridging Generations to Build the Future of Credit Unions To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley…
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Season 3 Episode 26: David Silver
Today’s guest is David Silver. David is a New York transplant, a competitive horse rider, and exemplifies perseverance. He is also the Founder and Executive…
Despite ImpossibleDon't Give Up On Dreams!
This week on Third Fork, Tansley Stearns welcomes Cortney Arnold, Community Development Director at Filene Research Institute and Leader of The Cooperative…
Despite ImpossibleCredit Unions: Best Friends Built for Dark Times
Credit Unions: Best Friends Built for Dark Times To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
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Season 3 Episode 25: Dan Pitera
Today’s guest is Dan Pitera. He is an energetic leader, and someone who is also challenging current structures, and he is a political and social activist…
Despite ImpossibleStay Curious!
Join us on this week's episode of Third Fork as Tansley Stearns and special guest Emily Sutton candidly explore the many opportunities surrounding us if we…
Despite ImpossibleFueling Collaboration: Six Ways to Act on the Sixth Cooperative Principle
Fueling Collaboration: Six Ways to Act on the Sixth Cooperative Principle To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley…
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Season 3 Episode 24: Christi Lower
Today’s guest is Christi Lower. Christi is an entrepreneur, inquisitive, and someone who is honest and offers no judgement. She is also the Founder & CEO of…
Despite ImpossibleWant to Make an Impression? Then Pick Up the Poop
Join us on this week's episode of Third Fork as Tansley Stearns sits down with special guest Blake Woods to explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating a…
Despite ImpossibleOur Extravaganza: Creating a Movement of Credit Unions as Connectors
Our Extravaganza: Creating a Movement of Credit Unions as Connectors To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
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Season 3 Episode 23: 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…
Despite ImpossibleEngaging in Your First Big Meeting
In this episode of Third Fork, we dive into the nerve-wracking but pivotal moment of attending your first big executive meeting. Whether it’s a boardroom full…
Despite ImpossibleA Story to Remember: Credit Unions as the Answer to Economic Pain
A Story to Remember: Credit Unions as the Answer to Economic Pain To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
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Season 3 Episode 22: Jolene Delisle
Today’s guest is Jolene Delisle. Jolene is resilient, possesses brilliant creativity, and is someone who those who know her well describe as fun. She is also…
Despite ImpossibleSurviving Your First Big Conference - Part II
In Part II of this debut episode of Third Fork, we introduce the heart of our podcast — helping young professionals make sense of those unspoken workplace…
Despite ImpossibleAmericans’ Best Friends Need a Best Friend: Five Ways We Can Unify Now
Americans’ Best Friends Need a Best Friend: Five Ways We Can Unify Now To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
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Season 3 Episode 21: Brandon Michaels
Today’s guest is Brandon Michaels. Brandon is passionate, driven, innovative, serious, a pilot, a dancer, and someone who is always willing to put people…
Despite ImpossibleWelcome to Third Fork: Surviving Your First Big Conference
In this debut episode of Third Fork, we introduce the heart of our podcast — helping young professionals make sense of those unspoken workplace rules. From…
Despite ImpossibleRestless and Ready to Quilt Our Future
Restless and Ready to Quilt Our Future To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
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Season 3 Episode 20 REPLAY ft. Linda Armyn
Today’s guest is Linda Armyn, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in New York state and my alma…
Despite ImpossibleOur Future’s Playlist: Your Strategy Plays Here
Our Future's Playlist: Your Strategy Plays Here To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
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Season 3 Episode 19 REPLAY ft. Teresa Freeborn
Today’s guest is Teresa Freeborn. She is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of corporate leadership, the co-founder of Smash + Tess, a…
Despite ImpossibleLess Messy Than a Pug Puppy: Credit Unions as an Answer to Loneliness
Less Messy Than a Pug Puppy: Credit Unions as an Answer to Loneliness To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
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Season 3 Episode 18: Missy Testerman
Today’s guest is Missy Testerman. Missy is a passionate joy-seeker, a gardener, a teacher at heart and professionally, and someone deeply committed to…
Despite ImpossibleWhat Would Edith Do? Resurrecting Service to Transform Experience
What Would Edith Do? Resurrecting Service to Transform Experience To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
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Season 3 Episode 17: Kelley Cusmano
Today’s guest is Kelley Cusmano. Kelley is a charismatic educator, energetic, outgoing, a mother of two fantastic children, and a twin sister. Kelley is also…
Despite ImpossibleLoneliness Cuts Deeply for People: Five Ways Your Leaders Can Build Connection and Bottom-Line Results
Loneliness Cuts Deeply for People: Five Ways Your Leaders Can Build Connection and Bottom-Line Results. To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly…
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Season 3 Episode 16: Shruti Miyashiro
Today’s guest is Shruti Miyashiro. Shruti is a dynamic credit union leader, a veracious reader, and someone who is approachable, warm, and authentic. Shruti is…
Despite ImpossibleFive (New) Rules for Winning the War for Talent
Five (New) Rules for Winning the War for Talent To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
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Season 3 Episode 15: Marty Fittante
Today’s guest is Marty Fittante. Marty is someone who works and plays hard, enjoys a good laugh, and someone who can count by sevens extremely fast. Marty is…
Despite ImpossibleElectrifying Your Future: Lessons From Bob Dylan
Electrifying Your Future: Lessons From Bob Dylan To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
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Season 3 Episode 14: Jeanette Pierce
Today’s guest is Jeanette Pierce. Jeanette is a vibrant storyteller, a social entrepreneur, a lifelong Detroiter who loves city walks, and someone who is not…
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Season 3 Episode 13: Tansley Stearns
Today’s guest is Tansley Stearns. Tansley is a visionary, dreamer, runner, mother, and someone who loves Dave Matthews Band. She is also the president & ceo of…
Despite ImpossibleA Recovering Perfectionist Keeps Learning
A Recovering Perfectionist Keeps Learning To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter…
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Season 3 Episode 12: Christopher Veal
Today’s guest is Christopher Veal. He is a great listener, someone who’s warm, thoughtful, challenging the traditional definitions of masculinity, and he’s…
Despite Impossible2025: The Year of the Credit Union
2025: The Year of the Credit Union To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
Despite ImpossibleFour Strategy Lessons from Ms. Pac-Man
Four Strategy Lessons from Ms. Pac-Man To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
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Season 3 Episode 11: Lamont Black
Today’s guest is Lamont Black. He is an educator, thinker, dreamer, speaker, an author with a focus on financial innovation, and a futurist. He’s inspiring our…
Despite ImpossibleDealer's Choice
Dealer's Choice To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page. Here are three of my…
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Season 3 Episode 10: Lorenzo P. Lewis
Today’s guest is Lorenzo P. Lewis. Lorenzo is a renowned public speaker, an author, an entrepreneur, and someone who is committed to help others turn pain into…
Despite ImpossibleStrategy & Curiosity: Looking Up and Around as We Shape the Future
Strategy & Curiosity: Looking Up and Around as We Shape the Future To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
Despite ImpossibleKill Your Binder
Kill Your Binder To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.