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 ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 9: Shelley Littleton
Today’s guest is Shelley Littleton. She is passionate about helping people maintain their independence, someone who is quite energetic, and a planner at heart…
Despite ImpossibleCredit Unions, Americans Are Hurting: Our Time Is Now
Credit Unions, Americans Are Hurting: Our Time Is Now To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 8: Paul Beachnau
Today’s guest is Paul Beachnau. Paul is enthusiastic about sharing the beauty of Northern Michigan, he’s a dog-lover, a true optimist, and if you are around…
Despite ImpossibleBranches or Digital? We’re Asking the Wrong Question
Branches or Digital? We’re Asking the Wrong Question To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 7: Teri Kuehn
Today’s guest is Teri Kuehn. Teri is a professor, a positive influence, someone with an open heart and space for others, and she loves a good spreadsheet. Her…
Despite ImpossibleConnective Action: Let’s Change the Trajectory for Survivors of Domestic & Sexual Violence
Connective Action: Let’s Change the Trajectory for Survivors of Domestic & Sexual Violence To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 6: Andrea LaFontaine
Today’s guest is Andrea LaFontaine. Andrea is thoughtful and hardworking, and people in her circles depend on her as an honest truth-teller. She is the Robert…
Despite ImpossibleRaise Your Glass: Lessons from a Pink Concert
Raise Your Glass: Lessons from a Pink Concert To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 5: REPLAY ft. George Hofheimer
Today’s guest is George Hofheimer. George is a friend, a leader, and an in-demand advisor for highly ambitious credit unions, including ours, that want to…
Despite ImpossiblePesto, Mozzarella & a Whole Lot of Connection: Elevating Tradition to Grow Culture
Pesto, Mozzarella & a Whole Lot of Connection: Elevating Tradition to Grow Culture To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 4: Karen Friday-Field
Today’s guest is Karen Fryday-Field. Karen is brilliant, kind and caring, has a good laugh, and is someone who seeks to learn at every turn. Karen is also the…
Despite ImpossibleWhat’s in a Number?
What’s in a Number? To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 3: Mark Sievewright
Today’s guest is Mark Sievewright. Mark is a family-first man, an astute strategist with a keen sense of humor, an engaging storyteller, and someone with a big…
Despite ImpossibleA Restless Drive to Serve: Elevating Credit Union Leadership in Action
A Restless Drive to Serve: Elevating Credit Union Leadership in Action. To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns'…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 2: Laura Killingbeck
Today’s guest is Laura Killingbeck. Laura is an independent explorer, adventurer, authentic listener, someone whose friends seek as a mediator, and she sees…
Despite ImpossibleImpossible Dreams Coming to Life
Impossible Dreams Coming to Life. To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
Despite ImpossibleSeason 3 Episode 1: Dr. Aimee Daily
Today’s guest is Dr. Aimee Daily. Aimee is committed to helping ensure that kids get the care they need to reach their full potential. Aimee is also the…
Despite ImpossibleShout it Out: Loud Enough to Spark Inspiration
Shout it Out: Loud Enough to Spark Inspiration. To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven…
Despite ImpossibleCuriously Driven - Episode 7
From "Fit" Choices to Innovation: Agency Shapes Human Experience and Organizational Impact To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter…
Despite ImpossibleCuriously Driven - Episode 6
Shaping the Arc of Your Career: As Inspired by Lauren Culp To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously…
Despite ImpossibleCuriously Driven - Episode 5
Workplace as Cushion: The Power to Amplify Mental Wellbeing To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously…
Despite ImpossibleCuriously Driven - Episode 4
Don't Be Sorry. Be Better. To access this article, and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.
Despite ImpossibleCuriously Driven - Episode 3
My Path to Motherhood: Shining a Light on the Hope Credit Unions Can Create. To access this article in written form, and subscribe, to the Curiously Driven…
Despite ImpossibleCuriously Driven Podcast Epside 2
The Experience of Joy: Shaping the Future of Work, by Tansley Stearns. To access the complete article, and subscribe, visit Curiosuly Driven Newsletter…
Despite ImpossibleCuriously Driven Podcast: Episode 1
Each week, the "Curiously Driven Newsletter” authored by Tansley Stearns, president & ceo, weaves together profound insights and heartfelt musings from her…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 FINALE: Tansley Stearns
This episode wraps up our epic second season of Despite Impossible! We flipped the script as I sat down with my dear friend Elry Armaza. Listen in as Elry asks…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 26: Christine Blake
Today’s guest is Christine Blake. Christine is driven, passionate, mindful of her time, and indomitable. She is also the President and CEO of Cardinal Credit…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 25: Jill Ferrari
Today’s guest is Jill Ferrari. Jill is often described as a generous and passionate human, someone who is wicked smart, and a serial entrepreneur. She is also…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 24: Samantha Paxson
Today’s guest is Samantha Paxson. Sam experiences life wholeheartedly. She is joyful, creative, and passionate about improving the world. She is also a growth…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 23: REPLAY - Dr. RJ Webber
Dr. RJ Webber is a lifelong educator with a focus on equity and creating the opportunity to learn. An award-winning teacher, administrator, and change agent…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 22: REPLAY - Lori-Kitchen Buschel
Lori's passions can be summarized as being a fierce advocate for human safety and security, non-profits addressing these social causes, and her children. She…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 21: Julie Ferguson
Today’s guest is Julie Ferguson, a coach, traveler, Husky, and entrepreneur. Julie is also the owner of JRF Consulting Services, LLC, which is focused on…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 20: Chris Lambert
Today’s guest is Chris Lambert. He is an author, a passionate Detroiter, and a big believer in making the impossible possible. He is also the Founder and CEO…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 19: Jennifer Spitler
Today’s guest is Jennifer Spitler. She is tenacious, believes in working hard and playing hard, and is passionate about the possibilities of the future…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 18: Ronaldo Hardy
Today’s guest is Ronaldo Hardy. He is a passionate leader, someone who is all about people, a gifted singer, and someone who considers himself to be a…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 17: Arash Asady
Today’s guest is Arash Asady. Arash is a thought leader, someone who is irrationally optimistic, a caring friend, and clutch. He is also the CEO and co-founder…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 16: 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 ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 15: Jimese Harkley
Today’s guest is Jimese Harkley. She is determined, witty, deliberate, passionate, and consistent in her approach to life. She is also an entrepreneur, credit…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 14: Randy Harrington
Today’s guest is Randy Harrington, a musician, strategist, a dear friend, chef, and professional executive coach. He is also the Founding Partner of Strategic…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 13: Mark Erwin
Today’s guest is Mark Erwin. He enjoys creating art, camping, and engaging with music. Mark is also the Executive Director at Ruth Ellis Center with a mission…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 12: Dr. Elliot Eisenberg
Today's guest is Dr. Elliot Eisenberg. He is an intellectually curious, lifelong learner with a witty sense of humor that makes him a remarkable storyteller…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 11: Dr. Amy Hillman
Today’s guest is Dr. Amy Hillman, a giver, a lifelong learner, someone who is never afraid of trying new things, resilient, and a human capable of redrawing…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 10 REPLAY: Tony Roko
Meet Tony Roko, an awe-inspiring artist whose heart and stories can be found around Plymouth, Michigan. Tony’s art career began while he worked on the line at…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 9: Rick Thomas
Today’s guest is Rick Thomas, a father and a friend. He’s someone who loves animals and has a passion for community development, which started during his…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 8: Rachel Lauren
Today's guest is Rachel Lauren. She's resilient, brutally honest, a former financial analyst, and an investor turned fintech entrepreneur. Rachel is also the…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 7: Lauren Culp
Today's guest is Lauren Culp, a collaborative and tenacious leader skilled at balancing strategy and execution. Lauren is a vibrant human being who dreams…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 6: Dr. Shairi Turner
Today's guest is Dr. Shairi Turner - a mom, a holistic well-being advocate, and someone who is committed to addressing the mental health epidemic. She is also…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 5: Anika Goss-Foster
Today's guest is Anika Goss-Foster, a joyful dreamer, philanthropist, community leader, and one of Detroit's fiercest advocates. Anika is the Chief Executive…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 4: George Hofheimer
Today’s guest is George Hofheimer. George is a friend, a leader, and an in-demand advisor for highly ambitious credit unions, including ours, that want to…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 3: Heidi Musser
Today’s guest is Heidi Musser. She’s a determined and resilient servant leader, influencer, design thinker, change agent, and a master Agilest. This is Heidi’s…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 2: Kirk Drake
Today’s guest is Kirk Drake. Kirk is an entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker who is on a mission to disrupt business norms and accelerate innovation…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 2 Episode 1: Michelle Winterfield
Today's guest is Michelle Winterfield, Co-Founder of Tandem, an incredible finance app for couples that makes money management fun and easy. This is her story…
Despite ImpossibleReplay: Matt Nahan
Today's guest is Matt Nahan. He is an artist, a friend, a collaborator, an advocate for social causes, a son, a partner, and a dog dad. He is also the…
Despite ImpossibleSeason 1 Finale ft. Lauren Culp
Huzzah, Despite Impossible Season 1 is a wrap! I’m here to celebrate and reminisce with Lauren Culp, CUInsight’s CEO and my good friend. We’re sharing some…
Despite ImpossibleCory Schlesinger
Today’s guest is Cory Schlesinger. He’s a small-town Nebraska native and a former football player for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Detroit…
Despite ImpossibleRachelle Vartanian
Today’s guest is Rachelle Vartanian. She’s the founder of the Northville nonprofit Living and Learning Enrichment Center for adults with autism and related…

Despite ImpossibleNathaniel Harley
Today’s guest is Nathaniel Harley. He’s the CEO of MANTL, a financial technology company that provides a platform to open accounts online with community banks…
Despite ImpossibleReplay: Dr. Monica L. Merritt
Turn on your listening ears for another back-to-school throwback! As the school year gets underway, we’re going back over our episode with Plymouth-Canton…
Despite ImpossibleGreg 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…