Despite Impossible

Despite Impossible is preparing for its fifth season, by introducing video recordings of our interviews! Join us for powerful conversations with people chasing bold dreams, creating impact, and proving that impossible is only the beginning. This week, Tansley seats down with Jill Nowacki to talk her impossible.

Today’s guest is Jill Nowacki, Jill is thoughtful, contemplative, and someone who thinks about the many possibilities in front of her. She is also the co-founder and President & CEO of Zealyst, an organization dedicated to catalyzing for what's possible through executive search, leadership development, and organizational performance solutions, helping leaders and teams show up at their highest level. This is Jill’s story.

Invisibility Isn't a SuperpowerTo access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s episode of Third Fork comes straight from a viewer who asked: 'As a YP (young professional), what do you do when you’re the youngest person in the room? How do you actually build that confidence? Ryan shares what still makes him anxious and exactly how he overcomes it. Tansley provides insightful strategies on how to set yourself apart and actionable steps that will get you noticed. You will walk away from this episode, with concrete practices you can use TODAY.....As we head into the final episodes of this season, we’re doing something special: you decide the topics. We’ve pulled together a batch of burning questions from viewers like you—specifically from Young Professionals and those emerging into leadership—to get Ryan and Tansley’s hot takes, proven best practices, and some of their favorite stories along the way.If you have a question, go to our YouTube page, check-out the video episodes, and leave a comment!

When the Tools Stop WorkingThis recording is based on an article written by Tansley Stearns and originally published by CUInsight.com on May 28, 2026. We are grateful to CUInsight.com for authorizing this audio version.

Today's guest is Dr. Scott Edwards. Scott is a music lover, educator, hiker, and biker. He is curious, flexible, and deeply committed to bringing experience to life. As an academic and educator, he spends much of his time thinking about how we will leave the world for future generations. At Harvard University, he studies bird diversity and disease resistance using field research, museum collections, and genomics. Scott's dedication to exploring the natural world while staying grounded in community and learning inspires me, and so many others. This is Scott's story.

Welcome to this week’s episode of ThirdFork! This week is a video episode and you can check it out on the ThirdForkPodcast YouTube page. In today’s fast-paced world, you can find an answer to almost anything in seconds. But here’s the real question: How do we know if that information is accurate—or even the right fit for the job?Join hosts Tansley and Ryan as they dive deep into the challenge of information overload. Together, they unpack:The rise of “AI slop” and how it clouds our judgmentThe critical art of discernment in a noisy digital landscapeWhy maintaining a bias toward action matters more than ever when data feels endlessThis is a good one! Season Finale Alert: We’re approaching the end of our season! Our final episode will be a special reflection and Q&A featuring listener questions. Got something on your mind? Whether it’s about past topics or a fresh idea for these leaders, drop your questions in the comments section on our YouTube page—we’d love to hear from you!

Today’s episode rewinds to last year’s conversation with Megan Spanitz. Now serving as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Megan is undoubtedly in full swing preparing for this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, which kicks off next week!Rewind: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.

As we approach the begining of the SUMMER months, let's reflect back to this epsiode of Third Fork from last year on vacation guilt.__________________________________________________________________________________________________In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan dive into the all-too-familiar feeling of vacation guilt. That anxious voice that whispers you’re falling behind, even when you’re supposed to be resting.Tansley opens up with a personal story from her childhood, recalling how she could feel the tension and guilt building at home in the days leading up to family vacations, and how that same mindset can follow us into adulthood. She shares what it’s taken to quiet those feelings and fully unplug, especially during the first couple of days away.Ryan reflects on his own recharge moments, like returning from a week volunteering as a counselor for his kids’ scout troops. Together, they explore practical ways to reduce the pull back into work:Delay sending emails so they don’t re-open your inbox floodgates.Set “micro check-in” windows to glance at your inbox without falling down the rabbit hole.Empower your team to step in during your absence confidently, both planned and unexpected.Whether you struggle to silence your work brain or want to help your team unplug without guilt, this episode offers both empathy and actionable tips to make your time away truly restorative.

“Today’s guest is Barb Lowman. Barb is a dog lover. She is brave, driven, loyal, and hardworking. She is also the President of CUNA Strategic Services, Inc., a premier connector for credit unions and fintech, functioning as an affiliate of America's Credit Unions to support digital transformation and financial sustainability. Barb’s commitment to sharing her journey so that others might learn and to ensure more people see just how interconnected our paths are inspires me, and so many others. This is Barb’s story."

 In this episode of Third Fork, hosts Tansley and Ryan dive into the world of side hustles. With Gen Z officially dubbed the "side hustle generation," they strip away the hype to discuss the genuine pros and cons of juggling multiple roles. Tansley introduces a unique concept currently happening at orsa credit union, while Ryan shares his HR wisdom on exactly what to consider before you take the leap. Whether you're looking for extra income or creative freedom, tune in for an honest look at side hustles

Today's episode is a little different and really important to me.I've had the chance to sit down with two women in my life that mean everything to me, my mom and my daughter. Three generations. Three perspectives...on life, dreaming boldly, and leading bravely. This one is personal and I think it might be one you feel too.

In early celebration of Mother's Day, today's episode of Third Fork is all about moms!Ryan and Tansley kick things off by sharing heartfelt memories of their own mothers and recounting the stories of their very first jobs. The conversation then shifts to the intersection of motherhood and work, exploring the unique challenges and joys of balancing both. Finally, they reflect on some of the wisest lessons they've learned from their moms—timeless advice that continues to guide them in life and leadership.

Today’s guest is Sheena Allen. Sheena is an innovative entrepreneur, music-lover, and world changer who is fun-loving and considers herself to be weird. She is also a venture-backed tech founder, creative architect, and speaker building at the intersection of technology and financial equity. With a career spanning a bootstrapped app studio to founding and operating a digital bank, she is a leading voice among women in tech and non-technical founders. This is Sheena’s story.

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 president and chief executive officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals where she focuses on leading with authenticity, accessibility, and responsiveness and on building connections with team members, hospital leaders, and CMN Hospitals’ dedicated network of corporate, media, and community partners. This is Aimee’s story.