Despite Impossible

Invisibility Isn't a Superpower

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

Season 4 Reflections: Part II

Season 4 Reflections: Part I

Work the Room

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 Working

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.

Season 4 Episode 25: Scott Edwards

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.

Info Overload

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!

REWIND | Season 3 Episode 23: Megan Spanitz

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.

REWIND | Vacation Guilt: Learning to Truly Step Away

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.

Season 4 Episode 24: Barb Lowman

“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."