Podcast
Third Fork
Hosted by Tansley Stearns · EN
Each week, Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown, longtime executives and friends, approach the unspoken rules of executive circles and tribes. Together, they provide insights to young professionals making their way into rooms dominated by Gen Xers and Millennials and make the perfect landing.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
REWIND | Vacation Guilt: Learning to Truly Step Away
3d ago00:13:56Tap to summarizeAs 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.
Transcribe →Got a Side Hustle?
1w ago00:09:15Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Celebrating Moms!
2w ago00:13:06Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Rewind: WAIT: Why Am I Talking?
3w ago00:22:21Tap to summarizeThis week's episode is a REWIND:At orsa credit union, 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 expertIn a noisy world, listening well might be the ultimate competitive advantage.
Transcribe →Rewind: You Don’t Need All the Answers to Innovate
Apr 2000:14:39Tap to summarizeIn this rewind episode of Third Fork from June 2025, 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.
Transcribe →Friends at Work
Apr 1300:11:10Tap to summarizeThis week friends at work Ryan and Tansley discuss what it means to have friends at work.Understanding all the research out there, they question, if there is a downside and Ryan flexes his HR wisdom! Tansley thinks credit unions the perfect place to develop friends at work and shares how that has shaped her network over the years.Our favorite work friends discuss the importance of boundaries and candor in friendships at work and how promotions can influence or change those relationships. Check this episode and listen with your work friend!
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New Generational Challenges
Apr 600:14:54Tap to summarizeThis week on Third Fork—what does it mean to grow up in a world that’s changing faster than ever?Tansley and Ryan explore the realities younger generations are navigating—from AI to the lasting impact of the pandemic. Ryan reflects on his own kids and the future they’re stepping into, while Tansley sees something just as powerful: a deep and steady sense of hope.They bring it into the workplace, too—where multiple generations are learning, stretching, and sometimes struggling to understand each other. But they come back to one truth: No matter how much evolves, our need for real human connection remains—and it matters more than ever.
Transcribe →Kind In Your Candor
Mar 3100:12:27Tap to summarizeToday, Tansley and Ryan talk about candor. Specifically, when and how you should tell someone that something is wrong or that they might want to fix something. Candor is kind! A few great examples they discuss: "You have some broccoli in your teeth" or "Is there something off with the data in this slide?" and ofcourse "Tansley... you have two different boots on."A really fun epsiode with some real practical advice on those awkward encounters we all face.
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Spring Forward!
Mar 2300:14:16Tap to summarizeThis week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan reflect not just on the actual seasonal time change but on how one might spring a head in life or work. Ryan talked a lot about the seasonality and importance of a reset to prep for the next season and how as an individual and a team you might get there... he also shares his new obsession with Cloudcode. Tansley shares how at orsa smaller sprints help chunk out the larger goals when we are looking at both short and long term horizons. She also shares that we might just want to ask ourselves, "what makes me happy" and make sure we are intentional about incorporating those things in our seasons.
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When Life Gets Noisy...
Mar 1600:13:43Tap to summarizeThis week, Tansley and Ryan talk about how to handle your work life when your personal life gets complicated and noisy. It is a HUMAN thing! You are not alone!Tansley and Ryan share great advice on how you can walk through your work life, showing up in an authentic way and be successful - even when your personal life turns up the volume!
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