Despite Impossible

Community Financial
  • 5.0 (21)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I am Tansley Stearns, and this is Despite Impossible. I am a long-time credit union executive leading Community Financial 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.

  1. 16H AGO

    Rewind Episode: UofM Women's Ice Hockey Team

    2025 is almost over but not our support of University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey Team! If you missed these conversations with the team, we re-released them back-to-back-to-back for your holiday listening pleasure!  Go Blue!

    28 min

  2. DEC 11

    Rewind Episode: Michael Randall

    Today’s guest is Michael Randall. Mike is passionate about community development. He is an independent filmmaker, someone who enjoys a walk around the block, and crafting small cities out of cardboard. He is also the Executive Director at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, where he leverages his passion and expertise to strengthen his community for the benefit of his family, neighbors, and the broader city. Mike’s goal is to “expand our work and impact the lives of our neighbors while inviting new families to live and build businesses in our community.” This is Mike’s story.

    26 min

  3. DEC 4

    Rewind Episode: MacKenzie Isabelle Stearns

    Today’s guest is MacKenzie Isabelle Stearns. MacKenzie is an adventurer, a dedicated athlete, someone who deeply enjoys music, she is full of energy, and her friends describe her as someone incredibly fun to be around. MacKenzie is a first-year high school student, where she is deeply committed to walking with people going through stuff. She is also my kind, generous, creative, courageous, disciplined, and bold daughter. This is MacKenzie’s story.

    12 min
  4. A Third Fork Q&A

    NOV 24

    A Third Fork Q&A

    Today’s episode of Third Fork centers on audience questions they’ve never seen before. No prep. No scripts. Just real talk. Tansley and Ryan dig into the messy middle of career growth. How to build skills when you’re not sure where you’re headed next, what it looks like to advance without a perfectly mapped-out path, and why starting your day early might quietly be the most underrated power move in the workplace. They also get candid about impostor syndrome (yes, it still pops up) and share how to cultivate genuine relationships with leaders without feeling like you’re networking.  If you’ve ever wished someone would tell you the truth about career momentum with heart, humor, and a little tough love, this one’s for you.

    22 min

  5. NOV 20

    Season 4 Episode 11: Dr. Missy Stults

    Today’s guest is Dr. Missy Stults. Missy exudes high energy; she is a mom, a relentless problem-solver, an avid puzzler, and an upcoming speaker at HERd 2026 on February 20th. She is also the Director of the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovation, which works with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America. This is Missy’s story.

    15 min

  6. NOV 13

    Season 4 Episode 10: Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh

    Today’s guest is Dr. Gretchen Moran Marsh. She is driven, loves Michigan summers and dancing, and is ensuring mental health has the attention it deserves and that we reduce stigma to support people fully. She is also a is a clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression related disorders in teens and adults. She completed her undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Michigan, followed by her master’s degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University. This is Gretchen’s story.

    23 min
  7. Career Myths: The Ones Worth Busting (and Keeping)

    NOV 10

    Career Myths: The Ones Worth Busting (and Keeping)

    This week, Tansley and Ryan unpack the biggest career myths we’ve all been told. From “follow your passion” to “climb the ladder.” Ryan shares why chasing passion might actually lead you in circles and diminish the joy you find in a hobby you are passionate about. Tansley challenges the idea of perfect work-life balance, arguing instead for a life filled with what truly fuels you. Together, they explore why lateral moves can spark just as much growth as promotions, and why “sales” isn’t a dirty word. It’s how we all move ideas forward.

    14 min
  8. Of Diet Coke and Falling Asleep to Bad Television: Building New Habits at Work and at Home

    NOV 7

    Of Diet Coke and Falling Asleep to Bad Television: Building New Habits at Work and at Home

    Of Diet Coke and Falling Asleep to Bad Television: Building New Habits at Work and at Home To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

I am Tansley Stearns, and this is Despite Impossible. I am a long-time credit union executive leading Community Financial 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Community Financial
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    218
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Despite Impossible
  • Show Website
    Despite Impossible