Despite Impossible

orsa credit union
  • 5.0 (21)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 14H AGO

    Season 4 Episode 16: Brett Wooden

    Today’s guest is Brett Wooden. Brett is a strategist, builder, and proud dad who sees opportunity where others see play. He is a consultant, speaker, and software leader dedicated to helping credit unions innovate with intention and relevance. Through his work at Buildable, Brett partners with credit unions, banks, and fintechs to design digital products that create measurable impact. His mission is clear: help financial institutions experiment thoughtfully, engage the next generation early, and build lifelong relationships in the age of play. This is his story.

    21 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Rewind: Surviving Your First Big Conference

    REWIND BACK to our debut episode of Third Fork, we introduced the heart of our podcast — helping young professionals make sense of those unspoken workplace rules. From brushing up on networking etiquette to tackling conference jitters, we’re here to share the real-world insights no one ever spelled out. Join hosts Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown as they recount navigating their very first big conference (like, the America's Credit Union's GAC this week!)  And watch out for even more special GAC content coming in the next week!

    20 min

  3. FEB 19

    Rewind Episode: Linda Armyn & Dr. Missy Stults

    Linda Armyn is the President and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in New York state and my alma mater. Linda is a dear friend and a huge fan of the Irish rock bank U2, which might rival my Dave Matthews Band fandom. This is her story. Dr. Missy Stults 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.

    38 min

  4. FEB 12

    Season 4 Episode 15: Dr. Anthony Oraha

    Today’s guest is Dr. Anthony Oraha. Anthony is passionate about health, caring, a great listener, and someone dedicated to empowering patients’ agency. He is also the founder of Synergy Longevity Centers and an Emergency Medicine physician with a focus on preventative medicine and longevity optimization. This is Anthony’s story.

    21 min
  5. When You Mess Up, How You Fess Up

    FEB 9

    When You Mess Up, How You Fess Up

    This week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan dig into what to do (and what not to do) when you know you’ve messed up. Tansley shares her hot take on apologies, Ryan breaks down why real accountability actually matters, and together they unpack why owning your mistakes is essential—especially in an innovative culture. They also explore apologies from both the over-apologizer and the under-apologizer perspective. Don’t mess it up. Listen to the episode!

    14 min
  6. A Love Letter to the Mitten: Keep Growing

    FEB 6

    A Love Letter to the Mitten: Keep Growing

    A Love Letter to the Mitten: Keep Growing To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

    7 min

  7. FEB 5

    Rewind Episode: Vince Paul

    Today’s guest is Vince Paul. Vince is an artist, a Detroiter, and boasts an alter ego, Tenacious V, who makes an appearance once a decade. He is also the President and Artistic Director of the Detroit Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Having dedicated decades to the arts, Vince spent most of his career in New York City or touring globally with theater, music, or dance productions. When the opportunity arose to lead the Detroit Music Hall, Vince knew it was an incredible chance to make a meaningful impact in his hometown through artistic experience. This is Vince’s story.

    26 min
  8. Rewind: Pestering Progress: How to Create Immediate Impact

    FEB 2

    Rewind: Pestering Progress: How to Create Immediate Impact

    A throwback epsiode from 2025 w/ guest co-host Lauren Culp: Get ready to learn from a true trailblazer in the credit union space! This week on Third Fork, Tansley Stearns chats with Lauren Culp, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Having led impactful initiatives throughout her career, Lauren shares her secrets for making a swift and lasting impression in new roles, building a reputation as a respected leader, and navigating complex office dynamics. Plus, she reveals the value of being a "respected pest": persistently pursuing goals while earning the trust and support of others. Tune in for valuable insights on accelerating your career growth and becoming a force for positive change in your organization

    27 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 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.

Information

  • Creator
    orsa credit union
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    233
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Despite Impossible
  • Show Website
    Despite Impossible