Third Fork

Tansley Stearns
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS

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.

  1. 11/24/2025

    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

  2. 11/10/2025

    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

  3. 11/03/2025

    Worth the Ask: Negotiations 101

    Negotiating pay can feel like walking a tightrope in dress shoes.  Ryan’s been on both sides of the table, coaching candidates and now extending offers, and he’s seen how the script changes depending on your role, your leverage, and your timing.  Tansley admits she once didn’t even know salary negotiation was a thing. The two unpack what compensation really means beyond the paycheck. From knowing how to start the conversation, to understanding how to collect enough information to make a decision. This one’s for anyone standing at the start of a new career path wondering just how much power they actually have.

    19 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    Buzzword Bingo

    In this episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan take a playful jab at the language of work. Those buzzwords and phrases that fill meetings, memos, and Teams/Zoom chats everywhere.  From “innovation” to “synergy,” they unpack how jargon shapes culture, signals belonging, and sometimes hides the lack of actual doing. Ryan asks his favorite question: Will my future self roast me for saying this? Tansley reminds us that saying the right thing isn’t the same as doing the right thing.  The conversation  hits close to home, and might make you rethink your next “low-hanging fruit.”

    15 min

  5. 10/06/2025

    On Being Human at Work: Leading When It’s Heavy

    Some days hit different. You wake up and something’s off, maybe it’s you, maybe it’s the air. The inbox feels louder, the faces in meetings blur together, and your usual spark is just… missing. We all have experienced them. Sometimes it’s work, sometimes it’s life, sometimes it’s both tangled up together. What matters isn’t pretending you’re fine, it’s learning how to move through it without dropping what makes you, you. Ryan shares, ‘Err on the side of vulnerability, and be cautious about who you share with.’ Vulnerability is powerful when it’s placed well. It’s not about oversharing. It’s about being real in a way that builds trust. Tansley reflects on relationships holistically. If you’re sharing something hard, is it to connect or to unload? Is this a moment to speak, or a moment to listen? Building that instinct is quiet work, the kind that sharpens with experience and a few wrong turns. Relationships are 50-50. They can only hold weight if both people are steady enough to carry their side. Sometimes your 50 looks like speaking up. Other times, it’s asking for space or simply taking a walk. Movement helps. So does sunlight early in the day.

    14 min

  6. 09/22/2025

    Butterflies on Day One: Welcoming Leaders with Intention

    Behind the title and the resume is a human being stepping into new territory. Behind the title and the resume is a human being stepping into new territory. Culture is felt in the little things: an intentional lunch invite, a personal story about values, or a structured check-in from a peer. This episode of Third Fork highlights the art of onboarding leaders with heart. Ryan poses the question of what those first 90 days should look like, while Tansley offers a grounding reminder: every leader is human, butterflies included.

    14 min

  7. 09/08/2025

    Assumptions Free: Speaking Across Generations

    In this episode of Third Fork, Ryan and Tansley break down what it truly takes to connect across generations at work.  From legacy systems that challenge even the most tech-savvy new hires to the courage it takes to admit when you don’t know the latest slang, they remind us: stay curious, be open, and leave assumptions at the door. Plus, they share the personal moments that shaped how we show up across generations.

    19 min

  8. 09/03/2025

    Small Talk: Building Bridges Without Awkwardness

    In this episode of Third Fork, hosts Tansley and Ryan dive into the art of small talk at work. This is an underrated skill that can make or break your office experience.  They explore practical strategies for young professionals looking to build connections in a new workplace, from confidently introducing yourself to a colleague, to balancing openness with healthy boundaries.  Whether you’re navigating a new office environment or trying to strengthen relationships with teammates, this conversation offers insights, real-life examples, and tips for making meaningful connections without overthinking every word.

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tansley Stearns
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Third Fork
  • Show Website
    Third Fork