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PODCAST

Third Fork

Tansley Stearns

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.

business careers

All Episodes

21:46

A Third Fork Q&A

Third Fork ·

2025/11/24

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 h...

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14:20

Career Myths: The Ones Worth Busting (and Keeping)

Third Fork ·

2025/11/10

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 dir...

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18:46

Worth the Ask: Negotiations 101

Third Fork ·

2025/11/03

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 ma...

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15:24

Buzzword Bingo

Third Fork ·

2025/10/27

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. Th...

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13:55

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

Third Fork ·

2025/10/06

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 wh...

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14:02

Butterflies on Day One: Welcoming Leaders with Intention

Third Fork ·

2025/09/22

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...

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19:25

Assumptions Free: Speaking Across Generations

Third Fork ·

2025/09/08

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.

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16:44

Small Talk: Building Bridges Without Awkwardness

Third Fork ·

2025/09/03

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, th...

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16:15

When Leaders Graduate: Coping with Change and...

Third Fork ·

2025/08/27

In this heartfelt episode of Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan explore the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to a beloved leader when they move on to a new opportunity. Tansley reflects on the importance of celebrating a colleague’s departure as a graduation, a recognition that their growth and success are something to cheer for. She reflects on a quote from the movie Elizabethtown to cope, embrace, and look forward to what's next: "You have five minutes to wallow in the delicious misery. Enjo...

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13:56

Vacation Guilt: Learning to Truly Step Away

Third Fork ·

2025/08/11

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...

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19:18

Rewind: Curiosity Over Criticism

Third Fork ·

2025/08/04

We’re rewinding one of our most popular and insightful episodes from the Third Fork archive: Curiosity Over Criticism. In this conversation, Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown explore the delicate art of navigating unsolicited advice. Tansley shares how leading with questions rather than statements fosters openness and curiosity, while Ryan encourages listeners to assume positive intent, creating space for healthier dialogue. Together, they offer practical strategies for receiving, processi...

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25:32

Eyes on the Horizon: Navigating External Job Interviews

Third Fork ·

2025/07/21

In the second part of our Third Fork series on interviews, Tansley and Ryan shift focus to external job opportunities, when your growth journey calls you beyond your current workplace. Whether you’re passively exploring or actively applying, this episode offers practical insights on: How to prepare for external interviews without losing your authenticityNavigating loyalty and transparency with your current leaderWhat to ask (and what to avoid) in a first conversationWhy preparing your current...

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18:33

The Inside Track: A Guide to Internal Interviews

Third Fork ·

2025/07/14

This week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan kick off a two-part series on navigating interviews, and we’re starting from the inside out. With experience leading HR and People teams (and with Ryan’s early career roots in recruiting), they unpack the unique dynamics of applying for internal opportunities within your current organization. From preparing to talk about your career growth, to understanding how to balance role satisfaction and ambition, this episode covers: · What ...

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21:02

Rewind: Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams (with Cortney...

Third Fork ·

2025/07/07

This week on Third Fork, we’re bringing back one of our most inspiring conversations, perfect for returning from the long weekend and resetting to refocus. In this rewind episode, Tansley Stearns welcomes Cortney Arnold, Community Development Director at Filene Research Institute and leader of The Cooperative Trust. Cortney’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, possibility, and purpose-driven work. Whether you’re early in your career or navigating a new season of leadership, her insights ...

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14:39

You Don’t Need All the Answers to Innovate

Third Fork ·

2025/06/30

In this episode of Third Fork, 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 ...

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22:21

WAIT: Why Am I Talking?

Third Fork ·

2025/06/23

At Community Financial, 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...

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14:12

Milestones That Matter: Why We Pause, Reflect, and...

Third Fork ·

2025/06/16

Milestones That Matter: Why We Pause, Reflect, and Celebrate This week on Third Fork, Tansley and Ryan delve into the complex, yet meaningful, world of milestones, from birthdays and graduations to retirements, work anniversaries, and promotions, and everything in between. Whether you’re the type to throw a party, create a viral social post, or quietly journal in your favorite notebook, milestones are more than markers of time. They’re powerful tools for reflection, renewal, and recognition. ...

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20:54

Rewind: Your First Big Meeting (Still Worth Sweating...

Third Fork ·

2025/06/10

This week, we're heading to our quarterly strategic deep dive, so we’re revisiting an episode that highlights big first meetings. Whether it’s your first time in a strategy planning meeting or you’re facing a boardroom of seasoned leaders, the unspoken rules and quiet influence dynamics can feel overwhelming. In this Third Fork rewind, hosts Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown revisit what it was like to be the new voice at the table, reflect on what still resonates today, and offer timeless advic...

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19:18

Curiosity Over Criticism

Third Fork ·

2025/06/02

This week on Third Fork, Tansley Stearns and Ryan Brown tackle the delicate art of handling unsolicited advice. Tansley emphasizes the power of starting with a question instead of a statement, encouraging listeners to remain open and curious. Ryan advises assuming the best intentions behind the advice, helping to foster a more constructive dialogue. Together, they share practical strategies for receiving, coping with, and acting on feedback, ensuring that every piece of advice becomes a valua...

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18:24

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Third Fork ·

2025/05/28

As young professionals, keeping close attention to mental health is essential. In this episode, Ryan and Tansley share their personal commitment to mental health and offer advice on how to prioritize it for ourselves and our teams.

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32 results

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