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 remind us why holding onto our dreams is essential.

From building community to championing collaboration, Cortney shares her vision for the future of cooperative finance, the power of lifelong learning, and how young professionals can shape the system from within.

If you’ve ever needed a nudge to keep going or a reason to believe that your voice matters in the movement, this one’s still for you.

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 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.

Empathy: An Unlock Feature for Credit Unions.

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Today’s guest is Doug Schwartz. Doug is warm, friendly, aims to be present in the moment, and is someone who enjoys a good slice of key lime pie. He is also the founder of Detroit Wick. Detroit Wick manufactures limited-edition products onsite as a scent branding facility. This is Doug’s story.

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 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 expert

In a noisy world, listening well might be the ultimate competitive advantage.

Cooking Up an AI Strategy: The More You Cook, The More Ideas Are Served

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Today’s guest is Eden Alonso. Eden is confident, a go-getter, kind, a current high schooler, and someone who enjoys traveling. She is also the recipient of an award from NPR's Student Podcast Challenge, where she beat out nearly 2,000 other entries. This is Eden’s story.