Third Fork

REWIND | Vacation Guilt: Learning to Truly Step Away

As we approach the begining of the SUMMER months, let's reflect back to this epsiode of Third Fork from last year on vacation guilt. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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, especially during the first couple of days away. Ryan reflects on his own recharge moments, like returning from a week volunteering as a counselor for his kids’ scout troops. Together, they explore practical ways to reduce the pull back into work: * Delay sending emails so they don’t re-open your inbox floodgates. * Set “micro check-in” windows to glance at your inbox without falling down the rabbit hole. * Empower your team to step in during your absence confidently, both planned and unexpected. Whether you struggle to silence your work brain or want to help your team unplug without guilt, this episode offers both empathy and actionable tips to make your time away truly restorative.

Got a Side Hustle?

In this episode of Third Fork, hosts Tansley and Ryan dive into the world of side hustles. With Gen Z officially dubbed the "side hustle generation," they strip away the hype to discuss the genuine pros and cons of juggling multiple roles. Tansley introduces a unique concept currently happening at orsa credit union, while Ryan shares his HR wisdom on exactly what to consider before you take the leap. Whether you're looking for extra income or creative freedom, tune in for an honest look at side hustles

Celebrating Moms!

In early celebration of Mother's Day, today's episode of Third Fork is all about moms! Ryan and Tansley kick things off by sharing heartfelt memories of their own mothers and recounting the stories of their very first jobs. The conversation then shifts to the intersection of motherhood and work, exploring the unique challenges and joys of balancing both. Finally, they reflect on some of the wisest lessons they've learned from their moms—timeless advice that continues to guide them in life and leadership.

Rewind: WAIT: Why Am I Talking?

This week's episode is a REWIND: At orsa credit union, 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.

Rewind: You Don’t Need All the Answers to Innovate

In this rewind episode of Third Fork from June 2025, 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.