I am Tansley Stearns, and this is Despite Impossible. I am a long-time credit union executive leading Community Financial 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.
Each week, the "Curiously Driven Newsletter” authored by Tansley Stearns, president & ceo, weaves together profound insights and heartfelt musings from her extensive leadership journey. Drawing from her rich experiences in life and her distinguished role in the credit union system, Tansley's words resonate like melody, offering brainfood and inspiration. Each edition is a poetic blend of leadership lessons learned, il...
This episode wraps up our epic second season of Despite Impossible! We flipped the script as I sat down with my dear friend Elry Armaza. Listen in as Elry asks me some of my very own questions from Season 2!
Today’s guest is Christine Blake. Christine is driven, passionate, mindful of her time, and indomitable. She is also the President and CEO of Cardinal Credit Union, which is committed to brightening Ohioans’ financial future. This is Christine’s story.
Today’s guest is Jill Ferrari. Jill is often described as a generous and passionate human, someone who is wicked smart, and a serial entrepreneur. She is also the co-founder and managing partner at Renovare Development, a real estate developer with over twenty-seven years of experience catalyzing urban redevelopment. Her background includes private real estate development, private law practice, consulting, and community development...
Today’s guest is Samantha Paxson. Sam experiences life wholeheartedly. She is joyful, creative, and passionate about improving the world. She is also a growth and business transformation strategist in Fintech. With more than two decades of experience, she founded Smyth Paxson Solutions, a consultancy and technology marketplace, helping banks, credit unions, and Fintechs refine their strategic bets. This is Sam’s story.
Dr. RJ Webber is a lifelong educator with a focus on equity and creating the opportunity to learn. An award-winning teacher, administrator, and change agent. Accomplished consultant and presenter around learning environments, curriculum design, educational policy, communication, and professional development. Believer in Public Education and Public Service. RJ currently serves as Superintendent of the Northville Public Schools.
Lori's passions can be summarized as being a fierce advocate for human safety and security, non-profits addressing these social causes, and her children. She is also the Executive Director at First Step Michigan. A non-profit with a mission to eliminate both domestic and sexual violence and to provide comprehensive services to individuals and families impacted by these crimes. To learn more, and donate, visit https://www.first...
Today’s guest is Julie Ferguson, a coach, traveler, Husky, and entrepreneur. Julie is also the owner of JRF Consulting Services, LLC, which is focused on empowering credit unions to provide passionate service and make a difference throughout the industry. This is Julie’s story.
Today’s guest is Chris Lambert. He is an author, a passionate Detroiter, and a big believer in making the impossible possible. He is also the Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, which aims to revitalize neighborhoods across Detroit by repurposing vacant properties into one-stop hubs of opportunities where families can thrive. This is Chris’ story.
Today’s guest is Jennifer Spitler. She is tenacious, believes in working hard and playing hard, and is passionate about the possibilities of the future generation. Jennifer is also the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan, an innovative alternative to the juvenile justice system to create equity and empowerment for young people. This is Jen's story.
Today’s guest is Ronaldo Hardy. He is a passionate leader, someone who is all about people, a gifted singer, and someone who considers himself to be a diplomatic disruptor. Ronaldo is also the President & CEO of NACUSO, the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations, with a mission to help credit unions explore the delivery of non-traditional products and services. This is Ronaldo’s story.
Today’s guest is Arash Asady. Arash is a thought leader, someone who is irrationally optimistic, a caring friend, and clutch. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Bits of Stock, which aims to empower young investors to earn fractional stocks as rewards. This is Arash’s story.
Today’s guest is Teresa Freeborn. She is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of corporate leadership, the co-founder of Smash + Tess, a long-time advocate for women, and an outspoken and sought-after speaker and media commentator, delivering important truths with warmth, compassion, and humor. She is also the author of Suits and Skirts: Game On! Available on Amazon. This is Teresa’s story.
Today’s guest is Jimese Harkley. She is determined, witty, deliberate, passionate, and consistent in her approach to life. She is also an entrepreneur, credit union advocate, and the chief community engagement officer of Harborstone Credit Union. This is Jimese’s story.
Today’s guest is Randy Harrington, a musician, strategist, a dear friend, chef, and professional executive coach. He is also the Founding Partner of Strategic Arts & Sciences, where he invests time as a seasoned strategic planning facilitator and executive communications consultant. This is Randy’s story.
Today’s guest is Mark Erwin. He enjoys creating art, camping, and engaging with music. Mark is also the Executive Director at Ruth Ellis Center with a mission to create opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people to build their vision for a positive future. This is Mark’s story.
Today's guest is Dr. Elliot Eisenberg. He is an intellectually curious, lifelong learner with a witty sense of humor that makes him a remarkable storyteller. He is also known as the bowtie economist who, through his consulting and keynote presentations, demystifies the intricacies of the economic indicators impacting our companies and communities. This is Elliot's story.
Today’s guest is Dr. Amy Hillman, a giver, a lifelong learner, someone who is never afraid of trying new things, resilient, and a human capable of redrawing her future. She is also the Rusty Lyon Chair of Strategy, former Dean of the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, and the fellow leading Filene’s Center of Excellence for Leadership, Strategy, and Governance. This is Amy’s story.
Meet Tony Roko, an awe-inspiring artist whose heart and stories can be found around Plymouth, Michigan.
Tony’s art career began while he worked on the line at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. Ford management recognized his talents, named Tony Ford’s Resident Artist, and commissioned him to paint murals in many Ford facilities to beautify these buildings and bolster employee morale.
Learn more about his art, inspir...
The Podium: An NBC Olympic and Paralympic podcast. Join us for insider coverage during the intense competition at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the run-up to the Opening Ceremony, we’ll bring you deep into the stories and events that have you know and those you'll be hard-pressed to forget.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
In The Village will take you into the most exclusive areas of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to explore the daily life of athletes, complete with all the funny, mundane and unexpected things you learn off the field of play. Join Elizabeth Beisel as she sits down with Olympians each day in Paris.
He’s a former Secret Service Agent, former NYPD officer, and New York Times best-selling author. Join Dan Bongino each weekday as he tackles the hottest political issues, debunking both liberal and Republican establishment rhetoric.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com