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.

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.

Meanwhile, our hosts explore what feels authentic (and what doesn’t) when it comes to professional milestones like work anniversaries and exits. What should we do more of? What are we overthinking?