Four Strategy Lessons from Ms. Pac-Man (Tansley Stearns originally published this article on December 6, 2024)

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Today's guest is Vince Kadlubek, co-founder of Meow Wolf, an arts and entertainment company with experiential exhibits in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and Denver. He creates immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. This is his story.

To learn more about his organization, visit: meowwolf.com

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 authenticity
• Navigating loyalty and transparency with your current leader
• What to ask (and what to avoid) in a first conversation
• Why preparing your current leader to root for you is part of the process
• How to stay aligned with your personal values and career goals

If you're stepping into the unknown, Ryan and Tansley remind you: external opportunities aren’t just about new roles, they’re about renewed clarity on what matters most.

Raise Your Glass: Lessons from a Pink Concert (Tansley Stearns originally published this article on November 8, 2024)

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Today’s guest is Greg Mitchell. Born into a family of farmers in the Midwest, he grew up to become a devout Christian, a Coast Guard member, a Disco dancer, and the CEO of First Tech Credit Union. All the way through, his life’s work has been making the most of his gifts to assist other humans in reaching their potential. This is Greg’s story.

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 hiring managers look for in internal candidates

· How to frame your contributions without sounding like you're owed the role

· Navigating awkwardness when you’re applying for a job down the hall

· Tips for standing out while staying true to your values

· What not to say in internal interviews (yes, even if they know you)

If you're considering your next step within your current organization, this episode is your go-to guide for moving up, across, or in a bold new direction, with purpose and poise.

Credit Unions, Americans Are Hurting: Our Time Is Now (This article was originally publised on by Tansley Stearns on November 8, 2024)

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Today’s guest is Megan Spanitz. Megan is a voracious reader, intellectually curious, and someone who loves her Peloton (and Cody Rigsby). Megan is also the Chief Strategy Officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber, playing a leading role in planning and executing the annual Mackinac Policy Conference and shaping the future of the great state of Michigan. This is Megan’s story.