What if we stopped reading the same old business books full of fluff and time-wasting allegories and approached business and life head-on with curiosity and nuance?
Tension is for those of us who’ve read every single leadership book and article that gives us just only one way to do things — but we’re ready to hold opposing ideas at once. It’s an exploration of where curiosity and wonder can take us. It’s learning from tensions like:
Accountability vs. Empathy
Work vs. Family
People vs. Profit
Curiosity vs. Confidence
Following vs. Leading
Why should you Subscribe?
Subscribe to Tension for thought-provoking insights that challenge and elevate your heart, mind, and soul.
Free subscribers have access to
Weekly Podcast episode with a leader, thinker, theologian, or thought leader on tension
Weekly Essay on life's "either/or" dilemmas: work vs. family, people vs. profit.
Insights into balancing mission and margin in business.
Creative mental models for success.
Strategies for work/life harmony and personal growth.
Occasional updates with links, deep articles, and life insights.
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Access to new and archived writings for constant inspiration.
Bonus "Tension Podcast" content.
Exclusive podcast episodes and deep dives with guests.
Member-only giveaways and special content.
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About me
Tim has served in leadership roles in both the non-profit and for-profit world. Prior to becoming a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator, Tim was a writer and blogger and has worked in communications, brand strategy, and leadership development. He has a B.A. in Counseling from Boyce College and is a graduate of the altMBA program, developed by Seth Godin.
Tim’s written work has appeared various magazines blogs and websites across the internet like Marry Well and the Lies Young Women Believe Blog. He has also been featured in WORLD Magazine, and his work can be found on Focus on the Family’s Boundless Magazine. His writings were quoted and featured in Nancy Pearcey’s second book, Saving Leonardo.
In 2022 he launched “Mission & Margin,” a podcast dedicated to talking to business owners and thought leaders about the challenge of reconciling the needs of a business with the desire of leaders to take care of their people and customers. It’s been re-launched as The Tension Podcast.
Originally a Maryland native, Tim lives in Delaware with his family.
What readers and listeners say
“Tim Sweetman lives up to his name. He has an ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and emotional resonance. Writing about the tension between entrepreneurship and being a present, mindful family man, he combines real-life experiences with philosophical insights that leaves you feeling like it’s possible to fulfill your ambitions without losing sight of what truly matters.” —
“When I look for people to listen to, I look for people who are so dedicated and so bought in to their message that they are willing to lay aside their ego, brand, and logo to push their message forward. Tim LIVES in that humility, and his message is pure & powerful because of it. You can listen in full faith knowing Tim will guide you to truth.” — Listener, “Humble, Truthful, Powerful”
“I listen to a lot of leadership and entrepreneur podcasts, and outside of a few top figures, this media landscape is oversaturated with truly shallow and even vapid content. I appreciate how Tim avoids cliches and mantras and gets to deep and specific traits and skills on how to lead well. Excellent show.” — Listener, “A Leadership Podcast That Isn't Shallow and Cliché”
