Power in the Paradox.
My name is Tim Sweetman, and I’ve always been captivated by the tensions that shape our everyday lives—those nuanced and difficult areas where true transformation happens and where the power to lead well is found.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator, former non-profit leader, writer, creative strategist, husband, and father. These roles have given me a unique vantage point on today’s leadership challenges, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of culture, faith, and personal growth.
My background in writing, brand strategy, and organizational culture has made me passionate about one big idea: helping leaders turn tension into alignment. I’ve seen firsthand how embracing challenges and integrative thinking rather than avoiding difficulty and ignoring nuance can unify teams, spark innovation, and deepen a sense of purpose.
My work has been featured in WORLD Magazine and Focus on the Family’s Boundless Magazine, and I was once quoted as a teenager in Nancy Pearcey’s Saving Leonardo—all testaments to my commitment to exploring the questions that matter most.
On The Tension Podcast, I bring together diverse voices—thinkers, entrepreneurs, and culture-shapers—to discuss the paradoxes and contradictions that often hold us back.
My goal is to equip leaders to embrace complexity, find clarity, and unlock growth in both life and work. If you’re ready to lean into the tension—where the most meaningful breakthroughs are born—I’d be honored to have you join me on this journey.
My Identity
I am a guide who helps others find true alignment.
I have felt the heavy burden of living out of sync with my true identity, once shaped by a distorted sense of self.
I have gained the strength and wisdom to walk alongside families, organizations, and leaders, helping them restore alignment and reconciliation in their relationships, cultures, and teams.
I do this to cultivate spaces where I and those I serve can thrive, experience harmony, and live in alignment with their own identities and purposes.
My Core Values
Get on the Plane: In Person is Always Better
Curiosity Always: Be Open Minded with a Point of View
Radical Responsibility: Own Your Circumstances and Outcomes without Blame
Quality Time with Quality People on Quality Projects:1 Combine the Three for a Life Well Lived
Be a Partner, Add Value, Move Mountains:2 The Ultimate KPI
What People Are Saying
Uplifting, instructive, and authentic.
“Tim's desire to inspire others to do their best work and his understanding of the essential role that "tension" plays in the life of a true contributor is uplifting, instructive, and authentic.”
— Rick Lewis, Honestly Human
Intelligent, Engaging
“Tension has such well executed content. Fantastic interviews with intelligent, engaging questions that lead to insightful conversations. The audio is great for when you are able to listen but not read. Highly recommend. ”
Miche Priest, Started on Tolkien
Humble, Truthful, Powerful
“When I look for people to listen to, I look for those willing to lay aside ego and focus on the message. Tim LIVES in that humility, and his message is pure and powerful because of it. You can listen in full faith knowing Tim will guide you to truth.”
— Podcast Listener
A Leadership Podcast That Isn’t Shallow and Cliché
“I listen to a lot of leadership podcasts, and The Tension Podcast stands out. Tim avoids cliches and gets to the heart of specific skills and traits needed to lead well. Excellent show.”
— Podcast Listener
Join Us
Ready to transform contradictions into clarity? Subscribe to The Tension Podcast and join a community inspired by complexity, motivated by alignment, and committed to growth.
Here, we don’t shy away from paradox—we find power in it.
*Stolen. But I love it. Thank you Sator Grove.
**Also stolen, thank you Jason Illian.
