Welcome to Tension, a newsletter and podcast inspired by Roger Martin's groundbreaking work The Opposable Mind.

Here, we explore how the most innovative leaders and thinkers achieve breakthroughs by holding opposing ideas in creative tension.

Why Tension is Your Key to Innovation

In a world that pushes for simple answers, Tension challenges you to:

• Embrace complexity and reject oversimplified solutions

• Develop the cognitive flexibility to hold opposing ideas simultaneously

• Unlock creativity by navigating between seemingly contradictory concepts

We dive deep into real-world tensions such as:

• Accountability vs. Empathy

• Work vs. Family

• People vs. Profit

• Curiosity vs. Confidence

• Following vs. Leading

By exploring these tensions, we uncover how great leaders turn apparent conflicts into sources of innovation and growth.

What You'll Gain

For Free Subscribers:

• Podcast featuring:

  • Interviews with founders and leaders about how they embrace opposing ideas

  • Explorations of historical and contemporary figures who exemplify this thinking

  • My own insights on applying these concepts in business and life

• Essays applying this unique thinking approach to real-world challenges

• Practical exercises to strengthen your ability to hold opposing thoughts

• Insights into balancing mission and margin in business

• Strategies for cultivating cognitive flexibility in your personal and professional life

For Paid Subscribers ($70/year - less than $2/week):

• All free content

• Full access to our archive of leadership and innovation resources

• Exclusive bonus podcast content

• Member-only deep dives and special episodes

• Exclusive giveaways and special content

• One FREE coaching/consulting session with Tim Sweetman

• 20% off your first year with our special code

About Tim Sweetman

As a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator with a background in non-profit leadership, writing, and brand strategy, I bring a unique perspective to the challenges we all face. Inspired by The Opposable Mind, I'm dedicated to helping others develop the crucial skill of holding opposing ideas to drive innovation and personal growth.

My work has been featured in WORLD Magazine, Focus on the Family's Boundless Magazine, and quoted in Nancy Pearcey's book Saving Leonardo.

What Our Community Says

"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"

Ready to Transform Your Thinking?

Join us in mastering the art of holding opposing ideas.

Subscribe now and start seeing possibilities where others see only contradictions. Remember, the most innovative solutions arise when we embrace the creative potential of tension.