Welcome to Tension
Power in the Paradox.
Discover the transformative power of navigating life’s contradictions.
At Tension, we explore how innovative leaders turn paradoxes into progress and complexity into clarity. Inspired by Roger Martin's The Opposable Mind, we’re your resource for developing the mental agility to hold multiple perspectives, tackle challenging tensions, and achieve alignment in your life and work.
Why Tension Matters
In a world that craves simple answers, The Tension Podcast challenges you to embrace complexity. We provide tools to help you:
Harness the power of paradox – Unlock new solutions by holding opposing ideas in balance.
Build cognitive agility – Strengthen your ability to confidently navigate ambiguity and competing priorities.
Foster meaningful alignment – Transform tension into clarity, cohesion, and innovative breakthroughs.
The Tensions We Explore
We dive into real-world conflicts that shape leadership, organizations, and personal growth:
Accountability vs. Empathy – Leading with compassion while driving results.
Work vs. Family – Strategies for balancing ambition and personal fulfillment.
People vs. Profit – Aligning purpose with performance in business.
Through interviews, essays, and practical exercises, The Tension Podcast shows you how to turn conflict into alignment and innovation.
What You’ll Gain
Free Subscribers:
Access to interviews with trailblazing leaders on navigating paradoxes.
Essays and insights on leadership, culture, and strategy.
Practical exercises to strengthen your ability to embrace complexity.
Tools to align mission and margin in life and work.
Paid Subscribers ($70/year):
All free content, plus:
Full access to our archive of leadership resources.
Exclusive bonus podcast content and in-depth episodes.
Member-only giveaways and premium content.
One coaching/consulting session tailored to your leadership needs.
About Tim Sweetman
As a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator and former non-profit leader, I bring a unique perspective to today’s leadership challenges. With a background in writing, brand strategy, and organizational culture, I’m passionate about helping leaders turn tension into alignment. My work has been featured in WORLD Magazine, Focus on the Family's Boundless Magazine, and quoted in Nancy Pearcey’s Saving Leonardo.
At The Tension Podcast, my mission is to equip leaders to embrace complexity and find clarity—unlocking growth and alignment in both life and work.
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.