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.