701: Tim Allen is a Chief Growth Officer & Freelance Writer [podcast]

Tim Allen, Chief Growth Officer at MBE CPAs, shares how his lifelong passion for writing and motorsports has enriched both his personal and professional life. He reminisces about his early days getting in trouble for producing a black market student newspaper and how those writing skills, encouraged by his English teacher mom, have led to freelance opportunities with industry publications. Tim discusses his favorite experiences interviewing fascinating people in the automotive world, including celebrities like Keanu Reeves and Aaron Shelby. He believes his pursuits outside of work make him a better business developer and communicator, helping him craft better pitches and approach conversations from multiple angles. Tim emphasizes the value of bringing one's best self, including unique interests, into the workplace, noting how sharing these passions fosters stronger human connections. He encourages others to embrace their interests unapologetically, underlining that being comfortable with who you are paves the way for greater fulfillment at work and beyond. Episode Highlights · Tim highlights how his love for writing and motorsports not only enriches his personal life but also sharpens his skills and creativity in his corporate marketing and business development roles. · His experiences as a freelance writer, interviewing notable personalities and going behind the scenes at motorsports events underscore how following your interests can create unique and memorable opportunities. · Tim believes sharing personal interests (your "And") at work fosters genuine connections, makes you more relatable, and helps build stronger, more engaging relationships with colleagues and clients. · He encourages people not to hide who they are; being open about your hobbies or passions leads to a richer, more authentic professional (and personal) life, even if it takes time to become comfortable with that vulnerability. · Tim values spending time, like coffee catch-ups or casual chats, getting to know people beyond their job titles, emphasizing that these interactions are not only rewarding but also an essential (and too often overlooked) part of building community and culture in and out of work.