Inside Chick-fil-A: Where Leadership Is Lived Daily

Chick-fil-A

/ Big Lessons Over Lunch

I thought I was just going to lunch, but it turned into a leadership lesson I’ll never forget. I shared a table with Chick-fil-A staff, and during the meal, I read a short, fun excerpt from Aleem’s Adventures: The Tales of Texas — the part where I describe my very first taste of Chick-fil-A. Everyone laughed, and suddenly the story I had written came to life in the place where it began.

What stood out to me most was how people treated each other. Every “my pleasure” was real. You could feel it. The team worked together with kindness and purpose, showing me that leadership is about how you serve the person right in front of you.

/ Walking Through a Legacy

One of the most meaningful moments of the visit was stepping into the office of Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. Standing in the space where he built his vision felt powerful. His story is about values, faith, and treating people well, even when no one is watching.

I was also honored to meet Bubba Cathy, one of the founders, and hear firsthand how a simple idea, rooted in service, grew into something that touches millions of people every day. It reminded me that great companies start with character.

/ What I’m Bringing Home

I left Chick-fil-A with memories and lessons I want to share. I’ve brought a small collection of official Chick-fil-A souvenirs to Uganda, each one carrying a piece of the values I saw in action. For kids, there are limited-edition Cow Campaign plushies and activity books that teach creativity and leadership through play. For adults, there are leadership journals and classic “Eat Mor Chikin” collectibles that remind us that doing good is good business.

Bring the Adventure Home

These items help fund the next Aleem’s Adventure, but more importantly, they carry a message that you can build something great by being good to people. Whether you want a small reminder on your desk or something fun to spark your entrepreneurial ideas, these pieces are part of the journey. Grab one, share the story, and let’s keep learning how to lead together.