Boardrooms to Barf Bag: What I Learned From a Day With Dan Cathy

There’s something surreal about sitting in the famous red sofa at Chick-fil-A headquarters, surrounded by a legacy built on chicken sandwiches, servant leadership, and Sunday closures. But my day at Chick-fil-A HQ was more than just a photo op—it was a full immersion into a culture that lives and breathes its values.

The iconic Red Couch, a symbol of Chick-fil-A's commitment to hospitality and personal connection. Sitting on its arm, surrounded by fellow Garden City Private Equity leaders and joined by Dan Cathy.

Faith at the Core

The morning started with a service, right there in the headquarters. This wasn’t a "check-the-box" event—it was heartfelt, grounding, and a powerful reminder that businesses can stay deeply connected to their values while navigating the complexities of the modern world. It set the tone for the day, showing how Chick-fil-A’s approach to business starts from a foundation of faith and community.

A Culture of Excellence

After the service, we toured the innovation labs. Let me tell you, Chick-fil-A isn’t just slinging waffle fries; they’re rethinking processes, technology, and customer experience every single day. Walking through their spaces felt like peeking behind the curtain of a magic trick. Everything from menu development to the efficiency of drive-thrus is analyzed and refined with the kind of meticulous care that’s impossible not to admire.

The headquarters itself mirrors the brand’s ethos: thoughtful, intentional, and refreshingly authentic. It’s not flashy, but it’s warm and inviting, much like the people who work there. Every team member I spoke to—from senior leaders to front-line staff—exuded a sense of pride and humility. The Q&A session with Dan Cathy’s team was a standout moment. Their openness and willingness to share lessons learned left me inspired and itching to bring some of that energy back to my own work.

Garden City Private Equity leaders with Dan Cathy, Chairman of Chick-fil-A and son of founder S. Truett Cathy, during a visit to Chick-fil-A HQ.

The Ride of My Life

After soaking in all that inspiration, it was time to head to our next destination: Trilith Studios. And here’s where the day took an unexpected turn.

I found myself riding shotgun—yes, shotgun —in Dan Cathy’s car. Let me set the scene: the Chairman of Chick-fil-A is behind the wheel, casually chatting about leadership, family, and faith as we navigate Georgia’s winding roads. It was like a private TED Talk on wheels, delivered by one of the most influential business leaders of our time.

But midway through the drive, I started to feel...off. It crept up slowly at first: a little lightheadedness, a queasy stomach. I tried to power through—after all, who wants to admit they’re feeling sick while sitting next to a business tycoon? But by the time we arrived at Trilith, there was no hiding it. I got out of the car and promptly threw up.

Leadership in Action

Now, this could have been a mortifying moment (it was for me). But Dan Cathy’s response turned it into something entirely different. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, offering me soda water and a place to sit comfortably. He asked how I was feeling and kept checking in throughout the rest of the day. There was no awkwardness, no judgment—just genuine care. It was a small moment, but one that revealed so much about his character. Here was a man who leads with compassion, not just in theory but in practice. He could have easily shown me the way to a restroom and let that be it, but he went beyond and showed that he cared.

A Lesson in Humility

As I reflected on that moment, it struck me: Dan Cathy didn’t miss a beat. This is a leader who’s built an empire, who’s met countless influential people, and yet he showed up for me in one of my least glamorous moments. That’s servant leadership. It’s not about grand gestures or public accolades; it’s about being present, empathetic, and willing to roll up your sleeves—or, in this case, offering to help revive you after your breakfast ended up decorating Trilith's landscaping - when someone truly needs it.

Inside S. Truett Cathy's Office: The Heart of Chick-fil-A's legacy.

The "So What" of It All?

The morning at Chick-fil-A HQ was a masterclass in leadership and culture, but it was that car ride and the moments afterward that brought it all home. It’s easy to admire someone from a distance, to be inspired by their vision or success. But to see those values in action, in a completely unplanned and unpolished moment? That’s something special.

So, what did I take away from this experience? Leadership isn’t about the title you hold or the size of your empire. It’s about how you show up—for your team, your community, and even for someone feeling nauseous in the passenger seat. And if I’ve learned anything from Dan Cathy, it’s that sometimes leadership looks like offering soda water, clearing a table, or simply asking, “How can I help?”

As I left Trilith that day, still a little shaky but deeply moved, I realized this wasn’t just a day of touring HQs or learning about innovative business practices. It was a day that reminded me why I care about leadership in the first place. It’s about people. It’s about kindness. And sometimes, it’s about being okay with a little imperfection along the way.