Power in the Paradox.
I’m Tim Sweetman, a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator with a deep commitment to building high-trust teams and environments where both people and performance thrive. Over the 7 years, I’ve led at Chick-fil-A through seasons of growth, transition, and transformation all with a long-term focus on systems, leadership development, and a culture rooted in care.
That work is shaped by a deeper story. As a sixth grader, I shook hands with Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy in his Sunday School class—an encounter I couldn’t have known would one day connect to my calling as an Operator.
Today, I see how my identity aligns with the stewardship of this role. I’ve come to believe that great leadership doesn’t start with charisma or control. It starts with clarity, consistency, and conviction.
The Identities I Lead From
Intentional Leader
I design systems that prioritize operational clarity and human development.
Whether it’s implementing EOS, leading quarterly offsites, or building team member development pathways, I approach leadership with structure and intentionality. My growth is ongoing—through coaching, self-reflection, and executive education including Stanford Graduate School of Business LEAD program and Seth Godin’s altMBA.
Authentic Connector
I lead from authentic relationship.
Trust and care are foundational to how I build teams, coach leaders, and serve guests. I’ve helped resolve conflict, developed future Operators, and created a culture where people feel safe, challenged, and known. My goal is not just productivity—but meaningful alignment.
Creative Builder
I imagine and reimagine what’s possible and bring it to life.
I’m not content to copy best practices. Instead, I want to build environments that reflect intentional design and thoughtful hospitality. Whether it’s a leadership system or a unique food sampling moment, I believe every detail can be a chance to serve and surprise.
What I’m Building Toward
My passion is helping leaders and teams find alignment—so they can build something that lasts. Whether through systems, story, or culture, I want my work to create environments where people are known, developed, and empowered to lead with integrity.
My Core Values
Get on the Plane: In Person is Always Better
Curiosity Always: Be Open Minded with a Point of View
Radical Responsibility: Own Your Circumstances and Outcomes without Blame
Quality Time with Quality People on Quality Projects:1 Combine the Three for a Life Well Lived
Be a Partner, Add Value, Move Mountains:2 The Ultimate KPI
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.
*Stolen. But I love it. Thank you Sator Grove.
**Also stolen, thank you Jason Illian.
