The Unexpected CEO

"Drawn from a remarkable personal journey of resilience and courage, this inspiring guide to navigating life's challenges and emerging stronger from them offers a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed or seeking to break through to achieve a dream.After multiple arrests under an oppressive regime, Shirin Behzadi left behind everything she knew in Iran to build a new life. As a teenager, Behzadi fled alone to Istanbul and then to the United States, finding work at a gas station to make a living. Even then, she announced to those who would listen that she would one day run a big company and appear on business magazine covers. Determined, Behzadi earned her bachelor's degree, rose through the corporate ranks, raised substantial private equity funding, and grew her company to a billion dollars-all while experiencing countless setbacks, including everything from poverty to near terminal illness, which she overcame by relying on the survival skills and resilience she developed from a young age. Behzadi shares her incredible story and all the hard-won lessons she's learned in The Unexpected CEO, both an inspiring account of her journey and a guide filled with practical strategies to harness the opportunities nestled in some of life's most difficult challenges. Readers will discover: Practical strategies and tools to turn challenges into opportunities Insights into resilience and how setbacks can catalyze growth Examples of authentic leadership that embraces empathy as a key strength Guidance on how to raise funds in private equity sector Lessons learned about to how to build a foundationally sound business and life Inspiring stories from Behzadi's path from immigrant to billion-dollar CEO Success isn't merely about achievements but also how you rise after falling down. The Unexpected CEO is a powerful companion for all those seeking personal and professional growth, offering a real-life example of how resilience can lead to truly extraordinary outcomes"-- Provided by publisher.

Shirin Behzadi fled her home country at 17. A year later, she found herself working behind bulletproof glass as a gas station cashier. And three decades later, she was a billion-dollar CEO. Shirin exemplifies resilience and self-reliance, and she believes that her successes come from turning adversity into opportunity. She has dedicated her time to inspire entrepreneurs and leaders by serving as a keynote speaker, investor, board member, and advisor. Her mission is bold and simple: to help others dream audaciously, lead courageously, and thrive through life’s toughest moments.
Shirin is a recognized award-winning leading entrepreneur in North America who has garnered international coverage and visibility for her achievements, most notably featured on Forbes.com. Her story began with a courageous leap—leaving behind everything familiar, including her family, to build a meaningful life in the United States. Even when she was working as a gas station cashier, she believed her tenacity would empower her to become a success. She paved her way forward relentlessly, becoming a respected CFO and later a transformative entrepreneur and CEO. After successful partnership with private equity, Shirin led the creation of a one-of-a-kind platform in the home services and franchising space—scaling across 12,000 cities in North America. She continues to serve as an advisor and investor, using her hard-earned wisdom to support others in building bold, enduring businesses.
Shirin is a passionate philanthropist, serving on the boards of organizations driving change locally and globally. She lives by a simple and powerful motto: “doing well by doing good.”