Sahar Hashemi transitioned from being a lawyer to an entrepreneur, utilizing her extensive knowledge of both corporate and startup environments to become a globally recognized thought leader on entrepreneurial mindset. She’s often described as a change agent and problem solver.
She co-founded two innovative businesses and authored a bestselling book on entrepreneurship. Her deep understanding of entrepreneurial behavior stems from her early career in corporate law, witnessing her startup’s evolution into a large company, and speaking to over 400 large organizations over the past decade. This diverse experience provides her with a unique perspective on entrepreneurial behaviors, the obstacles they face in large organizations, and how to overcome them.
Sahar left her legal career at a prominent London law firm to start Coffee Republic with her brother Bobby. Within five years, they established it as one of the UK’s most recognized high street brands with 110 locations and a turnover of £30m.
She eventually moved on from day-to-day management of Coffee Republic and wrote a bestselling book, “Anyone Can Do It,” to debunk the myth that entrepreneurship is an innate trait. The book has been translated into six languages and is the second-highest selling book on entrepreneurship after Richard Branson’s work.
Sahar also founded Skinny Candy, a pioneering brand of sugar-free sweets, which she later sold to Glisten PLC in 2007.
Her latest book, “Start-Up Forever: How To Build A Start-Up Culture In A Big Company,” was released in March 2019 and named The Financial Times Best Business Book of the Month. It is widely acclaimed in the corporate world for eliminating excuses that stifle entrepreneurial culture and providing practical tools to foster innovation and agility in large companies.
Sahar has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Original Thinkers by Director magazine, a “Pioneer to the life of the Nation” by The Queen, and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. She was also listed in the Maserati 100, which highlights Britain’s most successful philanthropists, investors, mentors, and advisors. In June 2012, she was awarded an OBE for services to the UK economy and charity.
Currently, Sahar is working on “Buy Women Built,” a project launched in March 2022 to support female-founded businesses and boost economic recovery. She also serves on the board of the Scale-Up Institute and the advisory boards of Digital Boost, Change Please Coffee, and The Hundred Cricket.
Sahar Hashemi transitioned from being a lawyer to an entrepreneur, utilizing her extensive knowledge of both corporate and startup environments to become a globally recognized thought leader on entrepreneurial mindset. She’s often described as a change agent and problem solver.
She co-founded two innovative businesses and authored a bestselling book on entrepreneurship. Her deep understanding of entrepreneurial behavior stems from her early career in corporate law, witnessing her startup’s evolution into a large company, and speaking to over 400 large organizations over the past decade. This diverse experience provides her with a unique perspective on entrepreneurial behaviors, the obstacles they face in large organizations, and how to overcome them.
Sahar left her legal career at a prominent London law firm to start Coffee Republic with her brother Bobby. Within five years, they established it as one of the UK’s most recognized high street brands with 110 locations and a turnover of £30m.
She eventually moved on from day-to-day management of Coffee Republic and wrote a bestselling book, “Anyone Can Do It,” to debunk the myth that entrepreneurship is an innate trait. The book has been translated into six languages and is the second-highest selling book on entrepreneurship after Richard Branson’s work.
Sahar also founded Skinny Candy, a pioneering brand of sugar-free sweets, which she later sold to Glisten PLC in 2007.
Her latest book, “Start-Up Forever: How To Build A Start-Up Culture In A Big Company,” was released in March 2019 and named The Financial Times Best Business Book of the Month. It is widely acclaimed in the corporate world for eliminating excuses that stifle entrepreneurial culture and providing practical tools to foster innovation and agility in large companies.
Sahar has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Original Thinkers by Director magazine, a “Pioneer to the life of the Nation” by The Queen, and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. She was also listed in the Maserati 100, which highlights Britain’s most successful philanthropists, investors, mentors, and advisors. In June 2012, she was awarded an OBE for services to the UK economy and charity.
Currently, Sahar is working on “Buy Women Built,” a project launched in March 2022 to support female-founded businesses and boost economic recovery. She also serves on the board of the Scale-Up Institute and the advisory boards of Digital Boost, Change Please Coffee, and The Hundred Cricket.
