An extraordinary human interest story that demonstrates the power of fortitude, support, courage, and compassion..
Blending decades of resilience with transformative leadership lessons, The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO by Shirin Behzadi plots an extraordinary path from personal hardship to high achievement. Shirin’s story begins as part of an industrious family driven to overcome any obstacle. Her parents struggled to find their own success under the shadow of Iran’s repressive regime, one that could disappear a friend or family member at any moment. After a few dangerous run-ins with guards and amid increasing political volatility, seventeen-year-old Shirin is told to pack a bag and say a few discreet goodbyes. With only some scant belongings and a small stash of smuggled jewelry, she sent is away from the perils of Iran, destined for the United States. Though the oppressions and threats are different, life as an immigrant in the US isn’t trouble-free. Missing her family, struggling with health issues, battling loneliness, and fighting for her worth are constant companions. But Shirin’s instilled values impel her to seek out opportunities, creating them if necessary, and to strive for success in everything. Just over a decade after boarding a plane in Tehran, Shirin is promoted to CFO of a multi-branch mortgage bank while awaiting the birth of a son. And this is only one step on her path of business and personal accomplishment. From working behind bulletproof glass at a gas station to weathering the storms of recession, Shirin Behzadi’s track record of transforming adversity into purpose is a shining beacon pointing audiences toward carving their own path.
With confidence and passion, Shirin Behzadi has penned a book that is part heartening memoir and part leadership playbook. Readers can expect to be touched by the author’s traumatic childhood in part one, impressed by her determination as she finds her way in the States in the second part, and awed by her dogged persistence and ability to adapt in the final two parts of the book, showcasing how resilience forged in adversity can translate into real business success. The latter half in particular examines specific ideas and strategies cultivated and implemented while working her way through and dominating corporate America. Discussing the realistic hardships that are so often hidden behind success, this candid work inspires without ever sugarcoating and uplifts without ignoring the sacrifices. Imagine being forced to weigh groceries to avoid going over budget, while still putting a meager amount of food on the table. Or critical problem-solving in a company when you’re relatively new to a position. Audiences will appreciate the author’s honest voice as she balances raw personal narrative with practical advice on empathetic leadership and adhering to personal priorities. This dramatic journey is far from linear, but a key takeaway that readers everywhere will be able to apply in a variety of ways is that no matter the challenge, “You must believe that things will change because they will. You have the power to change them.” A powerful lesson on reinvention, The Unexpected CEO is an extraordinary human interest story that demonstrates the power of fortitude, support, courage, and compassion.
