Crossing the Desert: Embracing Life’s Challenges With Payam Zamani of One Planet Group

Payam Zamani is the Founder and CEO of One Planet Group, a hybrid tech firm that embodies his principles of combining business with a life of service. He is an Iranian-born entrepreneur, investor, and author who fled his homeland as a teen due to religious persecution. Payam co-founded AutoWeb, one of the first online car marketplaces, which went public in 1999. He is also the author of Crossing The Desert, an autobiography reflecting on his experiences of perseverance and embracing life's demanding journeys. Payam is a mission-driven individual who has invested in numerous companies while committed to improving the world.

In this episode…

Imagine fleeing your country at the age of 16, escaping religious persecution, and embarking on a perilous journey. Now, fast-forward a decade to find yourself at the helm of a publicly traded company worth millions.

Serial entrepreneur Payam Zamani explores his powerful story, from leaving Iran to his tremendous success and challenges in the business world. He shares the emotional backstory of his early days in Iran, his culture shock upon arriving in the US, and his potent entrepreneurial spirit, which led to the creation of AutoWeb and his tech firm One Planet Group. Payam’s testament to surviving and thriving shows a relentless pursuit of a business that benefits humanity.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Payam Zamani, Founder and CEO of One Planet Group, about his journey from a refugee to a tech magnate and philanthropist. Payam opens up about the moments that shaped him, the core philosophies that drive his investments and business decisions, and how he's leveraging his vast experience to create a better world through One Planet Group.