223 - From a Gas Station Job to a Billion-Dollar CEO with Shirin Behzadi

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In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Shirin Behzadi, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Board Director & Investor at Shirin Behzadi, LLC. She is also the author of the book “The Unexpected CEO”. Shirin shares her journey from working behind bulletproof glass at a gas station to becoming a billion-dollar CEO. She opens up about fleeing Iran, building resilience through adversity, and leading a company through major transformation. Shirin discusses the mindset shifts that helped her succeed, how she used empathy in leadership, and why setbacks can be powerful turning points for growth and reinvention.

Shirin shares how leaders can turn adversity into a strength by changing their mindset and focusing on what is possible. She explains how her early challenges, from fleeing Iran to recovering from a life-threatening brain tumor, shaped her views on resilience and reinvention. Shirin introduces key lessons from her book, including the power of belief, the value of listening, and the importance of defining a clear vision. She also talks about how empathy helps leaders build stronger teams and make better decisions. Throughout the conversation, she offers honest stories and practical advice for growing as a leader and building a successful business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How to turn adversity into a powerful tool for personal and business growth.

- Why mindset and belief play a key role in achieving big goals.

- Steps to move from financial insecurity to successful leadership.

- How to use empathy to lead teams and make better business decisions.

- Why defining your vision and listening to others can drive real transformation.

 

📘 Read “The Unexpected CEO” - Discover how Shirin Behzadi went from a gas station cashier to leading a billion-dollar company with lessons in resilience, leadership, and growth.

👉 Visit: https://shirinbehzadi.com/book/ 

 

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Shirin Behzadi

[03:00] - Why Shirin wrote The Unexpected CEO and its impact

[04:51] - Life before and after exile from Iran and key early lessons

[06:26] - How mindset and belief helped shape her future

[09:33] - Seeing adversity as a strength and growth opportunity

[12:38] - Facing a near-fatal brain tumor and learning resilience

[16:19] - Reframing setbacks and growing during the Great Recession

[18:38] - From CFO to CEO and leading major business growth

[24:02] - Key leadership principles that drove 70% company growth

[28:19] - How empathy shaped her leadership and team success

[33:58] - Why the book is a roadmap for decision-making and growth

[37:01] - Final advice for CEOs facing uncertainty and adversity

Follow Our Guest Shirin Behzadi:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-behzadi/ 

- Website: https://shirinbehzadi.com/ 

- Shirin Behzadi, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shirin-behzadi-llc/

Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone

- Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/

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⭐If you're leading through change or facing big challenges, this talk with Shirin Behzadi offers real guidance on turning setbacks into strength, leading with empathy, and building a business with purpose and vision.