The Unexpected CEO - Book Review

Survival to success, Traumas to opportunity are captured in the opening chapters of Shirin Behzadi’s memoir, “Unexpected CEO. Gas Station Cashier to Billion Dollar CEO”.  Readers will be astounded to discover a heart warming rags to riches success story that takes Shirin from her place of birth in a tiny village in Iran to Tehran shortly prior to the Shah’s abdication and the takeover by Khomeini in 1979.  In the 1980s Saddam Hussein invaded from Iraq adding to the stress of living in war torn cities with bombings, unpresidential arrests and murders. 

From survival to success and from trauma to opportunity, Shirin Behzadi captures her remarkable journey in the opening chapters of her memoir, “Unexpected CEO: Gas Station Cashier to Billion Dollar CEO.” This inspiring narrative shares a heartwarming and deeply personal rags-to-riches story that takes readers from Shirin’s humble beginnings in a small village in Iran to the bustling city of Tehran during a pivotal and tumultuous time in history. The memoir paints a vivid picture of life leading up to the Shah's abdication and the 1979 takeover by Khomeini, a period that marked the start of significant political and social upheaval.

As the 1980s unfolded, the challenges intensified when Saddam Hussein’s invasion from Iraq plunged the region further into turmoil. Shirin recounts the harrowing realities of living in war-torn cities, where bombings became a constant threat, and where fear of unprecedented arrests and executions loomed large. Her story is not only a testament to resilience but also a striking example of how determination and courage can transform even the most challenging circumstances into extraordinary opportunities.

Shirin’s story of survival is one of immense hardship and profound resilience. Arrested at a young age, she faced the trauma of disrupted schooling while witnessing her extended family being torn apart, leaving her to grapple with fear, failure, and the unique challenges of being a young woman in such dire circumstances. Despite these overwhelming obstacles, her family’s sacrifice enables her to reach Istanbul, Turkey—a city that offers safety but little else for Shirin, who finds herself abandoned at just seventeen years old. With few skills, minimal money, and no passport, her future is uncertain. Yet, through remarkable resilience, self-reliance, and unwavering courage, Shirin refuses to let adversity define her. She turns her struggles into opportunities and eventually finds her way to the United States, ready to begin a new chapter.

Shirin’s new chapter in the United States began with profound challenges. She started her journey as a homeless cashier, working diligently behind the bulletproof glass of a gas station, a stark symbol of her challenging circumstances. Yet, simultaneously, she dedicated herself to her education, attending college with an unyielding resolve. This tireless effort was propelled by her ambitious dream of one day ascending to the role of CEO within a large, influential business—a vision that provided a clear direction for overcoming every obstacle she encountered. Alongside her professional aspirations, she held a deeply personal goal: to be the best possible mother, a commitment she meticulously woven into the fabric of her life plan.

However, even with such powerful dreams, life threw an unexpected curveball. Her carefully laid plans were abruptly interrupted by the necessity of traumatic brain surgery, which was followed by an arduous and demanding recovery period. Despite these formidable physical and emotional setbacks, Shirin drew upon her innate strength and resilience. She not only navigated these immense personal challenges but also, with remarkable tenacity, successfully founded and grew a billion-dollar business, ultimately fulfilling her long-held ambition and stepping into the role of CEO she had always known she was capable of.

"Unexpected CEO" isn't just another business book; it's an essential read for anyone committed to both personal and professional growth. Shirin clearly articulates her mission, which is to empower others to dream big, lead with purpose, and ultimately thrive even when faced with significant adversity, using her own extraordinary life journey as a compelling example. Her powerful motto, "Doing Well by Doing Good," resonates deeply and truly deserves to be embraced as an empowering theme by all who turn these pages. Beyond aspiring CEOs, this narrative will undoubtedly inspire and encourage business professionals at every level, to cultivate their own tenacity and resilience. Moreover, this book offers an excellent and unique resource for historians and social scientists seeking a close, personal, and profoundly human perspective on the often-volatile and complex situation in Iran as it unfolded through a critical period.