By SHIRIN BEHZADI

Shirin Behzadi began behind bulletproof glass at a gas station and ultimately led a billion-dollar company.

She escaped the revolution in Iran alone as a teen, arriving in Istanbul, and later Los Angeles, with just a suitcase and a bold dream: to one day lead a large company. While facing poverty, displacement, motherhood, and near-terminal illness, Shirin raised millions and built a billion-dollar enterprise. At every setback, she discovered resilience—transforming adversity into opportunity in business and life.

The Unexpected CEO shares Shirin’s powerful story and hard-earned wisdom. Part memoir, part practical guide, it shows how deep challenges can become stepping stones to possibility.

Readers will find tools for turning adversity into a superpower, strategies for leading with empathy, real insights into raising capital, and a blueprint for building a resilient, meaningful life.

This isn't a tale of overnight triumph—but rather steady strength, renewal, and the discovery that success is defined by who you become along the way.

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