Sahar Hashemi is one of UK's most inspirational female entrepreneurs and a powerful speaker on innovation and entrepreneurial mindset sharing with the audience her captivating personal stories of building two famous brands; Coffee Republic, the UK's first coffee bar chain, which she and her brother grew to 110 stores with a £30m turnover before selling in 2001, and Skinny Candy, the guilt free confectionery brand which she sold to Glisten Plc in 2007.
She is a bestselling author – her book 'Anyone Can Do It - Building Coffee Republic from our Kitchen Table' has been translated into six languages.
Her second book 'Switched On' published in 2010 is about developing the entrepreneurial mindset in large corporations. It hits the right note with many organisations who in recent years, having been through great change, want their employees to think differently, more proactively and much more creatively. 'Switched On' covers 8 practical habits, for example getting into your customers shoes, getting out of the office and taking 100% of yourself to work.
In February 2011 Sahar was listed in The Director's Top 10 list of Original Thinkers. The 10 original thinkers have varying backgrounds and fields of interest, but they are all British, and they are all connected by a single ambition: to redesign an established concept so that it fits the demands of the future, whether for the good of business, or society.
Sahar is currently working on developing a brand of ‘Anyone Can Do It' books and a possible ‘Anyone Can Do It' television series.
Formerly a lawyer, Sahar has been recognised for her achievements as an entrepreneur by Her Majesty the Queen and named as a ‘Pioneer to the life of the nation'. She was named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos. She was also named one of 100 most influential women in Britain by Daily Mail and 35 top women in British Business by Management Today.
In a Shell Livewire survey of role models Sahar was among the top five along with James Dyson and Dame Anita Roddick. She has been on the cover of Director Magazine, Management Today, Observer Magazine, New Business Magazine, Business 550 and Voyager.
An internationally recognised speaker, Sahar's captivating and uplifting speeches are unique as she converges her own enthralling ‘story' with key themes of change management and employee engagement. By telling her very personal journey, she connects with the audience on an emotional level and brings to life the passion, determination and open mindedness needed to succeed. She makes a strong impact, igniting the audience with a ‘can do' spirit and the tools and habits to ‘make it happen'.
Conference Sponsor Conference Supporters
