The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO

Her first job was behind bulletproof glass at a gas station. She ended up leading a billion-dollar company.

Shirin Behzadi was arrested multiple times under an oppressive regime in Iran before she had even reached adulthood. Fleeing her homeland alone as a teenager, she carried nothing with her but a suitcase--and a bold dream. In Istanbul, and later at a Los Angeles gas station, she quietly declared to anyone who would listen: One day, I will lead a large company.

While navigating poverty, the loss of home and belonging, motherhood, and a near-terminal illness that left her unable to stand--let alone lead--Shirin raised millions in private equity and built a billion-dollar company. At every setback, she unearthed something essential: The resilience she had honed in dark times could also light the way forward in business, in leadership, and in life.

The Unexpected CEO tells a compelling and powerful story of lessons carved from challenges and a life constructed despite dire circumstances. In these pages, Shirin shares not only her extraordinary journey, but also the wisdom earned at every turn. Both a memoir and a guide, this book offers a blueprint for turning life's deepest trials into stepping stones toward purpose and possibility.

Readers will discover:

Tools for turning adversity into fuel for growth Hard-won insights on resilience, reinvention, and rising stronger Real-world strategies for leading with empathy--and why it works Candid lessons on raising capital and navigating private equity A framework for building not just a thriving business, but a meaningful life as well True stories that illuminate the power of vision, grit, and unwavering belief

This is not a tale of overnight success, but of steady strength, rebuilding from the ground up, and what becomes possible when adversity is met with unwavering intent. Because success isn't just what you build--it's who you become along the way.

Author: Shirin Behzadi
Publisher: Matt Holt Books
Published: 10/28/2025
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.12lbs
Size: 9.19h x 6.38w x 1.14d
ISBN: 9781637747537


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 09/01/2025 pg. 84

About the Author
Shirin Behzadi fled her home country at 17. A year later, she found herself working behind bulletproof glass as a gas station cashier. And three decades later, she was a billion-dollar CEO. Shirin exemplifies resilience and self-reliance, and she believes that her successes come from turning adversity into opportunity. She has dedicated her time to inspire entrepreneurs and leaders by serving as a keynote speaker, investor, board member, and advisor. Her mission is bold and simple: to help others dream audaciously, lead courageously, and thrive through life's toughest moments.

Shirin is a recognized award-winning leading entrepreneur in North America who has garnered international coverage and visibility for her achievements, most notably featured on Forbes.com. Her story began with a courageous leap--leaving behind everything familiar, including her family, to build a meaningful life in the United States. Even when she was working as a gas station cashier, she believed her tenacity would empower her to become a success. She paved her way forward relentlessly, becoming a respected CFO and later a transformative entrepreneur and CEO. After successful partnership with private equity, Shirin led the creation of a one-of-a-kind platform in the home services and franchising space--scaling across 12,000 cities in North America. She continues to serve as an advisor and investor, using her hard-earned wisdom to support others in building bold, enduring businesses.

Shirin is a passionate philanthropist, serving on the boards of organizations driving change locally and globally. She lives by a simple and powerful motto: "doing well by doing good."