Shirin Behzadi’s Journey: An Author Interview

In a world where resilience and tenacity often pave the way for extraordinary journeys, Shirin Behzadi stands out as a beacon of inspiration. As the author of the compelling memoir The Unexpected CEO, Shirin shares her remarkable story of transformation, navigating the trials of life with unwavering courage and a relentless spirit. With a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a first-generation immigrant and a leader in a billion-dollar company, Shirin’s insights resonate deeply with anyone facing adversity.

In this interview, we delve into the heart of Shirin’s narrative—exploring the motivations behind her writing, the powerful lessons she learned along her journey, and the wisdom she hopes to impart to readers. Join us as we uncover the essence of Shirin Behzadi’s story—a testament to the belief that success is not merely a destination, but a transformative journey filled with growth, vulnerability, and the courage to rise against all odds.

But first, who is Shirin Behzadi?

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Shirin Behzadi’s Books

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1. The Unexpected CEO tells an incredible story of resilience and transformation. What inspired you to finally put your journey into a book?

For years, people encouraged me to share my story, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to. It wasn’t until I realized that by sharing lessons learned and principles discovered that I might be able to help others that The Unexpected CEO was born. I spent hours at my computer in the family room for two years to reflect on how I was able to rise through adversity to build the career and life I had desired. This book is a roadmap; it’s a book I wish I had when I was growing up. It shows that success isn’t a straight line; it’s a journey through self-doubt, reinvention, and courage. My journey from leaving home across the world at 17 and working at a gas station to support myself to leading a billion-dollar company and surviving a life-threatening health crisis was filled with challenges. Through it all, I learned principles at work. Through my story, I share those principles to help serve others who are navigating their own unexpected paths. Writing the book was my way of saying: Because you can.

2. When readers finish your book, what’s the single most important takeaway you hope they carry with them?

I hope readers walk away believing that they can rise through adversity and grow from it. Life brings challenges. It is how we choose to respond that determines our story. Adversity, challenge, and change are tough and excellent teachers. Once we understand that we can grow through adversity and become better, it can become our superpower. If even one reader feels more capable, more hopeful, or more seen after finishing this book, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

3. You’ve faced immense challenges—personally, professionally, and culturally. Which chapter or moment in the book was the hardest for you to write?

The most difficult part to write was revisiting my health crisis, the moment I woke up from brain surgery, unable to walk or speak. Reliving that vulnerability was painful, but it was also healing. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about making decisions or building companies; it’s about learning how to lead yourself through fear and uncertainty. Writing about that time allowed me to honor how self-reflection, hope, and community helped me rebuild, one step at a time.

4. Many memoirs focus on success stories, but yours also highlights vulnerability and failure. Why was it important to show those moments?

Because that’s real life. We learn far more from our struggles than from our victories. I wanted readers to see the full picture: the missteps, the doubts, the times I couldn’t see my way through. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s strength in its truest form. By sharing the unpolished moments, I hoped to make space for others to embrace their imperfections and realize that circumstance does not have to determine destiny.

5. In your experience, what are the most underrated qualities of a strong leader—especially for women in male-dominated industries?

Empathy, compassion, humility, and intuition. Those traits are often mislabeled as “soft,” but they are powerful tools for connection and trust. A great leader doesn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room; they need to be the one who listens deeply and inspires others to see what’s possible. Empathy is especially significant. It’s about meeting people where they are; it allows you to assess if people are in the right seats and how to help them grow. It also makes you a good negotiator – because you understand your counterpart. For women, especially, leading with authenticity and owning our unique talents is the key to creating lasting impact.

6. What advice would you give to first-generation immigrants or women who feel intimidated by the corporate world?

Remember that your difference is your strength. The perspective you bring, shaped by your experiences, your challenges, and your point of view, is exactly what makes you exceptional. The ability to see things from various vantage points helps an organization with innovation and creativity. Your voice is, therefore, not only important, it’s vital – and it can enhance profitability. Don’t shrink; expand to lead. And own the successes you’ve earned. You belong at the table because you help build it.

7. Looking back at your younger self—the gas-station cashier behind bulletproof glass—what would you tell her now?

I would tell her, Hold on. You are going to be okay. The fear, the uncertainty, the loneliness, they won’t last forever. Every long night and every small act of courage is shaping you into someone who will one day lead with purpose and compassion. I’d congratulate her for setting her vision and aiming high. I’d tell her that her expectation of success is her greatest strength. And that the very things she thinks make her different will become her biggest gifts.

8. You came to the U.S. at 17, navigating a new language, culture, and system. How did those early years shape your leadership style later on?

Those early years taught me adaptability, resilience, problem-solving skills, and empathy, qualities I carried into every leadership role. When you’ve been the outsider, you learn to listen first, observe closely, and build bridges between people. That perspective became the foundation of my leadership style.  Resilience and problem-solving are some of the most important skills as you lead and build organizations. The ability to look at situations through the lens of possibility inspires others to do the same.

9. You’ve overcome not just professional challenges but also health struggles. How did those experiences reshape your definition of success?

I’ve always believed in doing good work. To me, success meant growth and goals while staying true to my core values. And since I had started off with so many strikes against me, I was doing it all with speed. What my health crisis taught me was a gift. I had to pause because I simply could not go fast. I learned to find my balance, literally and figuratively. Because of that pause, I became an observer. As a result, as I recovered, I made fundamental changes in my personal and professional lives that were authentic to me. My life and the successes significantly improved as a result – life became richer. And that is success!

10. Finally, what’s next for you—more writing, speaking, or perhaps new ventures that continue this mission of empowerment?

I’m continuing to speak, write, invest, and advise businesses and organizations that I find aligned with my values. My mission is to continue to spread the message of hope and possibility. I continue to guide others to build, grow, accomplish, and live their vision with the message: because you can. The Unexpected CEO was the first step in that mission.