Sahar Hashemi

Who Is Sahar Hashemi?

Sahar Hashemi is a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and an internationally recognized thought leader in entrepreneurial mindset. Founder of two disruptive businesses and author of a bestselling book on entrepreneurship, Hashemi is known as a change agent and problem solver in the corporate world. From her initial career in corporate law to co-founding Coffee Republic, the UK’s first American-style coffee chain, and later Skinny Candy, a pioneering sugar-free candy brand, Hashemi possesses a deep understanding of both entrepreneurial and corporate behavior. Over the past decade, she has spoken at over 400 organizations, offering her unique perspective on what blocks entrepreneurial culture in large companies and how to unleash it for innovation and growth.

What is her Background?

Sahar Hashemi left her career at a top London law firm to co-found Coffee Republic with her brother, Bobby. In just five years, they grew it into one of the UK’s most recognized brands, with 110 locations and £30 million in revenue. After stepping away from daily management, Hashemi authored *Anyone Can Do It*, a bestseller translated into six languages that demystifies entrepreneurship. She went on to found Skinny Candy, a sugar-free candy brand that redefined the market and was later sold in 2007. Her latest book, *Start-Up Forever*, addresses building an entrepreneurial culture within large companies and was named a Financial Times Best Business Book. Recognized for her impact, Sahar was named a *Pioneer to the Life of the Nation* by Queen Elizabeth II and awarded an OBE for her contributions to the UK economy.