Sahar Hashemi

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, UK’s first coffee bar chain, which she and her brother grew to 110 stores and £30m turnover and exited in 2001, and Skinny Candy, the guilt free confectionery brand which she sold to Glisten Plc in 2007.  

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 also named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos; listed in the 100 most influential women in Britain by Daily Mail and 35 top women in British business by Management Today and in a Shell Livewire survey of role models Sahar was among the top 5 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. 

She is a bestselling author – her book 'Anyone Can Do It- building Coffee Republic from our kitchen table’ has been translated into 6 languages. Her second book 'Switched On' published in May 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.  

An internationally recognized 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’.  

SPEAKING TOPICS – The Switched On Mindset, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Work/Life Balance, Women in Business, Creativity, Innovation, Customer Service & Brands

Testimonials  

“Everyone in the room understood and took away the message that we are all responsible for the success of our business and that applying a more entrepreneurial approach will pay dividends not only in terms of revenue and profit but also the enjoyment that individuals gain from their work”. Melissa Thomas Managing Director Nycomed 

“Judging by the feedback that we have received … the 'Switched On' presentation was very well received - certainly hit the spot in terms of how people would like to work smarter.” MD Barclays