Sahar Hashemi

Sahar Hashemi is a successful entrepreneur and author with a remarkable journey in the business world. After starting her career as a lawyer, Sahar ventured into entrepreneurship by co-founding Coffee Republic, the first US-style coffee bar chain in the UK, alongside her brother. Together, they transformed Coffee Republic into a highly recognized high-street brand, expanding it to 110 bars and achieving a turnover of £30 million.

In 2001, Sahar stepped away from the day-to-day management of Coffee Republic and published her bestselling book, "Anyone Can Do It, Building Coffee Republic From Our Kitchen Table." The book, translated into six languages, became a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and is regarded as the second-highest-selling book on entrepreneurship after Richard Branson's work.

Sahar's contributions to the business world have garnered numerous accolades. In 2011, she was nominated as one of Director magazine's Top 10 Original Thinkers, alongside influential figures like Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Jonathan Ive. She was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in June 2012 for her services to the UK economy and charity. Sahar's dedication to philanthropy and mentoring led to her inclusion in the Maserati 100, a prestigious list of Britain's most successful philanthropists, investors, mentors, and advisors supporting emerging business talent.