Sahar Hashemi: Business Entrepreneur

    Sahar Hashemi
    • Highlights:
    Reading time: 3 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: London, UK
    • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

    Keynote Topics

    • IGNITING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
    • ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP – ENCOURAGING ENTREPRENEURIAL
    • BEHAVIOUR IN A CORPORATE ENVIRONMENT
    • CUSTOMER SERVICE – STEPPING INTO THE CUSTOMER’S SHOES
    • PERSISTENCE AND RESILIENCE
    • EMBRACING CHANGE – WORKING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

    Sahar Hashemi, founded Coffee Republic, the UK’s first US style coffee bar chain with her brother and built it into one of the UK’s most recognised high street brands, and one of the first players in the ‘coffee revolution’ that transformed the UK high street.

    In 2019 Sahar published her latest book Startup Forever.

    She explains the purpose of the book.  “In my work, I’m always asked the same questions:

      • ‘How can we grow big but act small?’

      •  ‘How can we encourage innovative thinking and drive growth by finding different and new ways of doing things?’

      •  ‘As we face disruptive change, how can we be more agile? More resilient? Less stuck in our ways?’ • ‘How can I get my people to think outside the box, to experiment, and take the initiative?’

      •  ‘How can I get everyone in the company to think more like entrepreneurs?’  The ten shifts in the book are my answers to these questions.

    The solutions I have picked up on my journey are, in fact, strikingly common sense. They are simple shifts in how to approach everyday work with an entrepreneurial mind-set together with day-to-day actions anyone can take to put this more entrepreneurial mind-set to work.  

    Sahar Hashemi left the day to day management of Coffee Republic in 2001 and published a bestselling book called Anyone Can Do It- building Coffee Republic from our kitchen table,  which has been translated into 6 languages and is 2nd highest selling book on entrepreneurship on Amazon after Richard Branson’s book.  

    In 2011 Sahar Hashemi was nominated by Director magazine as one of the Top 10 Original Thinkers, taking her place alongside individuals such as Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web and Jonathan Ives, Vice-President of Design at Apple and designer of the iPod.

    It praised her view that, “Entrepreneurially minded talent shouldn’t have to leave large corporations in order to achieve fulfilment. Entrepreneurial behaviour, including ideas like bootstrapping, prototyping and celebrating failure, can help turn stuffy corporations into creative environments. They can also transform automatons into valued, engaged employees”. 

    In June 2012 Sahar Hashemi was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list “for services to the UK economy and to charity”.  Sahar was named ‘Pioneer to the life of the nation’ by Her Majesty The Queen and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos. 

    She is a mentor to Change Please, a charity that provides pop-up coffee bars run by homeless people, giving them the help and support they need to turn their lives around.  

    In her speeches Sahar outlines the habits that are the basis of Startup Forever which encourage entrepreneurial behaviour in organisations of all types and sizes.  These habits will make companies nimbler, more creative, more customer-centric more resilient and better places to work.  She ignites the audience with a ‘can do’ spirit and the tools and habits to ‘make it happen’  

    Outside of her role as a business mogul, Sahar has impressed in publishing, as the author of Anyone Can Do It, which became a best seller and was subsequently translated into 6 languages, inspiring budding entrepreneurs worldwide. Most recently, Sahar Hashemi has authored Start Up Forever, which explores how to maintain a start-up culture in large organisations.

    For her extensive career and business success, Sahar has been named as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, in the 100 Most Influential Women in Britain and in Top 10 Original Thinkers by Director Magazine.

    A renowned speaker on the international circuit, Sahar Hashemi has previously inspired clients with her talks focused on creativity, leadership and being a powerful female in business.

    She has shared a TEDx talk on the qualities of an entrepreneur and for her impressive work as a speaker, has been named in the Top 5 Business Speakers in Britain by Speakers for Business.

    Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

    Sahar Hashemi 

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (12)
    Se-ah-dom Edmo: Social Justice

    Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce and Yakama) brings deep experience in community organizing for racial and social justice work across the nation. Prior to joining Seeding Justice, Se-ah-dom served as the Sovereignty Program Director at Western States Center where she was the coalition convener of Tribal History: Shared History (Senate Bill 13, 2017) in Oregon, which established and funded […]

    • Travels from: Gresham, OR
    • Native Americans
    • (14)
    Melanie Lawson

    In the realm of professional emcees, there are few who embody the essence of warmth, authenticity, and charisma quite like Melanie Lawson. With a career spanning over two decades in the television industry, Melanie has not only garnered acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning journalist but has also established herself as a sought-after professional emcee, moderator, […]

    • Travels from: Jacksonville, FL
    • Event Emcee
    • (8)
    Farrah Khan - Image 05 (April 14, 2026)

    Farrah Khan has spent two decades raising awareness about the intersections of gender-based violence and equity through education, policy, and advocacy. She is a member of the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, former co-chair of the Ontario Government Provincial Roundtable on Violence Against Women, board member […]

    • Travels from: Toronto, ON
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (15)
    • (4)
    Patricia Velásquez - Image 01 (March 25, 2026)

    Patricia Velásquez is an award-winning actress, humanitarian, entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, author, and mother. Best known for her iconic roles in “The Mummy”, “The Mummy Returns”, “Arrested Development”, and “The Curse of La Llorona”, Patricia also became the first Latina supermodel gracing the covers of major fashion magazines like ‘Vogue”, “Elle”, and “Harper’s Bazaar”. She […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Humanitarian Speakers
    • (8)
    Alexis Gay - Image 01 (January 15, 2026)

    Alexis Gay is a critically recognized comedian, writer, and performer whose work sits at the intersection of sharp satire, cultural observation, and lived experience in the tech industry. Known for her clever, self-aware humor, Alexis has built a devoted global audience through viral videos that have collectively amassed more than 15 million views, as well […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Comedian Hosts
    • (41)
    Simone-Biles-logo.png

    Simone Biles has an astounding tally of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is not just a dominant force in her sport but also a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and grace. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a global icon is a testament to her dedication and unyielding spirit. Beyond […]

    • Travels from: Houston, TX
    • Sporting Speakers
    • (7)
    Daniel Pink

    Daniel Pink is a best-selling author and one of the most influential thinkers in the realm of business and human behavior. His profound insights into motivation, leadership, and innovation have captivated audiences worldwide, making him a sought-after keynote speaker. With a career spanning over two decades, Pink has become synonymous with groundbreaking ideas that challenge […]

    • Travels from: Washington, DC
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (18)
    Dan Thurmon

    Dan Thurmon is the dynamic founder and president of Motivation Works, Inc., a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and a thought leader in the realms of leadership, transformation, and franchise success. With an expertise in guiding leaders and their organizations through periods of profound change, Dan has been instrumental in helping teams embrace challenges and convert […]

    • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
    • Peak Performance
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Speakers Inc.

    Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

    We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

    Find the Perfect Speaker

    Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.