Sahar Hashemi Biography

Sahar Hashemi OBE is a British entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker, recognized as the founder of Coffee Republic, the United Kingdom's first US-style coffee bar chain. After more than five years working as a lawyer and investment banker, Hashemi transitioned from law and finance to entrepreneurship. A visit to New York inspired the concept for an American-style coffee bar chain, leading to the establishment of Coffee Republic. Hashemi co-founded the company with her brother, growing it into a prominent high street brand with 110 locations and a turnover of £30 million.

Following her departure from the day-to-day management of Coffee Republic, Hashemi published the book "Anyone Can Do It: Building Coffee Republic From Our Kitchen Table," which has been translated into six languages and is among the best-selling books on entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom. She later sold half of her second business, Skinny Candy, which was distributed in retailers including Harvey Nichols, Waitrose, and Selfridges. Hashemi also authored "Startup Forever," a book focused on how large companies can adopt startup principles to foster innovation and adaptability. The book was named a Financial Times Business Book of the Month.

Hashemi founded Buy Women Built, a campaign aimed at increasing consumer recognition of women-built brands in the United Kingdom. The initiative represents more than 2,000 businesses with a combined turnover of £2.5 billion. She co-chaired the UK government Scale Up Taskforce, contributing to policy development for small and medium-sized enterprises, and serves on the board of the Scale Up Institute and the advisory board of Change Please Coffee, a social enterprise supporting employment for people experiencing homelessness.

Hashemi was awarded an OBE for services to the UK economy and charity. She has been recognized as a Pioneer to the Life of the Nation by Her Majesty the Queen and has received several awards, including the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leader. Director magazine named her among its Top 10 Original Thinkers, and she has been listed among the 100 most influential women in Britain by Daily Mail and among the top women in British business by Management Today.

With experience spanning corporate law, entrepreneurship, and business leadership, Hashemi is known for her expertise in entrepreneurial mindset, change management, and employee engagement. She has worked with founders and organizations across various sectors, sharing insights on how entrepreneurial behavior can drive innovation within large companies.

BOOK Sahar Hashemi

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/30/2026.

Sahar Hashemi Speaking Topics

  • Embracing Change – Working Outside your Comfort Zone

  • Branding- Understanding True Brand Value

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Sahar Hashemi Videos

Sahar Hashemi On Tash Talks

Sahar Hashemi On Tash Talks

Tash talks to Sahar Hashemi

Sahar Hashemi Showreel

Sahar Hashemi Showreel

What makes an entrepreneur? | Sahar Hashemi | TEDxYouth@Bath

What makes an entrepreneur? | Sahar Hashemi | TEDxYouth@Bath

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Sahar sits on the Entrepreneurs Panel for the government...

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Sahar Hashemi is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Embracing Change – Working Outside your Comfort Zone, Branding- Understanding True Brand Value, Customer Service – Stepping Into the Customer’s Shoes, Entrepreneurial Leadership – Encouraging entrepreneurial behaviour in a corporate environment and The Switched On Mindset - Igniting Creativity and innovation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Sahar Hashemi for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Sahar Hashemi generally travels from London, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Barbara Corcoran, Libby Gill, Dr. Jackie Freiberg, Sophia Amoruso and Robin Chase. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Sahar Hashemi for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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