Shirin Behzadi

Shirin Behzadi is a seasoned board director, investor, and industry-leading entrepreneur who has guided organizations in multiple industries to substantial growth. Originally from Iran, she immigrated alone to the U.S. at just 17 years old and became a gas station attendant. Determined to become a successful CEO, she relentlessly pursued her vision, enrolling in college and becoming a CPA. Her journey required indomitable persistence, especially when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unwilling to fail, she relearned how to walk and became a celebrated CEO and brand builder.

Behzadi has run and built companies with nearly a billion dollars in sales. She was a founding member, CFO, and later CEO of Home Franchise Concepts (HFC), one of the world’s largest franchise businesses in the consumer space. Behzadi oversaw the growth of HFC’s system-wide sales to over $850 million with more than 1700 franchisees.

As a board director and chair, Behzadi has served as operating CEO, CFO, and independent director, helping create strategic direction for the organizations she serves. She excels at developing sound strategic plans around continued growth while maintaining a focus on profitability and mitigating risk. She has guided numerous organizations through the challenges of high growth in various life stages, from inception to growth in revenues and enterprise value to a successful exit for all stakeholders.

Behzadi has garnered coverage in print and broadcast for her achievements, most notably in Forbes. As a keynote speaker, her business expertise and inspirational story have empowered audiences nationwide to establish and execute their own authentic vision, including EY’s Strategic Growth Forum, JPMorgan, Franchise Finance, Roth Conference, and Scale Global. Behzadi is also a passionate philanthropist and has served as the board director and chair of OC United Way, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, and other charitable organizations.