Keynote Speaker

Sahar Hashemi OBE

Entrepreneur and Thought Leader, Bestselling Author, Founder of Coffee Republic and Co-Founder Buy Women Built

Popular talks

Creativity and innovation
Company Culture
Customer Service
Branding
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This is, Sahar Hashemi OBE

Talks

Popular talks by Sahar Hashemi OBE

Creativity and innovation
Company Culture
Customer Service
Branding
Entrepreneurial Mindset

Biography

About Sahar Hashemi OBE

A visionary entrepreneur who has built three game-changing businesses, Sahar Hashemi turns ideas into brands and reignites entrepreneurial energy where it’s been lost. From revolutionizing coffee culture with Coffee Republic to building Buy Women Built into a powerful brand, she proves that momentum—not waiting for certainty—creates change.

But in many organizations, that momentum is hard to find. Too often, structures, processes, and habits built for a different era remain, even as customers, competitors, and industries evolve. The result? Ways of thinking and working that no longer match the speed of the world outside. Entrepreneurial energy—the very force that drives innovation, momentum, and bold action—gets buried. It is lost under layers of process, fear, and the comfort of certainty. Leaders hesitate. Decision-making slows. Over-cautiousness takes hold. Customer connection fades. And with it, so does growth.

Sahar Hashemi knows how to ignite entrepreneurial energy—because she’s done it again and again. She has turned ideas from scratch into brands that disrupt industries and shift consumer behaviour.

She transformed the UK from a nation of tea drinkers to coffee lovers when she co-founded Coffee Republic, the country’s first US-style coffee chain. She changed consumer habits again with Skinny Candy, bringing sugar-free treats into the mainstream.

And now, with Buy Women Built (BWB), she has not just built a brand but a movement—one that is redefining how consumers and retailers see women built brands.

What started as a single tweet during the pandemic is now a commercial movement, transforming how consumers see women-built brands. With a community of 2,000+ women-built businesses generating over £2.5 billion in turnover, BWB is shifting buying habits at scale. BWB launched the world’s first women-built “aisle” on Ocado, proving that visibility drives sales. Major retailers—including Whole Foods, QVC, Planet Organic, and TikTok Shop—have embraced BWB, integrating it into their stores and platforms.

Her pioneering book, Anyone Can Do It, was the first to strip away the myths of entrepreneurship and reveal its messy, real-world reality, inspiring thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide. It became the UK’s second highest-selling book on entrepreneurship. Her insights into how bureaucracy, perfectionism, and the need for certainty kill momentum led to Start-Up Forever, a Financial Times Book of the Month, and a playbook for leaders to keep the startup spark alive—before it gets buried.

Her contributions have been recognized globally: a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a Pioneer to the Life of the Nation by Queen Elizabeth II, and an OBE for services to the economy and charity. She has been a member of the UK Secretary of State for Business’ Entrepreneurs Forum and co-chaired UK Government Scale Up Taskforce with the Minister For Business.

Sahar doesn’t give audiences theory. She reconnects them to what they already have—the energy, creativity, and courage buried under old habits, process, and fear. Through powerful storytelling and real-world experience, she reignites the urgency to move, the boldness to act, and the deep connection to customers that fuels innovation and impact.

She doesn’t just talk about entrepreneurial energy—she makes people feel it. And when they feel it, they act.

Testimonials

What clients say about Sahar Hashemi OBE

"Sahar Hashemi has a gift for storytelling. These pages radiate the warmth and humour with which she has passionately spoken so many times about her own experiences as an entrepreneur and subsequent conversations with ‘big business’. There’s an oversupply of frameworks and tools at the disposal of the 21st century ‘intrapreneur’, but this common-sense canter through 10 habits and no less than 34 small but significant ‘shifts’ is a well-crafted wake-up call to the dormant entrepreneur in all of us. Inspiring, human, humble. Just like the author."

Carl Nagel, Global Marketing Innovation Director, Jacobs Dowe Egberts

"Sahar was absolutely sensational. The perfect balance between personal and inspirational. So many learnings. Thank you"

Dan Ram, Moderator, TED speaker, Speaker Coach

"Sahar, you are the talk of town! You were by far the best speaker of the day and people cherish you highly. Thank you so much for your contribution."

Marcel Scacchi, Founder, Medtech

"What a fabulous talk. The team was on fire and we all enjoyed having you."

Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz

"A very engaging and emotional presentation also confirmed by the high number of questions and comments from the team which for us, is a great achievement especially as it was virtual."

Products Up

"Inspiring and actionable talk. The feedback has been tremendous"

L’OREAL

"Her passion for innovation energises a room – it’s the equivalent of a double espresso from the coffee chain she co-founded"

London Innovative Forum

"It was my absolute pleasure to have that conversation with you! I’ve received very positive feedback from people across the team, in fact someone on my own team said you were her favorite guest speaker she’s ever heard... she learned so much."

Microsoft

"Sahar succeeds in reconciling the brain with the heart, through common sense. By far the most engaging and credible keynote speaker we have had over the years"

Gruppo Campari

You truly galvanized people in the room into feeling they could and should make changes in their approach to work – which is precisely the outcome we wanted

SKY

"Sahar Hashemi succeeds in reconciling the brain with the heart through common sense, thereby providing a toolkit to foster, build and maintain the entrepreneurial culture which established big companies need to survive in today’s world.”

Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Campari Group

“That is a huge gift you have, to be able to open people’s minds in that way, believing they can do it, and giving them the tools on how to do it."

SCHIPSTED Media

“Sahar Hashemi has a gift for storytelling. These pages radiate the warmth and humour with which she has passionately spoken so many times about her own experiences as an entrepreneur and subsequent conversations with ‘big business’. There’s an oversupply of frameworks and tools at the disposal of the 21st century ‘intrapreneur’, but this common-sense canter through 10 habits and no less than 34 small but significant ‘shifts’ is a well-crafted wake-up call to the dormant entrepreneur in all of us. Inspiring, human, humble. Just like the author.”

Carl Nagel, Global Marketing Innovation Director, Jacobs Dowe Egberts

"Sahar was the best-ranked speaker at our conference and did an amazing session."

The Coca-Cola Company Middle East

"What a fabulous talk – the team were on fire afterwards."

Richard Saynor, CEO Sandoz

"We have seen a lot of Speakers over the years, and we really thought Sahar was excellent. A great storyteller, clear messaging and sign posting."

BUPA

"Ratings from attendees concluded that 95% felt that Sahar provided insights on how to shift to an entrepreneurial mindset."

The Bank of America

"Sahar was brilliant! Her story resonated well with business leaders."

Aon

"Sahar was excellent and definitely stole the show. Her story was so raw, inspiring, relatable, back to basics and resonated a lot with our audience."

Deloitte

"Your story is so inspiring, yet your mindset shifts are so practical, participants left the session clearer on what an entrepreneurial mindset is and how they can further adopt it."

Director, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan

"The messaging was excellent and the delivery superb."

Andy Gass, Chief Digital Officer, TD SYNNEX

"Sahar, you are the talk of the town! You were by far the best speaker of the day and people cherish you highly. Thank you so much for your contribution."

Curaden, Switzerland

How to book Sahar Hashemi OBE

Answers on fees, availability and booking process.

How do I book Sahar Hashemi OBE for a keynote speech?

You can book Sahar Hashemi OBE through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Sahar's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Sahar Hashemi OBE's speaking fees?

Sahar Hashemi OBE's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Sahar tailored to your event.

What topics does Sahar Hashemi OBE speak about?

Sahar Hashemi OBE speaks on Authors, Customer Experience, Entrepreneurs, Inspirational Women, Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Sahar to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Sahar Hashemi OBE available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Sahar Hashemi OBE for events worldwide, subject to Sahar's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Sahar Hashemi OBE deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Sahar Hashemi OBE is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Sahar Hashemi OBE?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Sahar can accommodate.

Can Sahar Hashemi OBE tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Sahar Hashemi OBE on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Sahar can offer.

What languages does Sahar Hashemi OBE present in?

Sahar Hashemi OBE delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Sahar Hashemi OBE a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Sahar Hashemi OBE's areas of expertise include Authors, Customer Experience, Entrepreneurs, Inspirational Women, Motivation. To get a clear sense of Sahar's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Sahar Hashemi OBE speak at?

Sahar Hashemi OBE can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Authors, Customer Experience, Entrepreneurs, Inspirational Women, Motivation is relevant. Details of Sahar's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Sahar Hashemi OBE offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Sahar Hashemi OBE is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Sahar Hashemi OBE?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Sahar Hashemi OBE, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Sahar's current availability for your dates.