E12: Shanaz Hemmati COO of Zen Business: From Electrical Engineering to Entrepreneurship 

Host: Nada Ahmed
Guest Shanaz Hemmati, COO and Co-Founder of ZenBusiness
In this episode of the 'Something from NADA' podcast, host Nada Ahmed speaks with Shanaz Hemmati , COO and co-founder of Zen Business. Shanaz shares her journey as a first-generation immigrant from Iran to the United States, her experiences during the Iranian revolution, and her education journey at the University of Texas in Austin. She provides insight into the importance of resilience, trust, and the value of diverse teams in the workplace. Shana discusses her career trajectory from electrical engineering to software engineering, her love for data, and her transition to leadership roles. The conversation concludes with Shana's experiences in building Zen Business, emphasizing the role of relationships, culture, and giving back to society.
00:00 Introduction to Something from NADA
01:16 Meet Shana, COO of Zen Business
03:19 Shana's Journey from Iran to the U.S.
09:24 Adjusting to Life in America
18:19 Discovering a Passion for Data
24:33 Transitioning to Leadership
28:22 Building a People-Centric Culture
35:35 Creating a Safe Environment for Open Feedback
37:08 Personal Journey and Overcoming Insecurities
40:19 The Importance of Happiness in Your Career
42:49 Making Tough Career Decisions
49:53 Founding Zen Business: The Origin Story
54:55 Building a Successful Small Business Platform
01:00:12 Life in Austin: A Personal Reflection
01:04:44 Final Thoughts and Recommendations