What does it take to turn adversity into success and build companies that make a positive impact on the world? In this inspiring episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson sits down with Payam Zamani, entrepreneur, investor, author, and proud alumnus of the Student Works Management Program.

Payam shares his extraordinary journey from escaping religious persecution in Iran at 16 to co-founding AutoWeb, the first online car marketplace, which went public with a $1.2 billion IPO. He reflects on how his experience with Student Works was a transformative "boot camp" for entrepreneurship, teaching him critical lessons in goal setting, accountability, and execution. Payam also discusses his current role as the founder and CEO of One Planet Group, where he is committed to blending business success with a higher purpose through “spiritual capitalism”.

This episode offers invaluable insights into resilience, leadership, and how aligning business goals with personal values leads to long-term fulfillment. Enjoy!

In This Episode You Will Learn:

How Payam’s experience with the Student Works program helped him become the successful entrepreneur he is today
Why viewing challenges as opportunities is key to entrepreneurial success
How aligning business with a higher purpose leads to meaningful impact and personal fulfillment
The importance of leadership rooted in accountability and strategic execution
How spiritual capitalism can merge profit and purpose to improve the world
And much more…

Resources:

Student Works

Payam’s Linkedin

AutoWeb.com