Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode, Payam Zamani shares his incredible journey from growing up under persecution in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur and author in the United States. Payam, a co-founder of Autoweb.com and founder of One Planet Group, faced unimaginable challenges but persevered with hope and determination. Our conversation covers his harrowing experiences in Iran, his daring escape, and his vision of spiritual capitalism, where businesses aim to benefit society. We also discuss the importance of community and service in achieving personal and professional fulfillment and delve into his new book, Crossing the Desert: The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys.
00:00 Introduction: A Teenager's Hope in War-Torn Iran
00:59 Payam Zamani's Background
01:32 Escaping Iran: A Perilous Journey
05:48 The Baha'i Faith and Its Persecution
15:40 Arrival in America: A New Beginning
17:08 Building a Business Empire
20:30 Spiritual Capitalism: A New Vision
28:02 The Fear of Innovators
28:45 The Ripple Effect of Economic Decisions
28:59 Spiritual Capitalism and Legacy
29:47 Just Causes in Business
30:44 Giving Sacrificially
31:40 Shifting the Paradigm of Success
33:48 The Cynicism Paradox
35:02 Rebuilding After Loss
36:11 Living a Life of Service
38:38 Universal Philanthropy
43:00 Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys
50:32 The Value of Truthfulness in Business
51:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Enjoy!
ABOUT Payam Zamani:
Payam Zamani is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of One Planet Group, a private equity firm with online technology and media businesses. Born in Iran, he fled at 16 due to his Baha’i faith and settled in the U.S. in 1988. After graduating from UC Davis, he co-founded AutoWeb, one of the first online car marketplaces, taking it public in 1999. He owns multiple tech and media businesses, has invested in over 50 companies, and aims to redefine capitalism to serve humanity. Zamani has received several accolades, including "Best CEO for Diversity" and UC Davis' Award of Distinction.
ABOUT Crossing the Desert: The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys:
Crossing the Desert gives readers an intimate look at how the paths we choose, the values we embrace, and the systems we decide to participate in (or not) can make or break us, not only financially, but spiritually. Payam’s story is a timely reminder that enduring and embracing life’s most difficult journeys can lead us to a brighter future—not only for ourselves, but for the people around us, and even the world.
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Chase Jarvis is well known as a visionary photographer, fine artist and entrepreneur. Chase is cited as one of the most influential photographers of the past decade. As an entrepreneur, Chase created Best Camera - the world's first mobile photo app to share images direct to social networks - sparking the global photo sharing craze. He is currently the founder & CEO of CreativeLive, the world's largest live-streaming online education company, having delivered more than a billion minutes of free live education worldwide.
#Entrepreneur #Empowerment #BusinessSuccess
In this episode, Payam Zamani shares his incredible journey from growing up under persecution in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur and author in the United States. Payam, a co-founder of Autoweb.com and founder of One Planet Group, faced unimaginable challenges but persevered with hope and determination. Our conversation covers his harrowing experiences in Iran, his daring escape, and his vision of spiritual capitalism, where businesses aim to benefit society. We also discuss the importance of community and service in achieving personal and professional fulfillment and delve into his new book, Crossing the Desert: The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys.
00:00 Introduction: A Teenager's Hope in War-Torn Iran
00:59 Payam Zamani's Background
01:32 Escaping Iran: A Perilous Journey
05:48 The Baha'i Faith and Its Persecution
15:40 Arrival in America: A New Beginning
17:08 Building a Business Empire
20:30 Spiritual Capitalism: A New Vision
28:02 The Fear of Innovators
28:45 The Ripple Effect of Economic Decisions
28:59 Spiritual Capitalism and Legacy
29:47 Just Causes in Business
30:44 Giving Sacrificially
31:40 Shifting the Paradigm of Success
33:48 The Cynicism Paradox
35:02 Rebuilding After Loss
36:11 Living a Life of Service
38:38 Universal Philanthropy
43:00 Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys
50:32 The Value of Truthfulness in Business
51:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Enjoy!
ABOUT Payam Zamani:
Payam Zamani is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of One Planet Group, a private equity firm with online technology and media businesses. Born in Iran, he fled at 16 due to his Baha’i faith and settled in the U.S. in 1988. After graduating from UC Davis, he co-founded AutoWeb, one of the first online car marketplaces, taking it public in 1999. He owns multiple tech and media businesses, has invested in over 50 companies, and aims to redefine capitalism to serve humanity. Zamani has received several accolades, including "Best CEO for Diversity" and UC Davis' Award of Distinction.
ABOUT Crossing the Desert: The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys:
Crossing the Desert gives readers an intimate look at how the paths we choose, the values we embrace, and the systems we decide to participate in (or not) can make or break us, not only financially, but spiritually. Payam’s story is a timely reminder that enduring and embracing life’s most difficult journeys can lead us to a brighter future—not only for ourselves, but for the people around us, and even the world.
--
► Useful?
Subscribe: youtube.com/chasejarvis?sub_confirmation=1
Leave me a comment. Let me know what you think!
===========================
CONNECT WITH ME:
===========================
Get VIP-only content and stay up-to-date with the latest: chasejarvis.com/vip
WEBSITE: chasejarvis.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/chasejarvis
TWITTER: twitter.com/chasejarvis
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/chasejarvis
GOOGLE+: plus.google.com/chasejarvis
SNAPCHAT: snapchat.com/add/chasejarvis
-----
Chase Jarvis is well known as a visionary photographer, fine artist and entrepreneur. Chase is cited as one of the most influential photographers of the past decade. As an entrepreneur, Chase created Best Camera - the world's first mobile photo app to share images direct to social networks - sparking the global photo sharing craze. He is currently the founder & CEO of CreativeLive, the world's largest live-streaming online education company, having delivered more than a billion minutes of free live education worldwide.
#Entrepreneur #Empowerment #BusinessSuccess
