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Leadership Lessons: Interview with Change Maker 2025 Shanaz Hemmati

As we enter 2025, small business owners are navigating new challenges and opportunities. To help guide us through, we spoke with Shanaz Hemmati, COO and co-founder of ZenBusiness and one of Austin Woman’s The Change Makers 2025.

Shanaz’s story — from her journey as a young immigrant to co-founding a company that has empowered over 700,000 entrepreneurs — is packed with lessons for building resilient, purpose-driven businesses. Here, she shares her key leadership insights for small business owners and offers inspiration for the year ahead.

Q: What leadership lesson has guided you most as a small business leader?

Shanaz: Staying focused on what really matters. There’s always so much noise — especially when you’re running a small business. But if you can get crystal clear on what your business does best and how it delivers value, that focus will guide everything else.

When we started ZenBusiness, we didn’t try to be everything to everyone. We focused on simplifying entrepreneurship, especially for first-time business owners. It’s a lesson I come back to daily: what’s our core strength, and how do we lean into it?

I also believe purpose is essential to staying focused. Simon Sinek’s Start With Why has had a huge influence on me— it’s a great reminder that leading with your mission and values creates stronger connections and long-term impact.

Q: 2025 is bringing a lot of uncertainty. How can small business owners prepare for the unknown?

Shanaz: Uncertainty is part of the journey, but I’ve learned that challenges often hold the biggest opportunities. The key is to approach those challenges with curiosity and a willingness to adapt.

Being open to feedback and making adjustments has been vital in my own career. At ZenBusiness, we’re constantly evolving based on what our customers need. That adaptability is what keeps us moving forward.

For anyone looking to build this mindset, I recommend Carol Dweck’s Mindset. It’s an incredible resource for developing a growth-oriented perspective — seeing obstacles as opportunities to grow. That way, uncertainty becomes something you embrace, not fear.

Q: Many companies are scaling back on DEI initiatives now. Why has ZenBusiness chosen to double down on its commitment instead?

Shanaz: For too many organizations, DEI has been treated as a performative initiative rather than a core value. When these programs are seen as optional or temporary, they’re often the first to go during challenging times. At ZenBusiness, we’ve made DEI foundational to who we are, and it has paid dividends in innovation, employee engagement, and customer loyalty.

We’ve proven at ZenBusiness that DEI isn’t a cost — it’s an investment. By embedding DEI into everything we do, from hiring practices to social impact initiatives, we’ve created a culture and business model that benefits everyone. Companies can’t afford to treat DEI as optional — it’s the foundation for long-term success.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d like every small business owner to take into 2025?

Shanaz: Think long-term and focus on building something that lasts. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day challenges, but the businesses that thrive are the ones built on solid foundations. At ZenBusiness, we’ve made it our mission to support small business owners in creating sustainable, impactful companies.

Key Takeaways from Shanaz Hemmati’s Leadership Insights

  1. Lead with purpose and build community.
  2. Embrace challenges with a growth mindset. 
  3. Cultivate DEI for collaborative culture and innovation.

Shanaz’s recognition as a Change Maker 2025 is a reflection of her commitment to breaking barriers for entrepreneurs and creating lasting impact. As we step into 2025, her insights remind us that resilience, clarity, and purpose are the keys to navigating challenges and building something that truly matters.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

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