Crossing the Desert

The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys

De: Payam Zamani

Narrado por: Nas Mehdi

At the age of 16, he escaped persecution and made his way to America as a refugee. At 28, he secured a billion-dollar IPO. Today, he's redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur by building a new model of capitalism.

In the summer of 1987, Payam Zamani fled Iran. As a member of the Baha'i Faith, he had already survived years of religious persecution at the hands of Islamic fundamentalists. Taking the only path available to him, he escaped to Pakistan through the Emptiness Desert: a harrowing five-day trek through one of the hottest, driest, and most hostile regions on the planet.

Twelve years later, he and his brother set records when the company they founded hit a $1.2 billion valuation on Wall Street. He was rich—on paper. But in the wake of yet another Wall Street meltdown, he learned the hard way that modern capitalism can be harmful to the human soul.

In 2015, Payam set the example he wanted to see by merging his business acumen with his spiritual beliefs and founding a new company—One Planet Group—this time without letting Wall Street or the venture capital world dictate the terms. Today, One Planet Group is proving that it's not only possible but necessary to build strong businesses while taking care of our employees, customers, communities, and the planet.

Crossing the Desert gives listeners 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.

©2024 Payam Zamani (P)2024 Podium Audio

Wealthy and also having a noble purpose in life are not exclusive of each other.

Obtaining material wealth is good if you share with others less fortunate. And it has to come from your heart.

Loved it. Truly inspiring.

The book was very inspiring, based on a very real biography. The author was very genuine to share his true beliefs and the epiphanies he has made throughout his life

One of the best books I have ever read!

The story brought back to life the conditions I used to grow up in, although mine had been a few years later when things had gotten a bit better. Nevertheless, listening to the horrific things the writer had gone through, so early in life, was a testament to what I used to hear here and there, and often second handed!
The book is a story of survival through hope and hard work, the story of success through learning, focus, drive and decisiveness, and the story of transformational growth through reflections and holding onto values and ultimately becoming part of the driving force to make this world a better place for all.