Escaping the revolution in Iran, engineering entrepreneur Shirin Dehghan moved to the UK at the age of 14. Despite the challenges, she learned the language and pursued a degree in engineering and electronics. Shirin's perseverance paid off when she founded her first company, eventually selling it for £85 million.
Now the CEO of Oxford Algorithms, Shirin shares her inspiring journey of hope, from a childhood passion for science through the challenges of losing a multi-million euro deal to becoming one of the UK's most successful women in tech.
GO TO Highlights from this episode (Scroll-to points)
(02:04) - Growing up in Tehran, life before and after the revolution
(07:05) - Moving to the UK – the culture shock, integrating into UK society
(11:10) - Making connections From STEM subjects to a career in mobile communications
(13:44) - Forming the future – delivering 3G and 4G at Vodafone
(15:10) - It started with a kernel of an idea – The birth of Arieso
(17:13) - From a back of an envelope calculation to saving £100 million
(22:48) - Jumping off a cliff - The uncertainty of starting a new business
(24:27) - The 10 year journey from incorporation to sale, the highs and the lows
(29:37) - Putting on a brave face – it pays to persevere
(35:33) - The relief after sale - work hard – play hard
(38:20) - A virtuous circle , female role models
(40:41) - Investing, mentoring and imparting wisdom
(43:10) -The buzz for building companies never leaves – welcome Oxford Algorithms a true family affair
(49:15) -Quick fire questions, books, podcasts or films and switching off.
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