Building a Business from Passion: The Journey of Shanaz Hemmati and ZenBusiness

From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

Shanaz Hemmati, COO and co-founder of ZenBusiness—a booming $1.5 billion startup—has always harbored an entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, the notion of launching her own business felt daunting. While pursuing a degree in computer engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, she initially delved into hardware design but soon gravitated towards software engineering. “I love technology,” she explains. “Especially software engineering, because you’re coding to solve problems. I still love solving problems.”

Shanaz attributes part of her initial hesitance towards entrepreneurship to a common barrier faced by many women in male-dominated fields. “Women can often overthink their decisions,” she admits, recalling how her husband, an entrepreneur himself, encouraged her to take the leap into business ownership. “It took me time to find the confidence,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. “Seeking out mentors who understand your journey, even if they’ve walked a different path, can provide the guidance you need to tackle obstacles.”

The Formation of ZenBusiness

The pivotal moment in her career came when she met Ross Buhrdorf, her co-founder, at Excite.com. After a successful 11-year stint at HomeAway, where she gained invaluable experience until its acquisition by Expedia, the duo reunited over coffee. It was during this meeting that Ross proposed the idea of building a platform to support small businesses. “I was intrigued and excited,” Shanaz recalls. “Small businesses are what keep the economy growing.”

In 2017, they founded ZenBusiness with the vision of providing an all-in-one platform to assist aspiring entrepreneurs with compliance, managing finances, and more. The driving force behind ZenBusiness is the belief in the essential role of small businesses in economic growth. “They truly are the backbone of the economy,” Shanaz affirms.

Navigating Growth and Priorities

As ZenBusiness has rapidly expanded, Shanaz and her team have faced a long to-do list but limited resources. “In a fast-growing company, prioritizing becomes essential,” she mentions. One of the biggest priorities has been incorporating artificial intelligence. “Everybody in business should be utilizing AI today. It saves time and enhances productivity,” she emphasizes. Their personalized AI assistant, ZenBusiness Velo, has been designed to support entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses effectively.

Guiding Principles for Leadership

Navigating the complexities of leadership, Shanaz leans on a personal mantra that includes three core principles: “Be fearless, be ethical, be passionate.” For her, being fearless means understanding that perfection is illusory and that taking action is crucial. Ethics, she believes, should govern interactions with colleagues and customers alike. Passion, she asserts, is vital; the love for one’s work fosters growth.

“People are at the center of any great company,” Shanaz declares, underscoring the significance of relationships in business. At ZenBusiness, this philosophy translates into active listening and support for employees. Early on, the team adopted remote work, responding to employees’ preferences for flexibility, which helped boost productivity and work-life balance.

Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those hesitant to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, Shanaz offers wisdom born from her own experiences. “Many aspiring entrepreneurs fall into the trap of overthinking,” she cautions. “Do it sooner rather than later. You don’t need to quit your job right away; consider launching a side hustle.” Engaging with potential customers about their challenges can provide valuable insights and direction.

Continuous learning and the ability to pivot quickly can mean the difference between success and failure. “There will always be surprises,” she remarks, reminding us that adapting to change is crucial in the business arena.

At the heart of it all is a recognition of the importance of community and collaboration, both within a company and with its customers. “It’s all about the people around you,” Shanaz concludes, highlighting the foundational role relationships play in nurturing a successful business journey.