Intro & BAckground…

Since graduating from San Jose State University, I’ve worked in several high-profile tech companies in Silicon Valley, including five years at Apple, nine years at Microsoft, seven years Yahoo!, and three years at PayPal. (You can review the details of my professional experience on LinkedIn.)

After 25+ years working in high-tech, I decided it was time to do something completely different, something meaningful. I spent some time using my business experience to help good friends achieve their professional goals, and that’s when I realized that “People Coaching,” or becoming a Professional Life Coach, was the exact path I’d been seeking.

I came to the United States from Iran legally on January 10, 1979. I was only 18 years old, didn’t know the English language at all and had no family members living here. (If you’re curious, you can read my full story here. Spoiler alert: I almost didn’t make it!)

I learned English on my own mainly by watching Three’s Company on TV and did my best to simulate with the American culture and language.

I worked everyday including weekends and holidays to support myself while I finished my education at San Jose State University. Needless to say, it was super challenging to complete my degree without having gone to school to learn English, but I managed to make it happen—although I intentionally missed my graduation ceremony because I had to work. Now, when I think about that moment in my life, I feel a sense of great accomplishment and have no regrets about my graduation ceremony.

I have been so fortunate to work with many smart people in some of the most well-known companies in Silicon Valley. They taught me many things and helped me to grow as a person and a professional. (Click here to read how I finally broke into the tech world.)

Long story short, I transitioned to a new country on my own, learned a new language, graduated from a university, built a successful career supervising numerous talented engineers, and built a life which some have called “The American Dream.” I always tell my beautiful daughters that if I can do it, with all the limitations I’ve experienced as an immigrant, then there is no doubt they can achieve what they set their minds to. It all comes down to hard work and perseverance.

In my personal life and throughout my career, I’ve experienced extreme challenges, but I’ve managed to overcome them. (Check out my blog to learn more about my experiences.) I strongly believe if I can do it, then anyone can—and I’m here to help you figure out how.

So I ask you, what’s holding you back from achieving your goals? How can I help you? Contact me!