Book SummaryCrossing the Desert, by Payam Zamani

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Crossing the Desert

The author's experiences as a refugee profoundly influenced his life.

The story recounts the difficult times Payam Zamani endured in Iran during his youth because of his commitment to the Baha'i Faith, a situation that compelled his family to seek refuge in a foreign country. Payam Zamani faced a series of relentless challenges and prejudice in his early years in Iran due to his family's religious beliefs. The early obstacles he encountered cultivated a deep appreciation for freedom, as well as a strong mindset and a firm foundation in ethics. Zamani recounts his hazardous escape from Iran, crossing the immense desert void by foot and with the aid of vehicles, propelled by a valiant quest for freedom and opportunities for a brighter tomorrow.

The author risked a dangerous flight from Iran to escape persecution for his adherence to the Baha'i faith.

In this section of the narrative, the author describes the intensifying hardships his family and he faced in Iran because of their religious beliefs. The religious authorities in Iran subjected the Baha'i community to a campaign of prejudice, property damage, violence, and intimidation, aiming to eradicate the faith practices of this minority. The ever-present threat of injury deeply affected Zamani along with his relatives. During the 1980s, the author reached a pivotal moment that drove him to depart from Iran, influenced by the growing extremism he observed in his youth, the risk and potential fatality associated with his beliefs, the relentless persecution his family endured, and the cumulative burden of these pressures.

Facing daily harassment, violence, and the threat of arrest or death in Iran due to the author's religious beliefs

Zamani narrates the adversities his family endured due to their adherence to the Baha'i Faith in Iran, which led to their experience of exclusion, intimidation, and aggressive behavior. The prejudice they encountered manifested in the refusal of fundamental privileges, which encompassed the exclusion from academic and vocational prospects, in addition to shopkeepers rejecting them when they sought to buy food supplies. Their residence was frequently targeted with vandalism, and they suffered through attacks and menacing threats to their lives, which ultimately led to an incident where an unruly crowd's violent behavior compelled Zamani and a friend to flee for their own protection. The authorities turned a blind eye to their pleas for help, often justifying the mistreatment with religious pronouncements.

Zamani vividly recounts the pervasive fears that haunted his daily life, constantly worrying about his personal safety and the security of his relatives. The constant threat of injury made him feel isolated and vulnerable. He also elaborated on the techniques used by the Iranian authorities, who disseminated false information to provoke animosity against the followers of the Bahá'í Faith by falsely charging them with acting on behalf of Israel, thereby rationalizing the violence and detrimental actions directed at them. Zamani highlights the psychological burden imposed by a system engineered to induce fear and compel uniformity.

During their hazardous trek towards Pakistan, they almost fell victim to the intense difficulties and obstacles encountered along their route.

At the age of sixteen, Zamani faced the perils associated with his future in Iran and decided to escape, entrusting his destiny to individuals adept at surreptitious border transits. The perilous expedition entailed covertly traversing the arid and hazardous landscape known as the Emptiness Desert. Zamani narrates the distressing ordeal of being packed tightly in the rear of a rapidly moving truck, crossing the desert while shrouded in the night's shadow, taking drastic steps to evade detection by border officials. The constant threat of capture, which could lead to imprisonment or death, was ever-present.

Zamani continued his trek on foot, braving a grueling five-hour hike across treacherous mountains while bearing the sweltering desert temperatures. He narrates his battle against severe thirst and fatigue, almost yielding to the severe conditions of the surroundings. He also describes the emotional weight of leaving his parents behind, knowing it was likely the last time he would see them. Despite facing numerous challenges and perils, Zamani persisted. His quest for freedom and better opportunities strengthened his resolve to persevere.

When he reached the United States with nothing to his name, he...

Crossing the Desert Summary The commercial triumphs and entrepreneurial journey of the writer.

This section will outline the entrepreneurial endeavors of Payam Zamani, starting with the establishment and expansion of Auto Web with his sibling, and then progressing to his subsequent ventures, which encompass the founding of One Planet Group and the sale of Reply.com. The author highlights the benefits derived from the process of creating startups, viewing each new venture as a chance to refine their tactics and transform their understanding of success in the business world. Zamani emphasizes the importance of resolute decision-making, keen listening, humble action, and the adoption of creative approaches, all the while capitalizing on the unique strengths of his group.

AutoWeb pioneered the creation of a digital marketplace for car sales.

Zamani began his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding AutoWeb with his brother, Farhang, who later adopted the name Frank, in 1994. Zamani saw the rise of digital connectivity as a prime opportunity to transform traditional sectors, acknowledging the significant benefits of connecting consumers with relevant data and services through a user-friendly web platform, and realized that the traditional method of buying cars needed a...

Crossing the Desert Summary The author's strategies for conducting business were deeply influenced by his strong beliefs in matters of faith.

Payam Zamani and his team's approach to creating businesses emphasizes ethical priorities above short-term gains and traditional capitalist practices, deeply rooted in the fundamental principles of the Baha'i Faith. Zamani highly values the integration of his ethical standards into all facets of his business activities. He firmly believes that his business ventures should prosper financially while simultaneously contributing to the betterment of our planet and its residents, aiming to leave behind a marginally more affluent Earth.

The author's profound dedication to the principles of the Baha'i Faith.

Payam Zamani credits the core tenets of the Baha'i Faith with inspiring the significant changes in his life and fueling his desire to make a beneficial impact on the world. He acknowledges that his unwavering commitment to placing spirituality, compassion, and altruism at the forefront of everything he does is influenced by the teachings of Baha'u'llah, as well as the exemplary conduct modeled by his parents. Zamani is of the opinion that blending spiritual values with business endeavors enhances both aspects.

The Baha'i Faith highlights the unity of humanity, gender...