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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Crossing the Desert summary
Payam Zamani
The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys
16 mins
Table of Contents
Crossing the Desert
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1979
In the 1970s, in the face of religious persecution, Payam Zamani’s family had to flee their home country of Iran. As members of the Baha'i Faith, a humanist religion developed in the 19th century, they faced hardship and discrimination in a predominantly Muslim Iran.
Payam's parents, driven by their faith, had chosen to live in hostile areas in Iran to spread their religion’s message of peace and unity. In the town of Hashtgerd, where Payam grew up, they faced constant threats, violence, and discrimination. Windows were shattered by rocks, the family was denied basic services, and neighbors threatened mob attacks. Despite these challenges, Payam's parents remained committed to their beliefs and mission.
Rather than preaching, Payam's parents aimed to change hearts and minds through their actions and way of life. Despite hostility, Payam’s mother worked to establish a free clinic for women and the Zamani home became a gathering place for other Baha'is and open-minded individuals, a pocket of positivity in a challenging environment.
After the tumultuous period following the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the family’s struggles mounted. As the new regime cracked down on religious minorities, the Zamanis faced increasing persecution and danger. At just 11 years old, Payam was forced to leave his parents and move to Tehran after a mob of schoolchildren violently attacked him for his faith. His family adapted by starting an underground business manufacturing cleaning pads, showing remarkable entrepreneurial spirit in the face of adversity.
But the situation for Baha'is in Iran continued to deteriorate, with many being arrested and executed. Payam's brother eventually fled the country, followed soon after by his sister and her family. For a while, Payam was left to rely on his own ingenuity, starting side businesses selling bootleg music tapes and computer software.
At the age of 16, he made the difficult decision to follow his family and flee his home country. His escape was harrowing. First, Payam had to trek for five days to the Emptiness Desert, one of the hottest and most inhospitable regions on Earth. After crossing into Pakistan, Payam spent nearly a year in Lahore, joining his family as a refugee and waiting for their paperwork to be processed. During this time, he couldn’t work or attend school, existing in a state of limbo.
Finally, in 1988, at the age of 17, Payam received news that he had been granted asylum in the United States. With the support of Catholic Charities, which funded his flight, Payam made the long journey to America. He arrived in San Francisco with just one small suitcase and a bag from the International Organization for Migration, marking him as a refugee. This is how his new life in America would begin.
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What is Crossing the Desert about?
Crossing the Desert (2024) traces an extraordinary journey from religious persecution to entrepreneurial triumph. This gripping narrative follows a young refugee's perilous escape through the desert, his subsequent rise in Silicon Valley, and his ultimate quest to redefine capitalism with a conscience. It offers a poignant reflection on the intersection of faith, business ethics, and personal transformation in the modern world.
Who should read Crossing the Desert?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking inspiration
- Business leaders interested in ethical capitalism and socially responsible practices
- Readers fascinated by personal journeys of spiritual growth and its impact on professional life
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