Career success stories - Maryam Beyzavi

Maryam Beyzavi's (Sales Negotiator, Wimbledon) career journey has been anything but conventional. From Iran to the UK, her career has been filled with challenges, losses and triumphs. It has given her a strong work ethic and a unique perspective on success. You can read more about her journey below. 

The road before KFH

Before joining KFH, my path was filled with challenges and unexpected twists. Armed with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Polymer Engineering from Iran, I dreamed of becoming a successful businesswoman in the polymer industry, even envisioning my own factory. However, life had other plans.

In 2011, I came to the UK on a student visa to study English. But due to political tensions between the UK and Iran, I had to return home before completing my studies. At this point I didn’t want to do my Master’s entry exam, but my friend convinced to preserve so I pursued my degree in Iran.

After my degree, I joined as a secretary in an engineering company. Proving my worth was difficult in male dominated environment, but I was determined to move into a more senior and technically skilled role. After two months, I was promoted to a business development position, where I thrived. I enjoyed networking with international clients, growing the company, and practicing my English. After a year of being in business development position, I became deputy manager and spent the next four years building strong client relationships based on trust—a key value for me.

Then, in 2019, political instability forced me to move from Iran, leaving behind everything. Troubled not only with living in a new country, I also needed to wait for the right to work. Therefore, I volunteered as an interpreter and carried this on during the pandemic. Two years later I got a permit to work, however this good news was clouded as I unexpectedly lost my younger brother who was back home in Iran, and despite my technical abilities, securing a permanent work position proved challenging. Was it because I was Iranian? Or female? The rejections piled up.

I eventually found a role as an administrator at a cardiologist’s practice, an opportunity given to me by my brother-in-law, before interviewing for the trainee sales negotiator role at KFH.

Finding My Place

I attended KFH’s assessment day in October 2022, reassured by David Dyer that I wouldn't regret it. I trusted him, and he was right. I felt elated after meeting Jimmy Carr and Lisa Mackenzie throughout this day. Finally, someone trusted me to work again.

Joining the Wimbledon office felt perfect. I admire my colleagues, especially Linda Duffy, who has taught me so much throughout the trainee programme. Though I initially doubted myself, comparing myself to other trainees, I was determined to succeed at KFH. After about four months, just as I was ready for promotion, a negotiator left, and I stepped into their role. It was perfect timing.

In my third quarter, I faced significant challenges with difficult sales and fall-throughs. As those in sales will know, sales progression isn’t always linear. But despite these setbacks, Jimmy’s full support and encouragement helped me persevere. I decided to start fresh in January with a new mindset. Instead of comparing myself to others, I focused on excelling in my role. This shift, combined with a buoyant market, propelled my success. My hard work paid off; I was thrilled to earn the Top Negotiator award for Q1 2024. Consistently being on the leaderboard most weeks has been incredibly rewarding. I'm now looking forward to joining other top performers on the incentive trip to Lisbon in September!

Trust has been central to my journey from Iran to the UK and my growth at KFH. Facing and overcoming numerous challenges has shaped me into a resilient and successful sales negotiator. At KFH, I've found a place where I can truly excel and be myself.