The founder of Coffee Republic, the UK’s first American-style coffee chain, will discuss how to recapture the entrepreneur within you, at a special event for business leaders in South Wales.

Sahar Hashemi OBE, who co-founded Coffee Republic and Skinny Candy, was named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and became an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2012 for her services to the UK economy and charity.

She will speak on Switching On: How to recapture the entrepreneur within you, when she makes a rare visit to Wales for The Challenge, an interactive leadership masterclass, organised and hosted by Leadership & Management Wales (LMW) in Cardiff on March  21.

“Sahar is acknowledged as one of the most inspirational business speakers,” said LMW director, Dr Barrie Kennard. “She has a fascinating story to tell, and valuable insights to share.

“Her foresight and drive in setting up the UK’s first chain of US-style coffee bars changed the face of our high streets, and I know she is keen to share her expertise in how to bring that entrepreneurial spirit into organisations of all shapes and sizes.”

In addition to the keynote presentation, the half-day event includes networking, group exercise and information on funding opportunities for developing leadership skills.

“I’m very much looking forward to coming back to Wales and exchanging views with other business leaders,” said Ms Hashemi. “I’ll be sharing my thoughts about the importance of innovation in organisations, and how people can recapture their own entrepreneurial instincts.

“I’ll also talk about my seven habits for success and how managers can tap into the talent that exists in their organisations.”

The Challenge is part of a series of events open to all current and aspiring business managers and leaders in Wales.

It takes place at the St David’s Hotel and Spa, Cardiff Bay on Thursday 21 March 9am – 12.30pm.

There is no charge to attend, but places must be booked in advance at www.lmw.org.uk or by phoning 029 2087 6560.

Leadership & Management Wales is the centre for excellence for leadership and management skills in Wales, It is part of the Enhancing Leadership and Management Skills (ELMS) programme. ELMS is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

It is run by a consortium, led by Cardiff Business School, and including Aberystwyth University, Glyndwr University and Tattum Guest Associates Ltd.