Meet Zahra Yarahmadi, the Founder and CEO of BG Financial Consulting Group, a firm revolutionizing financial strategies for subscription-based businesses.
Zahra’s story is one of resilience and forward-thinking, rooted in a childhood immersed in entrepreneurial values. Her father’s unique approach to teaching her the value of money and the basics of budgeting led her to a career of empowering emerging businesses. Under Zahra’s leadership, BG Financial Consulting Group provides clients with affordable, strategic financial advice. Her approach is not just about solving immediate financial challenges. Rather, it’s about reshaping how businesses in the subscription sector approach and manage their growth strategies.
We asked Zahra about the problem BG Financial Consulting Group solves, if she always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur, and what’s next for her and her company.
Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on BG Financial Consulting Group?
I started BG Financial Consulting after recognizing a gap in the market. Founders and startup CEOs needed financial consulting and strategic advice but often couldn't afford the costs of top-tier firms. This realization led me to create a consulting firm that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable financial guidance and strategy consultation.
What problem does BG Financial Consulting Group solve?
I focus on the critical need for affordable, strategic financial advice, specifically providing pricing and revenue strategies for subscription companies. My firm aims to solve the prevalent challenge these companies face: scaling effectively and achieving profitability. By offering expert guidance on pricing and revenue models, I help subscription businesses navigate market dynamics and growth opportunities, ensuring they are positioned for success.
What are some of the most meaningful impacts BG Financial Consulting Group has had so far?
Witnessing the transformation and success of businesses I've assisted. A particularly rewarding experience was with a company struggling post-bankruptcy. Through financial restructuring and innovative pricing strategies, I helped them pivot their business model. Within a year, they not only emerged from their financial distress but also achieved profitability for the first time in their history. This turnaround is a profound testament to the power of dedicated financial strategy and execution.
My journey has not just been about building a successful business. It's been about changing the narrative and inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
In what ways has your upbringing or past experiences contributed to how you operate as an entrepreneur?
My upbringing and early experiences have been integral to shaping my approach as an entrepreneur and leader. Being part of an entrepreneurial family, I was introduced to the basics of business and finance at a young age. I vividly remember my father giving me an accounting ledger as soon as I was capable of basic math. He instructed me that if I wanted my allowance, I needed to learn to track my spending in the ledger. Only when the balance hit zero could I present it to him for the next installment. While it might have seemed odd to my peers, this early lesson taught me the value of money, the basics of budgeting, and the fundamental principles of business.
This unique aspect of my upbringing didn't just teach me about financial responsibility. It instilled in me a sense of discipline, foresight, and an understanding of the importance of tracking and managing resources effectively—critical skills for any entrepreneur. These lessons have stayed with me, influencing my strategic approach to business, my respect for financial integrity, and my commitment to ensuring every venture I undertake is grounded in solid, sustainable economic practices.
Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Yes, all the way through, I've felt "different." I chose business and economics in college and delved into finance thanks to an innate urge to unearth good ideas and build resulting businesses. Coming from a male-dominated country, my path wasn't just different; it was almost against all odds, and I often felt profoundly alone. This sense of difference persisted throughout my career. Even as I began working, I was frequently one of the few women in the workplace and, later in executive-level positions, often the only woman in the room.
This experience of being different, while challenging, has been a significant catalyst in my entrepreneurial journey. It's shaped my resilience, my perspective, and my dedication to paving the way for others. This distinctive path has fostered a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in business, driving me to innovate and persist. Being different has empowered me to lead with empathy, courage, and an unyielding commitment to creating inclusive and transformative business strategies. My journey has not just been about building a successful business. It's been about changing the narrative and inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Have you felt like giving up? What made you persist?
Like many entrepreneurs, I have faced moments of self-doubt along my journey. Navigating these moments involves a combination of self-reflection, seeking feedback from trusted peers and mentors, and revisiting the successes and lessons learned from past experiences. I acknowledge the importance of research and leveraging experts' knowledge to overcome this challenge. I treat it as if it's another challenge, akin to the business obstacles I regularly navigate and overcome. This approach helps me maintain perspective and push forward, using self-doubt as a catalyst for growth and improvement rather than a stumbling block.
What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?
Embrace the uncertainties and use them as fuel for growth. Be patient yet persistent. Every setback is a lesson in disguise. I'd stress the importance of networking and building relationships, as they are invaluable assets in the business world. I'd remind myself to stay true to my vision but be flexible in my approach, adapting as the market and opportunities evolve. Most importantly, I'd tell my younger self to trust in my capabilities, value the journey, and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.
What’s next for you and BG Financial Consulting Group?
It’s an exciting time of expansion, scaling up the team to meet increasing client demand while maintaining our commitment to high-quality service. I'm also forging partnerships with incubators and accelerator programs to offer startups early-stage expert pricing strategies. Additionally, I'm authoring a book distilling the do’s and don'ts of running a subscription company, leveraging insights from my experience with more than 80 startups.
