Said Eshaghi, PhD
Mindset and Leadership Coach
Based in Fallbrook
About
At 15, I escaped Iran through mountain blizzards with nothing but my life. I rebuilt from zero — learned a new language, earned a PhD in Biochemistry, became a professor, and built what looked like success from the outside. Then I realized I'd lost my why. After 20 years in science, I walked away from academia searching for purpose. What followed was the hardest chapter of my life — including a cancer diagnosis that forced me to stop, reflect, and rebuild everything with intention. That journey gave me clarity on something I now see every day in many industries, especially those that are technical: The most brilliant and skilled people get promoted into leadership — and nobody prepares them for it. The gap between technical excellence and leadership effectiveness is real — and it costs organizations enormously. That gap is exactly what I close. I'm the founder of LeadBeyond and creator of the GAP Framework — a proven methodology that helps technical experts step into leadership without losing what made them exceptional. I've lived the transformation I teach. And I don't believe in motivational fluff — only raw stories, deep reflection, and practical tools that move people from awareness to action. Recently I published my memoir "Escape from Comfort". I am also a Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach & Speaker.
Looking to connect with
HR directors, VP of People and culture, Business owners, Team Leaders
Hobbies & interests
Writing music, spending time with my family, travel
Experience
- Team Member at saideshaghi.com
Education
- SU, PhD, 2001
Interests & expertise
Interests: Advise others, Expand network, Mentor
Functions: Success
Roles: Founder, Service Provider, Professional
Industries: BioTech, Life Science