
Business - Autobiography
Winner
The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO
Shirin Behzadi
The Unexpected CEO tells a compelling and powerful story of lessons carved from challenges and a life constructed despite dire circumstances. Shirin shares not only her extraordinary journey, but also the wisdom earned at every turn. Both a memoir and a guide, this book offers a blueprint for turning life’s deepest trials into stepping stones toward purpose and possibility.
Discover:
Tools for turning adversity into fuel for growth
Hard-won insights on resilience, reinvention, and rising stronger
Real-world strategies for leading with empathy—and why it works
Candid lessons on raising capital and navigating private equity
A framework for building not just a thriving business, but a meaningful life as well
True stories that illuminate the power of vision, grit, and unwavering belief
This is not a tale of overnight success, but of steady strength, rebuilding from the ground up, and what becomes possible when adversity is met with unwavering intent.
Business - Autobiography
Finalist
A Horn of Plenty
Jason Harding
Gillian Irving, Wendy Kan
A Horn of Plenty celebrates the extraordinary life of Alan D. Horn, a devoted family man and influential leader at Rogers Communications. From his early years in Scotland to his rise as a prominent figure in Canadian business, Alan’s journey was defined by a blend of expertise and a generous spirit. A Chartered Accountant by training, Alan joined Rogers in 1990 where he played a pivotal role in transforming the company. As CFO, Chair of the Board, and Interim CEO, he guided Rogers through critical transitions and helped steer its growth for over three decades. A dedicated husband to Ruth and loving father to Susan, he always prioritized family, balancing a demanding career with unwavering support for his loved ones. This heartfelt biography celebrates the life and legacy of a man who embraced every moment and lived abundantly, both personally and professionally. Vividly illustrated in full colour, A Horn of Plenty is a tribute to a man whose abundant life continues to inspire.














