Business Strategist and Thought Leader

Dear Friends, October has been an incredibly dynamic month, full of challenges, growth, and exciting moments. In Iran, the socio-economic landscape is rapidly shifting, influenced by both local and international events. We’re seeing tensions unfold, like the conflict between Iran and Israel, which inevitably affects how we manage our businesses and lead our organizations. Yet, we move forward, leveraging our strengths to navigate through uncertain times. As we do, the recent discussions around the U.S. elections also bring a new glimmer of optimism for Iran—regardless of the outcome, a change could pave the way for positive opportunities. Amidst all this, I’ve had the privilege of diving into several significant projects, which I’d love to share with you. 🎥 A Call for Reflection: Video Interview on Social Responsibility I recently participated in a thought-provoking video interview on social responsibility titled “Khvishkari Ejtema’i: A Call to Reflect.” In this conversation, I delved into the topic of individual duty towards society and invited viewers to consider how their roles contribute to a larger community impact. Recorded in collaboration with Baran Mehr Cultural Institute and the Infinity Project on September 8th, 1403, this interview focuses on how individual action, beyond just financial aid, can align with personal and social values to foster a better community. I talked about the evolving nature of responsibilities in response to societal shifts and how dynamic approaches allow for more flexible and impactful contributions. For those who wish to reflect deeply on their role in improving society, watch the full video here. 🎤 AgoraHall Opening: Celebrating Community Spaces October also marked the official opening of AgoraHall on the 26th, with a special focus on the potential of small gatherings to shape our cultural and social identities. At the “Corner Gatherings” panel discussion, I joined Houtan Hashemi, Ebad Ghafoori, and Saleh Beheshti in exploring the power of intimate, informal spaces—like cafes and small conference halls—as drivers of creativity, community bonds, and cultural resilience. AgoraHall, a cultural venue designed to facilitate such gatherings, aims to bring diverse groups together for interaction, collaboration, and shared growth. The event highlighted the role these community spaces play in creating more robust social networks, and we plan for many more workshops, exhibitions, and conversations in the coming months. AgoraHall is just beginning its journey to provide a platform for cultural exchange and social interaction. It aspires to be a nurturing environment where professionals and enthusiasts alike can freely exchange ideas. Stay tuned for more events at AgoraHall that aim to enhance community cohesion and cultural dialogue. 📝 Articles Published: Driving Organizational Change and Future Perspectives This month, I published several articles that touch upon key areas impacting our economy and the broader Middle Eastern business landscape: For those interested in family business governance and succession planning, I also wrote about Creating a FamilyBusiness Constitution, Balancing Tradition and Innovation, and more on Why Family Governance is Key to Business Longevity. All these articles aim to address the evolving needs of our businesses in a time of change and challenge. If any of these topics resonate with you, I’d love to continue the conversation. 🎻 A New Chapter for Elham Music Academy October was also special on a personal front. After 18 years, my wife Nassim Dara and I relocated and upgraded Elham Music Academy, our cherished music school. The move was only 50 meters, but the upgrade was significant—a step forward in creating an inspiring environment for students to explore music. Check out more about Elham Music Academy. The physical relocation symbolized a broader personal shift towards growth and enhancement, a theme that seems to resonate with the projects I’ve been involved in this month. 📚 Recommitting to Learning: Books and Study I also took some time this month to purchase books I’ve been meaning to read and created a structured plan to dive into topics I’m passionate about—economics, politics, and sociology. In a time of significant regional and global change, staying informed and continuously learning is the key to remaining adaptable and proactive. 🌐 Engaging with the Startup World and Web 3.0 The second half of the year has always been busy, and this year is no exception. Amidst my commitments, I’ve managed to mentor some bright young Iranian entrepreneurs working on Web 3.0 projects. Their energy and innovation are incredibly inspiring and serve as a reminder that, even in times of challenge, new possibilities emerge. At the same time, my work with the boards of various companies continues. Despite the many challenges we face, we are tackling them head-on, from early mornings to late nights, solving problems and moving forward. 📊 Global Context and Business Impact The world continues to be a turbulent place, and recent developments like the Iran-Israel conflict are reminders of how deeply global events impact our management and economic environments. Yet, amidst the unpredictability, there are also rays of hope. The upcoming U.S. elections—regardless of who wins—seem to indicate a positive turn for Iran, bringing a potential for change and new opportunities for engagement. These broader events shape my work, from advising boards to mentoring young entrepreneurs. Our context may be challenging, but it also provides a fertile ground for innovation, growth, and resilience. October has been about embracing both challenges and growth. From launching new community spaces like AgoraHall to relocating Elham Music Academy, mentoring the next generation, and exploring critical social responsibilities, it’s been a month of reflection and action. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I look forward to continuing our work and sharing more updates in the coming months. Warm regards, Reza Ghiabi