A September Full of Growth, Reflection, and New Horizons
Reza Ghiabi
?? Strategy Advisor | ?? Community Builder | ? TEDxTehran Organizer | ?? ex-PwC & Omidyar
Dear Friends,
September has been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to share it with you. Iran is going through an important transformation, where the challenges we face are met with resilience, creativity, and innovation. Whether it’s in the rapidly evolving startup ecosystem or in the traditional sectors, there’s a palpable energy to push boundaries and build something meaningful. With that in mind, I spent this month working on ventures and sharing insights that reflect the dynamic landscape of Iran today. Let’s dive in together.
?? New Beginnings: Launching the Iran Startup Pulse
In response to the growing vibrancy of Iran’s startup scene, I launched the Iran Startup Pulse, a newsletter dedicated to sharing weekly updates on key trends, investments, and developments. Iran’s startup community is pushing forward despite external challenges, and I’m thrilled to document and celebrate these achievements. Subscribe here to join the conversation and stay updated on the latest trends.
?? Insights and Reflections: Articles I Wrote
As Iran’s economy continues to face both opportunities and obstacles, I had the chance to explore topics that are crucial for the country’s development. I published several pieces this month that reflect the intersection of family businesses, governance, and market growth—sectors that are critical to Iran’s progress.
In Untapped Potential: How Family Businesses Can Drive Iran’s Economic Resurgence, I analyzed the significant role family businesses can play in revitalizing our economy, offering strategies for long-term impact.
Governance in these enterprises is another key area of focus. In Empowering Family Enterprises: Navigating Governance in a Changing Landscape, I delved into how family-owned companies must adapt their governance structures to thrive in today’s complex environment.
For those who are interested in labor market trends, my piece on 1402 Iran Labor Market: In-Depth Insights and Data explored both the challenges and the resilience of the Iranian workforce.
And in the startup world, Key Developments in Iranian Startups This Week: Financial Growth and Innovation provided a snapshot of the exciting growth and innovation happening across Iran’s burgeoning tech scene.
?? Moments of Growth: Meetings and Sessions
Throughout the month, I engaged in various meetings that not only advanced business goals but also contributed to the broader changes happening in Iran. From one-on-one professional development coaching to strategic business development discussions, every meeting was an opportunity to refine ideas and make an impact. These sessions included growth strategy planning, mentorship of startup co-founders, and future leadership development discussions.
One particularly interesting meeting revolved around a publishing strategy for the upcoming “Work” issue of Idea Designers Magazine, where we explored innovative ideas on how the future of work in Iran could evolve in line with global trends. These discussions reflect the broader movement in the country, where the line between traditional and new sectors is blurring, creating space for creativity and innovation.
?? Speaking About Modern Marketing
Another major highlight of September was my public speaking engagement on New Approaches to Marketing. As Iran’s businesses face the dual challenge of staying relevant in both local and international markets, I shared insights on how entrepreneurs and artists can adapt their marketing strategies to thrive in this changing landscape. You can watch the video and read the report here for a deeper dive into the session.
?? The Upcoming Idea Designers Magazine “Work” Issue
I’m particularly excited about the upcoming “Work” issue of Idea Designers Magazine, where I served as a special editor. This edition tackles the evolving nature of work—particularly how technology and cultural shifts are redefining what work means in Iran and beyond. I had the opportunity to collaborate with a brilliant set of contributors, including thinkers like Christopher Peterka and Majid Erfanian, who are providing fresh perspectives on the future of work.
The magazine captures the essence of this critical transition we’re all part of, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the future of business and work.
Iran’s transformation continues to shape my work and the work of many others, and I’m excited to be part of this story. The meetings, articles, and sessions I’ve had this month reflect not only my personal journey but also the collective resilience of a country ready to embrace the future.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to sharing more in the coming months.
Warm regards,
Reza