Decision-Making in Business: Past, Present, and Future

With nearly 20 years of experience in management, corporate training, consulting, and entrepreneurship, Areen Shahbari is a seasoned expert in strategy, innovation, marketing, leadership, and executive development. Through her company, Shahbari Training and Consultancy, she has trained and advised hundreds of organizations, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, across the US and internationally. As an instructor at Harvard Extension School, Harvard Professional and Executive Development, Stanford University, and Babson Executive Education, Shahbari has designed and delivered over 200 business courses and executive training programs in nine countries across five continents. Her engaging and practical teaching approach, which blends psychology with business strategy, helps leaders achieve impactful outcomes in complex and rapidly changing markets. Shahbari's expertise is sought after by companies, governments, and nonprofits alike. Notable clients include MediaTek, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, Santander X, MAPFRE, Saudi Industrial Development Fund, Kingdom of Bahrain Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Qatar Development Bank, US embassy and consulates in Mexico, Business Women Forum, IM Swedish Development Partner, James Beard Foundation, SEED InVenture, Monshaat, and the US-Middle East Partnership Initiative. In addition to her executive training, teaching, and consulting work, Shahbari founded Cactus International, a social enterprise focused on training women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to launch and scale sustainable businesses. A Fulbright alumna and member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, Shahbari holds an MBA from Simmons University and a BA in psychology and communication. An award-winning entrepreneur and business instructor, she has a dynamic background in media and public speaking and frequently speaks at industry conferences.