Strategic Management

Areen Shahbari is a global executive educator, strategist, and President of Cactus International, LLC, a consulting and training firm dedicated to empowering leaders to solve complex challenges, innovate strategically, and drive lasting impact. She has taught more than 60 graduate courses and led over 300 executive education programs across five continents. She has delivered executive training for leading organizations including Salesforce, USAA, MediaTek, the Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, and the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning. She has also trained senior leaders from Apple, Nike, Netflix, SLB, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the Mayo Clinic. At Harvard and Stanford University, Shahbari teaches leadership, strategy, innovation, negotiation, change management, entrepreneurship, and decision-making—blending business acumen with behavioral science to equip professionals to think clearly and act decisively. She offers engaging, practical, and interactive sessions and strives to ensure participants leave with sharper tools, stronger strategic thinking, and greater confidence in their leadership. A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Harvard Distinguished Teaching Performance Award, Shahbari holds an MBA in entrepreneurship from Simmons University and a BA in psychology and communication. Drawing on her experience as a media executive, entrepreneur, and board-level advisor, she creates learning environments where assumptions are challenged and insights drive action.