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X-WR-CALNAME;VALUE=TEXT:The Ideation Lab – From Root Causes to Revolutionary Ideas with Areen Shahbari
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SUMMARY:The Ideation Lab – From Root Causes to Revolutionary Ideas with Areen Shahbari
DESCRIPTION:<p>Ready to solve tough problems with creativity, innovation, and teamwork? Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop that guides you from identifying root causes to crafting high-impact business ideas.</p><p>In teams, you will tackle complex challenges, uncover the underlying drivers, and leverage generative AI to enhance your analysis. Brainstorm bold, game-changing ideas—no concept is too big to explore.</p><p>Learn how to assess the feasibility, impact, and scalability of your ideas, and collaborate to refine your concept into something actionable.</p><p>The workshop culminates in an investment pitch simulation, where each team presents their idea while participants act as investors, evaluating which ideas deserve attention and resources. Test your pitching skills and experience the excitement of business innovation in action!</p><p>If you are looking for a high-energy, impactful experience that sharpens your innovation, ideation, idea assessment, pitching, and problem-solving skills—this workshop is for you! Get ready to unleash your creativity and ability to come up with transformative ideas!</p><ul><li><em>Entrepreneurs and business owners</em> will walk away with frameworks and assessment criteria to evaluate whether their solutions are the most effective for the problems they are addressing. These tools will also help them identify potential pivot opportunities, allowing them to refine their offerings and better align solutions with market needs. By using the criteria to assess both their target segments and the problems they’re solving, they can make informed decisions on how to optimize their business strategy for maximum impact.</li><li><em>Professionals</em> will walk away with a practical framework to tackle complex challenges with clarity and creativity. They’ll learn how to identify root causes, generate high-impact solutions, and assess ideas based on feasibility, scalability, and value. These tools can be immediately applied to strategic planning, innovation initiatives, and problem-solving in any industry—helping professionals drive results, lead change, and make smarter decisions under uncertainty.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>About the Presenter:</strong></p><p>Led by <strong>Areen Shahbari</strong>, Principal of Cactus Int. LLC, Harvard and Stanford instructor, and an expert in entrepreneurship, strategy, and innovation, this workshop leverages Areen’s track record of delivering impactful training at Harvard and Stanford universities, as well as to top organizations like Salesforce, MediaTek, USAA, Plug and Play Tech Center, Qatar Development Bank, and the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. Areen brings a results-driven approach to fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, innovative thinking, and game-changing business strategies.</p><p>A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Harvard Distinguished Teaching Performance Award, Areen holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Simmons University and a BA in Psychology and Communication. She is a frequent international speaker and serves on the governance committee of the Hult $1M Prize. Her work spans North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and she is passionate about helping entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations innovate, drive growth, and create impactful solutions.</p><p><br>&nbsp;</p>
LOCATION:Harvard Ed Portal
STATUS:CONFIRMED
DTSTART:20250610T140000Z
DTEND:20250610T180000Z
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