I was born into an entrepreneurial family in Iran, where business was more than a livelihood; it was a way of life. My father, a self-made entrepreneur, established his clothing business over 50 years ago. Growing up in that environment, I watched firsthand how small businesses are built: from the resilience needed to weather uncertainty to the creative decisions made daily. That early exposure deeply shaped my passion for understanding how small firms grow, adapt, and succeed, especially in complex and unpredictable markets.
This passion led me on a journey that has combined practice, research, and teaching across several countries. I hold a PhD in Marketing – International Business & Entrepreneurship from the University of Otago in New Zealand, where my research focused on how small firms navigate foreign market entry. I also earned a second PhD in Business Administration (Marketing Management) from Iran, and two Master’s degrees in Industrial Management and Economics & Communication for Management & Innovation from Iran and Italy. My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, equipping me with analytical and problem-solving skills that I have applied to business and marketing research. My academic path has taken me through Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, experiences that have enriched both my worldview and my scholarship.
As a lecturer and researcher, I specialize in areas such as:
- SME internationalization
- Entrepreneurial decision-making under uncertainty
- Digital marketing and technology adoption
- Family business innovation
- AI and data-driven strategies for small firms
At the University of Otago, I’ve taught both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Marketing Research, Sales Management, and Integrated Marketing Communications. I integrate real-world business cases, digital tools, and student-led projects into my teaching, with a focus on making learning active, inclusive, and relevant.
Beyond the classroom, I actively contribute to research through peer-reviewed publications, editorial reviewing, and international collaborations. My work has been published in journals such as Management International Review, International Marketing Review, and the International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal.
Whether I’m working with students, co-authoring research, or advising a startup, my goal is to bridge theory and practice, helping people make smarter decisions in uncertain environments. My journey, from my father’s modest shop in Iran to academic halls in New Zealand, reminds me that small beginnings can lead to global impact when guided by curiosity, resilience, and purpose.