[VIRTUAL] Harvard ManageMentor: Innovation Implementation: Transform Your Vision Into Action

*This program is for those who reside in The Greater Boston area or own a small business that is located in the Greater Boston area. Space is limited to 25 participants. Priority will be given to Allston-Brighton residents.  This is a 3-part series meeting virtually on Zoom on January 27, February 3 and 10 from 5:30-7:30pm

Zoom information will be sent out via email before the course begins, along with class homeworks.

Virtual Meeting Dates: January 27, February 3 and 10 from 5:30-7:30pm

Registration Deadline: January 23 at 5pm

*Registrants are required to attend all sessions and complete the necessary homework on the ManageMentor platform before each class. The January 27 meeting with be an orientation/overview about the course and will last about and hour. You must attend the orientation to be admitted into the course. Online homework will be assigned each week. 

Ideas are only as powerful as their execution. This course empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals to turn innovative ideas into tangible results, whether it’s a new product, service, or process that creates real impact for your team, organization, and customers.

Through a dynamic combination of Harvard ManageMentor online lessons and live, instructor-led sessions, you will:

• Identify high-impact opportunities: Learn to spot innovations that truly matter, connect the dots in unexpected ways, and expand your possibilities beyond the obvious.
• Prioritize and experiment confidently: Refine your ideas, test your assumptions, and design experiments that validate solutions quickly and effectively.
• Build support and momentum: Engage key stakeholders, pitch with clarity, and foster collaboration to bring your innovation to life.
• Learn from every outcome: Analyze successes and setbacks, capture insights, and continuously improve to sustain long-term impact.

By the end of this course, you will develop a clear roadmap to implement innovation in your organization, practical tools to overcome obstacles, and the confidence to turn ideas into results that drive growth and competitive advantage.

Duration: Orientation + 2 live, 2-hour sessions
Format: Interactive, experiential, and hands-on learning
Audience: Entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals ready to make innovation happen

About the presenter:

Led by Areen Shahbari, President of Cactus Int. LLC and expert in entrepreneurship, strategy, and innovation, this workshop draws on her extensive experience helping leaders and organizations pivot, enhance offerings, and drive growth. Areen has delivered transformative training at Harvard, Stanford, and to top organizations such as Salesforce, MediaTek, USAA, and the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. She brings a results-driven approach that equips participants with actionable strategies to strengthen value propositions and achieve tangible results. A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Harvard Distinguished Teaching Performance Award, Areen holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and works globally to help leaders innovate and create impactful solutions.

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Advance registration is preferred for all Ed Portal programs and events. Walk-in attendees may not be admitted.

Parking is limited around the Ed Portal so we recommend taking public transportation.

Public transportation options:

We are about a 15-20 minute walk from the Red Line Harvard Square station or Green Line -B Harvard Avenue station.

Several MBTA buses also stop near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue: #66, #86, #70.

Parking information:

If you choose to drive to the Ed Portal please be prepared to utilize the two-hour on-street parking surrounding the Ed Portal or to park at Artesani Park and walk 10-12 minutes along Western Avenue to arrive at the Ed Portal. A limited number of parking spaces are available in the rear of the Ed Portal building on a first come, first serve basis. You may only use parking spaces in the rear of the Ed Portal building outlined in orange paint.

To help protect visitors and staff, members of the public are asked to stay home if they are unwell or have experienced signs of illness* in the past 24-hours.

If you require an accommodation for a disability, please call the Ed Portal ahead of time at 617-496-5022 or e-mail us at edportal@harvard.edu, and we will do our best to assist you.

* Signs of illness include: fever, chills or feeling feverish; a new cough (not related to chronic condition); new fatigue; muscle or body aches; sore throat; new nasal congestion or new runny nose (not related to seasonal allergies); nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.