Shadi Rouhshahbaz 

 
To who will you run when your hero runs away?
 
Growing up in Iran and later moving across five countries, I have experienced change, injustice and fear. I also understood - the hard way - that survival isn’t just about enduring everything and pushing forward. It’s also about hope, imagining new possibilities and making them real with some fun and possibly questionable choices.

But surviving alone - even if fun at times - isn’t enough.

In my 30s, I ask myself what does it take to truly thrive?

I began my journey in studying literature and continued with learning about international development and peace and conflict. I guess I have always been drawn to the power of stories and to understand ourselves and others. But I also see how these stories can be used as tools to either uphold or dismantle systems that are supposed to keep our peace and improve our society.

My decision to embark on using foresight wasn’t just about curiosity—it was about equipping myself with tools to rewrite narratives that shape peace. Research methods, learning cycles, data analysis, introspection and creating metaphors are now integral to my work.  

Now, I am focused on amplifying the voices that often go unheard, creating safe spaces for challenging outdated systems and asking often ignored questions—the elephants in the room:

• What brings us joy, power and peace? 
• What do we fear the most?
• How can we co-create futures that are as diverse and resilient as the people who inhabit them? 
• What does it mean to centre equity in every decision? 
• What happens when the systems we rely on falter? To whom do we turn? 

The answers are often complex —but they are also within our reach. The hero we seek is often the one we become and once we get there, thriving begins.

This isn’t just my work—it’s my life. If you’re curious to explore what we can create together, I’d love to hear from you.