Dr. Elaheh sajedi

About Elaheh

I am an International Business Development Consultant with a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship, a background in software engineering, and academic training in executive management, with a focus on marketing and export management. My work focuses on the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and international business development. I am particularly interested in how entrepreneurs and businesses can build the capabilities, business models, and strategic relationships needed to expand beyond domestic markets and compete in an increasingly interconnected global economy. My doctoral research examined the internationalization of cooperative-based businesses, exploring the factors and mechanisms that shape their ability to enter and develop international markets. This research informs my broader interest in internationalization strategies, business development, and the organizational challenges businesses face when pursuing growth beyond their home markets. Alongside my academic background, my professional experience includes business development consulting, entrepreneurial initiatives, and work related to customs services, trade regulations, and international business processes. My interdisciplinary background enables me to approach business challenges from both a strategic and a technology-informed perspective. **How I can help** I am interested in supporting entrepreneurs, founders, and business professionals who want to: • Evaluate opportunities for international market entry and expansion. • Develop a clearer internationalization strategy and identify the capabilities required to execute it. • Refine their business models and assess opportunities for sustainable growth. • Understand the practical challenges of international trade, market development, and cross-border business operations. • Explore how technology can support entrepreneurship, business development, and international growth. **My mentoring approach** I believe effective mentoring begins with understanding the entrepreneur's context, objectives, available resources, and constraints. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, I aim to help mentees clarify their challenges, question assumptions, evaluate strategic options, and translate ideas into practical next steps. My approach combines research-informed thinking with a focus on real-world business decisions. I value thoughtful questions, structured problem-solving, and actionable guidance that helps entrepreneurs develop their own decision-making capabilities. I welcome conversations with founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business professionals interested in internationalization, technology-driven entrepreneurship, and global market development. My goal is to help mentees gain greater strategic clarity, make better-informed decisions, and approach business growth with a stronger understanding of both opportunities and challenges.

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