Elnaz SHAKOURI

As an independent consultant and coach, I support executive teams and fast-growing organizations in navigating complex transitions and building operational clarity. I lead organizational diagnostics, help define role structures, and implement performance systems — from OKRs to feedback loops — to drive alignment and sustainable execution. I design and deliver management development programs focused on leadership, communication, cross-functional collaboration, and change resilience — equipping teams to lead in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. In multicultural and hybrid settings, I guide human-centered transformation journeys, supporting C-level leaders through restructuring, strategic repositioning, or post-merger integration. My work bridges people, processes, and strategy — unlocking collective performance and adaptability. I also facilitate collaborative workshops that strengthen team cohesion, clarify responsibilities, and realign operations with strategic goals. My approach blends hands-on operational experience with academic insight: I draw on my doctoral research in bottom-up organizational change to create transformation models that work — not just on paper, but in real, evolving systems.

As part of my Executive PhD, I conducted an immersive field study inside a logistics team at Leroy Merlin to explore bottom-up organizational change dynamics. I worked hands-on in day-to-day operations to observe leadership behaviors, resistance to change, and team engagement patterns in real-time. This full integration allowed me to identify gaps between strategic intent and operational execution, and to analyze how change initiatives are perceived and embodied by frontline teams. I developed case studies and actionable insights from this research, which now inform my consulting work on transformation, alignment, and people-centered change. This experience strengthened my ability to connect systemic thinking with on-the-ground complexity, and deepened my perspective on how organizations evolve from within — not just through top-down design.

As General Manager of our family-owned warehousing and logistics company, I led day-to-day operations while also driving improvements in service quality, cost efficiency, and process control. I oversaw stock management, distribution, and last-mile logistics, coordinating closely with local transport providers to ensure timely and reliable deliveries. I implemented cost optimization initiatives, restructured inventory processes, and improved visibility across our operational systems. Beyond execution, I also played a strategic role in vendor negotiations, process redesign, and operational planning, supporting the sustainable growth of the business in a competitive and evolving market. This experience deepened my hands-on expertise in supply chain management, performance control, and the complexities of operating in a resource-constrained environment — while building a high level of autonomy and resilience.

I progressed from intern to Commercial Manager in a family-owned import-export business specializing in diverse product lines, with a focus on fashion and customized goods. I managed the entire commercial lifecycle: from international supplier sourcing and negotiation, to order processing, fulfillment coordination, and invoicing. My role also involved building long-term client relationships through proactive communication, tailored solutions, and post-sales follow-up. This position gave me a hands-on understanding of global supply chains, product lifecycle management, and the fast-moving world of consumer goods — all within a multicultural, international trade environment. In parallel, I conducted a final-year MBA thesis on investment feasibility in the Malaysian textile sector (2009–2010), presenting strategic recommendations on entrepreneurship and industry development to internal stakeholders and business partners.

As a Production Planner at a prominent melange fabric textile manufacturer, I was responsible for enhancing production planning and overseeing the coordination and control of manufacturing processes. Continuously monitored key performance indicators including production cost, efficiency, and quality to ensure seamless operations and profitability. Focused on planning and continuous process improvement to optimize operational efficiency and maintain high-quality melange fabric products.

As a Production Planner Intern at a pioneering denim fabric textile manufacturer, I primarily oversaw the production quality process. During my final year of studies, I defined an innovative Quality Management System, meticulously analyzing product quality, establishing a quality coding system, and implementing enhancement measures. Collaborated with the company laboratory to define a robust final product quality forecast matrix based on raw material assessment, significantly improving overall product quality.