Be A Bridge – Afarin Bellisario

On this episode, I had the privilege of hosting Afarin Bellisario, a mentor at MIT Sandbox, author, and tech entrepreneur with an extraordinary life story. Afarin began by sharing her journey from her childhood in Iran to becoming a prominent figure in high-tech and entrepreneurship in the U.S. Growing up in a family that straddled traditional and modern Iran, she had a unique perspective on navigating the contrasting worlds of South and North Tehran. Her education, initially rooted in mathematics, became her ticket to freedom and opportunity, culminating in her studies at NYU and MIT. The tumultuous events of the Revolution profoundly shaped her, compelling her to forge a new path in America. She eloquently described how curiosity, resilience, and adaptability fueled her career, whether in corporate America or mentoring young entrepreneurs.

We also delved into her debut novel, Silence Whispers, which tells the story of a young woman navigating transformative changes in her life and country. Afarin explained how this fictional character, Gohar, was inspired by both her own experiences and the rich stories of her heritage, blending historical and personal elements. Through extensive research and creative writing, she captured the complex dualities of Iranian society and the broader universal struggles of identity, resilience, and transformation. Afarin emphasized that while Gohar shares some traits with her, the character stands apart as a vehicle for exploring the broader human experience. The novel serves as both a personal exploration and a reflection on the cultural and societal shifts of her homeland.

Finally, Afarin shared her philosophy on the intersection of history and technology, emphasizing how understanding the past can inform and guide our technological future. Drawing on examples from her work with startups and historical case studies, she highlighted the recurring patterns in how society reacts to radical new technologies. From the advent of radio to the rise of artificial intelligence, Afarin underscored the importance of maintaining human agency and using technology as a tool for good. Her reflections offered profound insights into leadership, innovation, and the enduring need to balance progress with humanity.

"Change is inevitable; embracing it with curiosity turns challenges into opportunities."

MEET OUR GUEST Afarin Bellisario Consultant, Advisor at MIT, and Author.

Afarin Bellisario bridges East and West, technology and the human condition, and past and present. Born and raised in Tehran in a family with its feet in the past and its head in the future, she led a successful career in high-tech and international business in the US after earning her PhD (from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). But writing had always been her passion. Having written professionally in pre-revolutionary Iran, she has published op-eds in major papers, including the Boston Globe and an essay, Movies with my Aunt, as part of the anthology Love & Pomegranates. 

Today, she mentors startups, teaches, and writes about the clash between tradition and modernity and how the past can shed light on our technology-fueled future. A music lover, she is a Cambridge Chamber Ensemble board member and writes for their newsletter as well as on Medium. Afarin continues to discover new destinations globally.