Meet Shahin Khani | Inspirational Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shahin Khani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shahin, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. That surrender, even the smallest act of giving up, stays with me. So when I feel like quitting, I ask myself, which would I rather live with?” – Lance Armstrong

to me, it represents perseverance , persistence and discipline in life. that anything worth having requires hard work and determination and it is not easy. and if I quit I will never reach the success I would like in life, love and friendships.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional journey has been shaped by a deep-seated belief that leadership and success don’t have to come at the expense of kindness. This philosophy led me to create the Bold but Kind project, which represents my mission to transform how we think about professional growth and leadership.
What sets me apart is my commitment to challenging the traditional notion that being successful means being ruthless. Through the Bold but Kind project, I’ve developed frameworks and methodologies that prove you can be both assertive and compassionate, ambitious and empathetic. I’m most proud of how this approach has resonated with professionals across different industries, showing that there’s a real hunger for leadership styles that balance strength with humanity.
Getting here wasn’t easy. Like many, I initially struggled with the perceived conflict between being “bold” and being “kind.” Early in my career, I often felt pressured to choose between being assertive or being empathetic. The breakthrough came when I realized these qualities aren’t mutually exclusive – they’re complementary. This insight became the foundation of Bold but Kind.
The biggest challenges came from skeptics who viewed kindness as a weakness in the professional world. I overcame these challenges by consistently demonstrating that kind leadership actually drives stronger results, builds more resilient teams, and creates sustainable success. The data and success stories from our community have been instrumental in shifting this perception.
Key lessons I’ve learned along the way:

True strength lies in the ability to be both powerful and compassionate
Kindness is not a weakness; it’s a strategic advantage
Building genuine relationships matters more than short-term wins
Personal growth and professional success are interconnected

What I want the world to know about Bold but Kind is that it’s more than just a project – it’s a movement to redefine success. We’re proving that you can achieve remarkable results while maintaining your humanity and helping others grow. Our community is living proof that when you lead with both boldness and kindness, you create not just better business outcomes, but a better world.
I’m excited about the future as we continue to expand our impact, develop new resources, and build a global community of leaders who embrace this balanced approach. The Bold but Kind project is just getting started, and I believe its message is more relevant now than ever in our rapidly evolving professional landscape.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, if my best friend was visiting LA, I’d plan them the most epic week! First things first, we’d have to kick off with Venice and Santa Monica – it’s just such a perfect introduction to LA’s beach culture. I always take visitors to Gjusta in Venice for breakfast – their pastries are insane, and it’s got that perfect laid-back LA vibe. Then we’d definitely spend some time walking Abbot Kinney and the Venice Boardwalk – it’s touristy, sure, but it’s part of the LA experience!
For culture buffs, we absolutely have to hit the Getty Center – the views alone are worth it, but the art and gardens are spectacular. And speaking of art, downtown LA has really transformed over the last few years. The Broad is fantastic, and while we’re downtown, we’d have to grab dinner at Bestia – just make sure to book way ahead!
One of my favorite things about LA is how each neighborhood has its own personality. I love taking friends to explore Silver Lake and Echo Park – there’s this amazing Taiwanese place called Pine & Crane that’s perfect for lunch, and then you can spend the afternoon browsing the cool shops around Sunset Junction.
For the quintessential LA experience, we’d definitely spend a day doing the Hollywood thing – hiking Runyon Canyon in the morning (those city views!), then maybe brunch at Republique. And you can’t skip Malibu – I always take friends to Point Dume and Paradise Cove, followed by dinner at Nobu if we’re feeling fancy. The sunset views there are unreal!
Some of my absolute favorite hidden gems? There’s this amazing restored 1927 bowling alley called Highland Park Bowl that’s just so LA cool. And El Matador State Beach is way less crowded than the main beaches but absolutely stunning. Oh, and for food, you absolutely have to try Leo’s Taco Truck – best Al Pastor tacos in the city!
For a real local experience, K-town is a must. Parks BBQ is my go-to for Korean BBQ, and the whole neighborhood comes alive at night. And if you’re here during summer, the Wednesday night jazz at LACMA is such a vibe – just bring a blanket, some wine, and enjoy the music under the stars.
I think what makes LA so special is that there’s literally something for everyone – whether you’re into art, food, outdoor activities, or just soaking in the culture. Every neighborhood has its own flavor, and even after years here, I’m still discovering new spots. That’s what I love about this city – it never gets old!
Oh, and pro tip: Always check what’s happening at the Hollywood Bowl when you’re visiting. Catching a show there on a summer night with a picnic basket? That’s peak LA living right there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to three incredible people who have profoundly shaped my journey. First, Jeff Bartlett, my first mentor, who instilled in me the invaluable principles of persistence and excellence. He taught me that success comes to those who never give up and consistently show up as their best selves.
I’m equally grateful to Jitesh Patel, whose mentorship and coaching have been transformative. Through his guidance, I’ve learned that true leadership is rooted in kindness and empathy – lessons that have deeply influenced how I approach both business and life.
Finally, my deepest gratitude goes to my wife, whose unwavering love and support have been my foundation. She has not only been my partner in life but has also strengthened my spiritual journey, bringing me closer to God. Her presence has added a dimension of faith and purpose to everything I do.
Each of these individuals has contributed uniquely to my story, and I carry their wisdom and influence with me every day.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahink

Image Credits
Shahin Mohammadkhani
Rajesh Masuti
Mariam Aziz