A winding path to understand the true
Self
TEDx speaker
Founder of MyGradeBooster and Futurpreneuer Award Winner
What happens when we strip away the
Labels?
I’m Mehrnaz Bassiri.
My labels include poet, progress specialist, former biotech scientist, educator, and entrepreneur.
I’m also a first-generation immigrant, a member of the LGBTQ+
community, a woman, and a Vancouver-based Canadian.
These labels, while descriptive, only scratch the surface of who I truly am.
My work is about stepping beyond these labels to reveal the essence
of our existence—the authentic self that lies beneath. It starts with
embracing challenges.
For many years, I constantly sought validation through achievements.
From my time as a research scientist to my work as a speaker, educator, and writer, successes never felt like enough.
I became addicted to the rush of dopamine that accomplishments brought, using them as a means to maintain my self-worth. Meanwhile, I hid the parts of me that didn’t measure up to the “right” labels.
But this pursuit came at a cost.
Amidst this drive for accomplishment, I didn’t address unresolved childhood trauma that was having a profound impact on my life.
When I finally confronted my past, it triggered a mental, emotional, and physical breakdown.
While debilitatingly painful, that challenge became a catalyst for reclaiming my well-being—beyond my accomplishments and labels.
For many years, I constantly sought validation through achievements.
From my time as a research scientist to my work as a speaker, educator, and writer, successes never felt like enough.
I became addicted to the rush of dopamine that accomplishments brought, using them as a means to maintain my self-worth. Meanwhile, I hid the parts of me that didn’t measure up to the “right” labels.
But this pursuit came at a cost.
Amidst this drive for accomplishment, I didn’t address unresolved childhood trauma that was having a profound impact on my life.
When I finally confronted my past, it triggered a mental, emotional, and physical breakdown.
While debilitatingly painful, that challenge became a catalyst for reclaiming my well-being—beyond my accomplishments and labels.
Poetry gave me
Courage
As a scientist, I used to log observations on my experiments in a notebook. With poetry, I continued the practice of recording observations, this time about my inner world.
Poetry became a place where I could address challenges head-on and find a renewed sense of courage; not the type that’s loud and proud, but the calm reassurance that whispered I can handle all of my life’s challenges.
To this day, each poem represents my determination to confront adversities and in the process, become a fuller, more aware version of myself.
Because a rich inner life isn’t just for monks on
Mountaintops
Every day, the simplest of things provide opportunities to experience a more fulfilling life than the one we’re sold. It all starts by going inward.
My goal is to inspire you to be compassionate toward yourself as you embrace your past, your imperfections, and your true desires.
When we do that, we can cultivate a rich inner life. I believe poetry can help lead the way.
Alignment with the world
became possible when I
aligned within myself, and
as I woke up inside,
the world became a dream.
Find your next poetry collection
Join me on this journey to honor every emotion, to embrace every challenge, and to emerge stronger.
Mehrnaz’s
Media Bio
Every breakthrough Mehrnaz has had came from a breakdown.
From overcoming selective mutism as a teenager and navigating life as an immigrant to making dramatic career changes and confronting past trauma, she uses her experiences to connect with and inspire audiences.
Mehrnaz has been featured at TEDx Chilliwack, on Global News, in TED Ideas, Drishti Magazine, Thrive Global, Trello, The Huffington Post, and more. Her poem publications include her books (Approaching Midnight and My Solitude and My Secluded Wilderness), The Bombay Review, and The Healing Muse.
Beyond poetry and speaking, Mehrnaz has a Master of Science from the University of British Columbia. She’s also the award-winning founder of MyGradeBooster, a tutoring company that has helped hundreds of students develop life-changing skills while achieving academic success.
Through every avenue of her work, Mehrnaz’s message rings true: By looking for the lessons in our challenges, we can catalyze growth.
Mehrnaz has lived, worked and studied in Japan, Iran, England, and Canada. She currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her wife, Hailey, who provides endless support for Mehrnaz’s writing.
