Dastaan Noor is the President of Noor Machinery, based in Ottawa, ON, Canada. Born in a UN refugee camp, he has lived in the UAE, Oman, and Canada over the past 25 years. Dastaan has a background in business administration, defense contracting, and fitness competitions. He is fluent in five languages and has successfully built his industrial construction business since 2015. His journey reflects resilience, discipline, and a commitment to community and personal growth.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early, around 5 AM. I begin with a workout session to energize myself and set a positive tone for the day. After that, I have a healthy breakfast and spend some time reviewing my goals and tasks for the day. At Noor Machinery, my day involves a mix of meetings, strategic planning, and checking in with my team. I allocate specific time blocks for focused work and ensure that I stay on track by using tools like to-do lists and calendars. Maintaining a structured routine helps me stay productive and balanced.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life involves a combination of creativity, planning, and execution. Whenever I have a new idea, I first discuss it with my team to get their input and perspectives. We then create a detailed plan, outlining the steps needed to turn the idea into reality. This includes setting clear goals, assigning responsibilities, and establishing timelines. Regular check-ins and adjustments ensure that we stay on track and address any challenges that arise.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the increasing focus on sustainable business practices. As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues, there’s a growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in various industries, including construction. At Noor Machinery, we are exploring sustainable materials and processes to reduce our environmental footprint. This trend not only benefits the planet but also opens up new business opportunities and innovations.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is prioritizing my tasks each day. I start my morning by listing the top three tasks that need my immediate attention. Focusing on these high-priority items first ensures that I make significant progress on important projects, even if unexpected issues arise later in the day. This habit helps me maintain clarity and direction in my work.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. In the early stages of my career, I was often afraid of making mistakes. However, I’ve learned that failures are invaluable lessons that can lead to growth and innovation. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Every setback is a chance to learn and improve.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that multilingualism should be a fundamental part of education from a young age. While many people recognize the benefits of learning multiple languages, it’s often not given the priority it deserves in educational systems. Being multilingual has been a tremendous asset in my life and career, and I think it should be more widely emphasized and integrated into early education.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I consistently do is allocate time for self-reflection and goal-setting. At the end of each week, I spend time reviewing my accomplishments, identifying areas for improvement, and setting goals for the upcoming week. This practice helps me stay aligned with my long-term vision and ensures that I am continuously progressing towards my objectives. I recommend everyone take time for regular self-reflection to stay focused and motivated.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a break and step away from my work. Physical activity, like a short walk or a quick workout, helps clear my mind and regain focus. I also practice deep breathing exercises to calm my mind. Taking these breaks allows me to return to my tasks with renewed energy and a clearer perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has significantly helped me is building and nurturing a strong network. Networking has opened doors to new opportunities, provided valuable insights, and connected me with mentors and peers who have supported my growth. I prioritize attending industry events, participating in professional groups, and maintaining relationships with contacts. This network has been instrumental in the growth of Noor Machinery.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One notable failure was an early business venture that didn’t succeed due to poor market research. I learned the importance of thoroughly understanding the market and customer needs before launching a product or service. To overcome this setback, I took the time to analyze what went wrong, sought advice from mentors, and focused on gaining a deeper understanding of market dynamics. This experience taught me the value of preparation and informed decision-making.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea is to create a platform that connects multilingual freelancers with businesses needing translation, localization, and cultural consulting services. As globalization continues to expand, the demand for such services is growing. This platform could offer a seamless way for businesses to access high-quality, culturally-sensitive content and communication.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that I find incredibly helpful is Trello. I use it to organize projects, track progress, and collaborate with my team. Trello’s visual boards, lists, and cards make it easy to manage tasks and deadlines. It helps me stay organized and ensures that everyone on the team is on the same page.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It offers valuable insights into building and growing businesses using a lean and efficient approach. The principles of rapid experimentation, validated learning, and iterative development have been incredibly useful in my entrepreneurial journey. The book’s emphasis on adaptability and customer feedback aligns well with my business philosophy.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching the series “Billions.” It offers a fascinating look into the world of finance and high-stakes decision-making. The characters’ strategic thinking, negotiation tactics, and complex interpersonal dynamics provide both entertainment and valuable lessons on leadership and ambition. The series resonates with me because it highlights the importance of determination and resilience in achieving success.
Key learnings
- The Power of Multilingualism: Dastaan Noor’s proficiency in multiple languages has been a significant asset in his business, allowing him to build strong relationships, navigate international markets, and foster a multicultural work environment.
- Importance of Discipline and Routine: Dastaan emphasizes the role of discipline and structured routines in achieving productivity and balance, both in business and personal life.
- Value of Networking: Building and nurturing a strong network has been crucial to Dastaan’s business growth, providing opportunities, insights, and support that have propelled his career forward.