Michael Rustom is a Toronto executive who has had a long and successful career in sales for a number of leading technology firms. In 2022, Rustom embraced the path of entrepreneurship by founding his own IT consulting firm, Michael Rustom Inc. With decades of experience in project delivery, he blends a sales-oriented perspective with an entrepreneurial spirit in establishing a successful culture for his firm.
Q: How has your professional journey shaped your approach to starting your own consulting firm, Michael Rustom Inc?
MICHAEL RUSTOM: My experience in moving up through the sales ranks in various technology companies taught me the value of understanding a client’s needs and surpassing expectations. With my new company, I’m applying nearly 30 years of experience to identifying and delivering customized tech solutions to businesses across different industries, with different sizes and scopes. But the common thread for success is the ability to listen and stay focused on how you can help the client achieve their goals.
Q: In a competitive field like IT consulting, what sets your firm apart?
MICHAEL RUSTOM: What really sets us apart is our entrepreneurial focus and flexible approach. Unlike firms with more static strategies or pre-packaged solutions, we’re always exploring new technologies and methodologies to offer innovative ways of addressing needs. We’re focused on building the business of our clients, and we want to first build a long-term relationship with them based on trust and personalized service. That’s ultimately what drives our success.
Q: Could you describe the range of services you provide and how they meet the specific needs of businesses?
MICHAEL RUSTOM: We offer a broad range of services, each designed to align our clients’ tech investments with their business goals and improve their operational efficiency. We’re able to offer a comprehensive approach that allows businesses to have a range of options, make informed decisions, and achieve sustainable growth.
Q: How important is it to stay on top of trends when you’re offering solutions to your clients?
MICHAEL RUSTOM: Innovation and staying flexible and open to new ideas is at the core of what we do. We’re always exploring new technologies and best practices to keep our clients ahead of the curve. We want to deliver solutions that are not only relevant today but also adaptable for the future, keeping our clients ahead in their industries.
Q: What do you see as the future of technology consulting, and how is Michael Rustom Inc preparing for it?
MICHAEL RUSTOM: The future is all about adapting to rapid technological changes and evolving business needs. We emphasize continuous learning and innovation to keep our strategies and solutions up-to-date. Through my many years in the industry, supervising dozens of people who consistently exceeded their targets, I became adept at achieving goals by staying disciplined and focused on the method for success. The same principles are true for my business. I’m building an agile, forward-thinking culture optimized for guiding clients through a digital transformation, finding ways to unlock their potential in a quickly changing world.
