As one of Toronto’s most in-demand business consultants, Michael Rustom is routinely called upon by companies across a variety of industries to solve complex technological challenges and streamline operations. With a proven background of success in IT and sales, Michael has established himself as one of the go-to organizational analysts and strategists in Ontario.
A veteran of the corporate world, Michael Rustom was Vice President for Scalar Decisions and PCI. He held senior positions with Sun Microsystems, Nortel Networks, and Cerylion, Inc. In 2022, he founded Michael Rustom Inc., a consultancy focused on delivering highly customized technology solutions that prioritize practicality and innovation.
Q: You’ve been helping businesses find tech solutions for three decades now. How have the needs of business evolved in that time?
Michael Rustom: Business consulting is about giving guidance on technical and management issues. Certain core principles don’t change when it comes to effective management styles, and I’ve been a student of how best to implement these principles across different industries. When I’m consulting with a business about any tech solution, I always approach it with those principles in mind. Since the advent of big data, companies have increasingly relied on analytics to drive strategic decisions and improve efficiency. I’m committed to staying ahead of the pace of progress with the capabilities of these tools.
As for how it’s evolved, the most drastic evolution in my career has been adapting to remote work since the pandemic. The benefits to companies are the reduced operating costs and increased flexibility, and for the employees, it brings a greater sense of work-life balance. For me as a consultant, I’ve been able to take what works across any industry and apply it to my client’s specific needs.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge businesses face when they’re seeking consulting services?
Michael Rustom: Like with many things, simply realizing there’s a problem that can be fixed is often the single biggest hurdle. Consultants can be viewed as an extravagance, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A highly trained pair of outside eyes, especially when it comes to data and tech efficiency, has been behind so many success stories in business. It’s a fresh perspective from a professional with operational expertise. Finding the will to adapt and change is the biggest challenge, and my goal is to make sure they know they made the right decision.
Q: How do you customize your consulting strategy to address each individual client?
Michael Rustom: That’s a great question. Since launching Michael Rustom Inc., I’ve taken on clients of all shapes and sizes and large, and across the economic spectrum. I view each client as a unique project that requires an individually tailored approach. I take the time to understand the specific goals, pain points, and resources of every one of them. By doing so, I’m able to craft solutions that are not only practical but also aligned with their long-term vision and growth objectives.
Q: What changes do you see coming for business consulting in the next decade, and how are you preparing to adapt?
Michael Rustom: Well right now, AI and machine learning are changing the way companies conduct business on all fronts and at every level. From cybersecurity to customer experience to how we approach marketing, the introduction of smart machines has shattered the status quo.
Most of the changes for business consulting will stem directly from these transformations, which will then prompt new challenges and opportunities. An entirely new landscape will form which we can scarcely fathom right now. Industries will evolve exponentially, and companies that don’t keep an open mind and adapt to new circumstances will, unfortunately, be left behind. But that’s why consultants like me exist! To help businesses that can’t quite navigate the changes happening everywhere, to better understand them and thrive.
