I am Dastaan Noor, the President of Noor Machinery, based in Ottawa, ON, Canada. My life began in a UN refugee camp, and I have since lived in the UAE, Oman, and now Canada for over 25 years. These diverse experiences have shaped my worldview and built my resilience. With a background in business administration, defense contracting, and fitness competitions, I founded Noor Machinery in 2015 with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community impact. Fluent in five languages, I use this skill set to build strong international relationships and drive my business forward. Fitness is also a central pillar of my life, providing the discipline and energy I need to excel in both business and personal pursuits. My passion is rooted in creating lasting positive change, both within the construction industry and the communities I serve.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is about creating a positive and lasting impact. It’s not just about financial gain or business growth, though those are important markers. Success, in my view, is measured by the lives you touch and the value you create for others. At Noor Machinery, success is reflected in the sustainable projects we develop and the relationships we foster with our clients and employees. Personally, success means growing as a leader, a mentor, and a person. It’s about continuously evolving, learning from both achievements and failures, and inspiring others to reach their potential. Ultimately, success is about balance — achieving professional milestones while staying true to my values and ensuring that my work positively contributes to the world around me.
How have your early life experiences shaped your view of success?
Growing up in a refugee camp and later moving across countries has deeply influenced my perspective on success. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and gratitude. When you start from a place of scarcity, your definition of success becomes about more than material wealth. It becomes about survival, progress, and the ability to rise above your circumstances. Having witnessed firsthand how difficult life can be, I understand that success comes from perseverance, a strong work ethic, and the will to constantly improve. Today, I carry those lessons into every aspect of my business and personal life, knowing that each step forward is a victory.
How do you define leadership, and how does it align with your idea of success?
Leadership, to me, is about empowerment. A leader’s role isn’t just to direct but to uplift and enable those around them to grow and succeed. My leadership style is very much rooted in fostering collaboration and creating an environment where my team feels valued and motivated to perform their best. This directly aligns with my vision of success because I believe that a company’s growth is fueled by the collective effort of its people. If I can guide my team to achieve both professional and personal fulfillment, then I am fulfilling my role as a leader. Success, in this sense, is about more than individual achievement; it’s about building a culture where everyone thrives together.
How does your focus on fitness impact your professional life?
Fitness plays a pivotal role in my life, both personally and professionally. It’s not just about physical health; it’s about discipline, mental clarity, and resilience — all qualities that translate directly into business. Starting my day with a workout gives me the energy to stay focused and driven throughout the day. It helps me manage stress and keeps my mind sharp for the challenges of running a company. Fitness competitions have also taught me the value of setting clear goals, staying committed, and pushing through discomfort — lessons that are invaluable in entrepreneurship. The healthier I am physically, the more effectively I can lead and make decisions that drive Noor Machinery forward.
How do you navigate the balance between innovation and sustainability in your business?
Innovation and sustainability are two pillars that guide Noor Machinery’s operations. Balancing these isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. I believe that as a leader in the construction industry, we have a responsibility to push boundaries while also being mindful of our environmental impact. For me, success means not only creating value today but doing so in a way that protects the future. This requires constant learning and adaptability — exploring new technologies, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly practices. Innovation for the sake of progress is meaningless if it comes at the expense of the planet. My goal is to strike a balance where we can continue innovating while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward in both business and personal growth?
My motivation comes from the desire to leave a legacy — not just in terms of business success but in how I contribute to the lives of others and the world around me. I want Noor Machinery to stand as a symbol of what can be achieved through resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. On a personal level, I’m driven by the idea that there’s always room for improvement. Whether it’s learning a new language, refining my leadership skills, or setting new fitness goals, I’m always seeking growth. The journey itself is the reward, and that constant evolution is what keeps me pushing forward every day.
What’s your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur, and how do you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I face is managing the balance between rapid business growth and maintaining the core values of sustainability and integrity. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of expansion, but I always remind myself of the bigger picture. I overcome this by staying grounded in my mission and ensuring that every decision aligns with my long-term vision for Noor Machinery. Surrounding myself with a strong team and fostering a collaborative work environment also helps. Together, we keep each other accountable and focused on the goals that matter most.
What advice would you give to someone starting their entrepreneurial journey today?
I would tell them to focus on building a strong foundation first. Understand your values, know your why, and be prepared for the ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be challenges, but it’s how you respond to them that defines your path. Don’t be afraid to fail — every failure is a lesson that brings you closer to success. And lastly, invest in yourself, both mentally and physically. Your business is only as strong as the person leading it, so take care of your well-being and continually strive for growth.