When I think back on my journey, it sometimes feels like two very different lives—one on the battlefield and one in the boardroom. But as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve come to realize these experiences share a critical common element: resilience. Combat and business might seem worlds apart, but they both demand similar qualities—adaptability, discipline, a clear sense of purpose, and the ability to keep going when times are tough. Today, as President of Noor Machinery, I find myself drawing on my experiences from my time serving alongside some of the world’s most elite military units to guide my decisions, manage crises, and motivate my team.
The Reality of High-Stakes Decisions
During my time as a combat linguist and contractor with the Canadian and U.S. Departments of Defense, I worked on hundreds of missions, often under highly volatile conditions. In those situations, every decision counts, and there’s no room for hesitation or second-guessing. You quickly learn to make choices with the best information you have at the time, knowing that waiting too long can put lives at risk. That kind of decision-making doesn’t come easily—it’s something that is refined through experience, and it requires resilience to keep calm and stay sharp under pressure.
In the business world, decisions might not carry the same immediate consequences as they do in combat, but they can be just as pivotal. Leading a company means making judgment calls that affect people’s livelihoods, their families, and their futures. I’ve found that having experience with high-stakes decision-making has given me the confidence to make tough calls. Whether it’s taking a calculated risk on a new project or deciding to pivot strategy in challenging market conditions, I draw on the same principles that guided me in combat: evaluate the risks, trust your training, and commit fully to your course of action.
Adaptability in the Face of Change
One of the greatest lessons I learned on the battlefield was the importance of adapting to the unexpected. Combat rarely goes according to plan. Situations evolve rapidly, and you have to stay alert, adjusting to new threats and obstacles as they arise. Flexibility and quick thinking become second nature, because if you don’t adapt, you might not survive.
In business, adaptability is equally essential. Market dynamics shift, customer needs evolve, and economic pressures fluctuate. Sticking rigidly to a plan that no longer works can be detrimental to the company. At Noor Machinery, we’ve had to pivot many times since our founding. Whether it’s adjusting to new environmental regulations in the construction industry or finding innovative ways to meet customer demands, being adaptable has been key to our growth. My experience in unpredictable combat scenarios has taught me not only to expect change but to embrace it as an opportunity.
Building a Strong Team Culture
During my time working alongside special forces like Canada’s JTF2 and U.S. Green Berets, I saw firsthand the power of a strong, cohesive team. In these groups, everyone has each other’s back, no matter what. There’s a sense of mutual trust, respect, and reliance that enables each person to perform their role under extreme pressure. When you’re part of a unit like that, you know that your team won’t let you down—and you won’t let them down either. That feeling of unity builds resilience in each individual, because you’re all working together toward a common goal.
In business, I strive to create a similar culture of support and mutual respect at Noor Machinery. Building a resilient team starts with making sure each member feels valued and trusted. I encourage open communication, where team members can share their challenges and insights without fear of judgment. This creates an environment where people feel safe to take risks and tackle problems head-on, knowing they have the support of their colleagues. Just as in combat, a strong team can achieve incredible things, even under the toughest circumstances.
Discipline and Persistence: The Bedrock of Resilience
Resilience is built on discipline, and discipline is something that was drilled into me during my time in the field. In combat, there are no shortcuts; every detail matters. Sticking to a rigorous routine, being thorough, and maintaining a high standard are non-negotiable. When I competed in fitness competitions, discipline was equally crucial. Training for months on end, sticking to a strict regimen, and constantly pushing my limits required mental and physical resilience.
In the business world, this discipline translates to perseverance. There are plenty of late nights, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But the discipline I learned in combat and fitness has instilled in me the tenacity to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintaining that long-term perspective and sticking to the fundamentals is what keeps the company on a steady path, even during tough times.
Purpose Beyond Profit
Lastly, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my combat experience is the power of purpose. In the field, everyone is united by a clear mission that goes beyond individual gain—it’s about protecting lives and serving a greater cause. That sense of purpose provides a resilience that can carry you through even the darkest moments.
In leading Noor Machinery, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of purpose. For me, it’s not just about profits or growth; it’s about building a company that makes a difference in the lives of our employees, customers, and community. I want Noor Machinery to stand for resilience, innovation, and positive impact. Having a sense of purpose gives my team and me the strength to overcome challenges and stay committed, no matter how hard things get.
The Resilience Mindset
In both combat and business, resilience isn’t just about surviving tough situations—it’s about thriving in them. It’s about learning from each setback, adapting quickly, and moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve found that the lessons I learned on the battlefield have equipped me not only to lead a successful business but to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence.
Resilience is a muscle that grows stronger every time you use it. In my experience, both on the battlefield and in business, the more you lean into adversity, the more capable you become. For anyone who wants to succeed, in business or otherwise, I can’t emphasize enough the value of resilience. It’s not easy to build, but once you have it, there’s almost nothing you can’t overcome
