The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Student Chapter (ASME) at Notre Dame University-Louaize’s (NDU) Faculty of Engineering (FE) welcomed Michael Boustany, the Product and Development Manager at Toyota Lebanon, to give a lecture on optimizing business skills in the job market upon an invitation from student ASME NDU’s Vice Chair, Ghady Rahi. Joined by Professor Charbel Bou Mosleh, Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, FE students gathered to hear Boustany relay his experience working in the field and the best practices he learned along the way.
At the age of 31, Boustany is responsible for the impressive success of Toyota Lebanon despite the numerous challenges Lebanon has been facing economically. His presentation focused on how to succeed in international business and leverage foreign cultures, with a particular emphasis on his experiences working with Toyota in Japan.
Boustany brought a wealth of knowledge to the seminar; his engaging and informative presentation style made the content accessible to everyone, and attendees appreciated his practical advice and insights. He covered a range of topics, including building strong relationships, understanding cultural differences, and navigating challenges in different business environments. Boustany additionally highlighted Toyota Lebanon's standing in the market as one of the best-selling brands in the country, with record-breaking sales in 2022.
The event was a resounding success, with over 100 attendees—a record for ASME NDU. All registered students received a Toyota mug as a gift from Boustany, adding a fun and memorable touch to the seminar. Attendees left feeling empowered and equipped to prepare for the world of business after graduation. They particularly enjoyed the last section of the presentation, where Boustany discussed his secrets to effectively managing a large company, staying on schedule with time-sensitive tasks, and handling various project.
Overall, the ASME NDU event with Michael Boustany was a unique and valuable opportunity to learn from a true master of international business. The ASME students expressed their gratitude for Boustany and his willingness to share his expertise to prepare the upcoming generation for the workforce. Spurred by the success of the lecture, ASME NDU looks forward to organizing similar events in the future.