Michael Safaryan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
I try to approach challenges the way Sun Tzu describes in The Art of War. He has many powerful ideas about strategy, but two in particular guide my approach: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting,” and “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
I’m not avoiding any battles, but I am intentional about how I approach them. As those quotes suggest, the goal is not to run from conflict — it’s to prepare so thoroughly that many battles resolve themselves before they ever begin. In business, that means planning each step, anticipating challenges, and doing your best to foresee even the unforeseeable.
Of course, no one can be prepared for everything — and that’s what makes both life and business interesting. At Arma Business Consulting, I focus on winning through preparation, clarity, and strategy, rather than reacting under pressure. My goal is always to enter every situation already positioned for success, so the “battle” becomes simply the next step forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michael Safaryan, and I’m the founder of Arma Business Consulting. My background is a mix of extensive private-sector experience in both the U.S. and abroad, as well as work in the public sector here in the U.S. I’ve also been teaching at universities for more than 17 years, which helps me stay connected to emerging trends and research. Working closely with students also gives me insight into broader social trends and shifts in mindset. Combined with my business experience, this gives me a well-rounded perspective on both society and the business world.
At Arma Business Consulting, we work with both individuals and organizations, and we approach each client individually. I strongly believe there is no “one size fits all” in this field. Every organization has its own history, niche, clients, needs, and—most importantly—its own vision of the future. Our role is to first understand that vision, and then help clients plan, strategize, and move toward the future they imagine for themselves.
What makes us unique is the combination of our individual approach and the depth of experience we bring. We don’t offer generic templates or pre-designed solutions. Instead, we take the time to analyze where a client is today, what their goals are, and how to build the most effective path forward. Our diverse background across sectors and countries allows us to see opportunities and solutions from different angles, and our clients value that.
Right now, we’re focused on helping organizations navigate growth, change, and strategic planning, especially those looking to strengthen their structure and long-term direction. For us, the most rewarding part is watching clients reach the milestones they once thought were out of reach.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust is the foundation of every strong relationship, especially in business. It’s what allows teams to function, partners to collaborate, and clients to feel secure. Once trust is broken, the relationship may continue on paper — through contracts, roles, or obligations — but it rarely returns to the same level of confidence and openness. You can still work together, but the depth of the bond changes. In business, trust isn’t just important — it’s what determines whether relationships merely survive or truly succeed.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Every failure in my life has taught me that it wasn’t an endpoint — it was simply part of my path. People used to see failure as something to avoid, but over time one can realize that it’s a necessary stage in growth. Standing up after you fall is just a small part of the journey; what truly matters is understanding that each setback is shaping you and moving you closer to where you envision yourself at the end of that path.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
A foundational truth for me is my loyalty to family, faith, and friends. It’s something I rarely say out loud, because the people who know me already feel it, and those who don’t know it probably don’t need to hear it. For me, loyalty is shown through actions, not declarations.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
The worry about what might come next would fade. Knowing I had 10 years ahead of me would remind me to focus on what truly matters: doing the work I love, spending more time with the people I care about, and serving my community.
