India mourns the loss of Ratan Tata, a visionary leader who shaped the nation’s industrial and philanthropic landscape. Business leaders across industries remember him not just for his business acumen, but also for his humility, curiosity, and genuine concern for others. These qualities, they believe, are essential for both professional and personal success.
Bharat Puri, CEO of Pidilite, who served alongside Tata on the board of Mondelēz International, recalls Tata’s remarkable humility. “He wore his title and achievements very lightly,” Puri shares, emphasizing Tata’s down-to-earth nature despite his stature.
Puri also highlights Tata’s empathy and forward-thinking approach. Puri said, “During a Mondelēz retreat in the US, I was the lone Indian senior manager and therefore, I was given charge of looking after Mr Tata when he was there. It was an absolute pleasure. Two things really stood out. One was his humility, his gentlemanliness. He would wear his title, achievements very very lightly. The second one was his concern for others”.
Chef and entrepreneur Sanjeev Kapoor echoes the sentiment of Tata’s humility, recalling an encounter at a US club where Tata, despite being at the helm of a business empire, sat unassumingly with his dog. Kapoor emphasises the key takeaways from Tata’s life: humility, trust, and compassion.
Ambi Parameswaran, brand strategist and founder of Brand-Building.com, recounts an experience that underscores Tata’s insatiable curiosity. During the launch of the Tata Indigo Marina, Tata personally inspected the car’s colour, even discussing a minor detail with engineers. This dedication to detail, even in seemingly insignificant aspects, highlights Tata’s commitment to excellence and his inherent curiosity – qualities Parameswaran believes are crucial for success.
Yash Kotak, co-founder of Bombay Hemp Company, shares a pivotal moment when Tata’s belief in their vision provided a much-needed boost. Despite initial apprehension, Kotak and his co-founders were surprised by Tata’s deep knowledge of their product and his willingness to listen. This encounter, which transformed into a two-hour meeting and eventual investment, exemplifies Tata’s openness to new ideas and his willingness to support young entrepreneurs.
Beyond business acumen, Ratan Tata’s legacy is etched in his character. His humility, curiosity, empathy, and unwavering integrity serve as an inspiration for aspiring leaders and individuals alike. As India remembers Ratan Tata, it is these qualities, alongside his business achievements, that will continue to inspire generations to come.
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