It was 2013. The year was 2013.
My nerves were high because it was my first assignment. I mentally practiced who to meet and what to say.
I also struggled to navigate the hotel.
Ratan Tata appeared in the same elevator as I was hurrying to get there. Instantly, my day became even more stressful.
I was astonished. I was completely star-struck. Should I say hello? Perhaps even a selfie would be nice?
Tata and his companions entered the elevator as it opened, what felt like an eternity later.
I naturally assumed that I should have stayed back. Who was I to share the elevator with him?
As the doors were closing, he asked me, in his usual polite manner, “Aren’t you going anywhere?”
I was stunned for a few seconds. Ratan Tata spoke to me!
He asked me, “What brought you to the Taj?”
I told them that I didn’t recognize anyone at the event.
His answer was simple, but comforting:
Don’t worry. Do your best. It’s not important what you do.
It was only a moment, but it captured everything that made Ratan Tata a beloved figure: his humbleness, his kindness, his ability to make ordinary people feel valued and seen.
Ratan Tata – A legacy of integrity, humility and visionary leadership
Ratan Tata’s legacy is one that only a few people can match.
Tata, as a titan in Indian industry, was instrumental in the transformation of the Tata Group into a global conglomerate, while maintaining the highest ethical, philanthropic, and compassionate standards.
He was not just an industrialist, but also a role-model and a figure who resonated with millions of people.
Ratan Tata, born into a life of wealth and privileges, could have easily chosen a path that was more entitled. He chose instead to lead with humility and dedication.
His legacy is a $403 billion business empire that spans 100 countries. But his greatest contribution may be to inspire generations of leaders, who now prioritize compassion and integrity over profits.
Early life and making a leader
Ratan Tata was born in 1937, to Soonoo Tata and Naval Tata. After his parents split, he grew up with his grandmother Lady Ratan Tata.
Tata never flaunted his wealth despite his family’s substantial wealth.
He often talked about how he and Jimmy felt embarrassed when driven to school by the Rolls-Royce of their family. They would instead walk home and let the car follow at a distance.
Tata, who had studied architecture at Cornell University before joining the family business in Jamshedpur, began his career not in the boardroom of a posh company but in the factory floor.
Here, working with factory workers, he learned about the importance of hard work and humility, values that would define his style of leadership in the future.
In 1991, Ratan Tata succeeded J.R.D. Tata was appointed Chairman of Tata Sons (the holding company for the Tata Group) in 1991. At a time when India was about to liberalize its economy, Tata’s leadership was crucial.
Tata modernized and expanded the Tata Group globally, making it a household brand worldwide.
Visionary leaders with global ambitions
Ratan Tata led the Tata Group through a period that saw unprecedented growth and globalization.
Tata became the second largest tea company in the World in 2000 after acquiring Tetley Tea.
The acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover and Corus, a British steel company, followed. This acquisition was hailed as a great success, especially since Land Rover continues to be a worldwide success.
Tata has not been able to achieve universal success in all its ventures.
As the global steel industry becomes more competitive, there were challenges in acquiring Corus.
Tata’s vision of a global integrated conglomerate did not waver in spite of these setbacks.
The Tata Indica Nano: symbolic and challenging innovations
Launching the Tata Indica late in the 1990s was one of Ratan Tata’s greatest contributions to India’s automotive industry.
The Indian auto market was dominated by foreign manufacturers at the time. The idea of a car made in India seemed like a pipedream.
Tata Motors, despite all odds, developed and launched Indica. It became a national pride. The Indica was a success despite its early challenges.
Tata’s Nano was a similarly audacious undertaking. The Nano, billed as the cheapest car in the world, was designed to make transportation affordable for Indians.
The car was a big hit internationally, but it didn’t resonate with consumers because they did not want to associate themselves with the “cheapest”.
Although the Nano’s performance on the market was not impressive, it is a testament of Tata’s innovative nature and willingness to take risk for the greater good.
Handling crises with resilience and integrity
Ratan Tata was not just defined by his success, but also how he handled crises. The Tata Finance Scandal in 2001 was one of the most notable examples.
Tata took a bold step when it became apparent that the company had been sunk in financial mismanagement. He would make sure that no depositor – large or small – lost their savings.
He insisted on the accountability of those who were responsible for this scandal, showing his unwavering commitment towards transparency and integrity.
Another significant challenge was the 2008 terrorist attack on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai, which is owned by the Tata Group. Ratan Tata stood in front of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for several days, feeling the pain and suffering of the victims.
The Taj Hotel was reopened under his leadership just one month after the terrorist attacks, a powerful symbol for resilience and determination.
Tata said the following famously at the reopening of the ceremony:
We may be injured, but we will not be knocked out.
Giving back and philanthropy: A life filled with giving
Ratan Tata’s philanthropic and social commitments went beyond his business accomplishments.
He was the Chairman of Tata Trusts and oversaw initiatives to improve healthcare, education, rural development, and rural development in India.
Tata Trusts played a major role in the establishment and development of cancer hospitals in India.
Tata’s passion for animals was widely known.
He missed a Buckingham Palace award ceremony for lifetime achievement because of a sick dog.
He has helped to establish in Mumbai a modern small animal hospital that provides emergency care for pets.
Leaders who are humble and compassionate
Ratan Tata’s humility and compassion set him apart from other business leaders. He lived a simple, down-to earth life despite his wealth and influence.
His grace and genuine concern were praised by colleagues and employees alike. He did not lead by command, but rather by example. This fostered a culture that was based on trust and respect in the Tata Group.
His humility was evident in his personal life. Tata was the driving force of one of the biggest business conglomerates around the world. He never lost sight of his values and never forgot the greater good.
His leadership was characterized by a sense of responsibility, not just towards his shareholders but also toward his employees, country and society in general.
Legacy that lasts for generations
Ratan Tata’s death marks the end of a era. However, his legacy will continue inspire future generations.
He turned the Tata Group from a regional giant to a global leader while maintaining his commitment to social responsibility and ethical leadership.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group was admired at home and abroad as a symbol for Indian enterprise.
Tata is no longer with us but his impact on Indian industry and the society will continue.
His leadership is characterized by compassion, honesty, and innovation. It’s a shining example to business leaders around the world.
Rest in peace Sir. Your kindness, humility and vision will continue shaping the world in years to come.
The post Ratan Tata : the rare businessman everyone loved can be updated as new information becomes available
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