by Dr Basant Goel
In the hierarchy of global business leaders, there are very few names that stand out, not only for the empires they built, but for the unquestionable values in which they operated. Very much at the top of this small group is Ratan Naval Tata, a man who changed the definition of success to prove that profit and real ethical responsibility with regard to one’s community are one and the same—two sides of the same coin. His legacy is not one of only Market Capitalization and brazen international acquisitions, but rather a quiet story of humility, integrity, and a sincere commitment to nation-building.
The leadership of Ratan Tata was characterized by an exceptional mix of fearlessness and humility. He was among the architects of Tata Group’s transformation to a global conglomerate, fearlessly leading the acquisition of Beacon-like international companies such as Jaguar Land rover and Corus Steel. More than just purchases, the acquisitions were strong statements about Indian enterprise being truly global in marketability, and that a company with majorly Indian roots could compete—and win—against the most established international brands while respecting real core ethical values.
The aspect that made his vision exceptional was its root in compassion. A good sample of this is the Tata Nano. The world’s cheapest car did not come from a board meeting with a focus on profit margins; it originated from witnessing a family of four precariously balanced on a scooter during monsoon season. His vision was to change the world through business innovation to confront a real-world problem: safe and affordable mobility for the average person. This spirit of commitment to people is a constant thread throughout all of his work.
This commitment to people was deeply reflected in the way he managed his people and community. The Tata Group’s response to the horrific 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai when the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was attacked is perhaps the quintessential example of empathy in a corporate setting. Ratan Tata said, after the terror attacks, that he would take care of every person involved—employees, guests, staff of nearby shops, and vendors. He did this, and his commitment was to compensate and take care of every person for life. This was a commitment to take care of human beings at all costs. Never before had someone laid people over financial loss.
It is his consistent moral core that distinguishes him. For Ratan Tata, business has never been a race to the bottom and he championed and enforced the Tata Code of Conduct, establishing a culture in which integrity was not merely a suggested policy but rather the backbone of the business. In addition, as a leader, you can feel his impact in his belief in empowering the future. He has been an extraordinary mentor and investor in the success of innumerable Indian startups, leveraging his prior professional experience and investments as a means of supporting the dreams of entrepreneurs who are young in age and experience. Ratan understood that the future of the country lies in nurturing innovation and opportunities for the future builders and thinkers. His engagement with entrepreneurs is silent and demonstrates a powerful vote of confidence in the future of India. Outside the boardroom, his character embodies genuineness in simplicity and grace. There are many stories which highlight his personal humility—like personally carrying his own luggage through international airports and his unsuspecting observations of the world around him. This humility is an example of how the greatest lessons of true power and character can often be reflected in humility and simplicity. He never sought the attention of the media; rather, the attention sought him from his actions and achievements.
His concern for animals—stray dogs in particular—gives further insight into who he is. The mere presence of compassion for the voiceless is an indicator of a leader who cares and recognizes the existence and value of life in all its forms and how human empathy is limitless. Ultimately, the Tata Trusts, which hold the majority of the group and allocate so much of the profits to philanthropy, illustrates his deep devotion to building this nation. The Trusts operates tirelessly in the areas of healthcare, education, and to develop opportunities to allow those who needed support, to succeed based on the wealth the businesses create on the community that supported their success.
For Ratan Tata, business is a privilege that must be treated with respect, and with responsibility to give back. Ratan Tata’s journey is a symbol of tenacity and conviction. He met with various obstacles, encountered internal disputes and experienced business failures. Still, he faced every storm with grace and a long-term view. He informed us and demonstrated that setbacks were temporary, while integrity was eternal. In his own words, “I don’t believe in taking the right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right,” he reflects his determination and capacity to see something through.
Ratan Tata is more than a successful businessman; he is a national asset and a global icon of ethical leadership. He has exemplified to the world that a company can be tremendously profitable and internationally competitive, while remaining a soul that is very much rooted in human values. His life is an eloquent opinion piece, a simple yet powerful statement that the best indicator of success is the trust one earns and the positive difference made in the lives of others. His quiet strength and lasting values will inspire and inform generations to come.
Writer is Philanthropist, Founder of Goel Medicos and Sarvarth Seva Foundation Delhi. He can be mailed at drbasantgoel@yahoo.com
