Of all the extraordinary business leaders, Ratan Tata stands out as a beacon of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. The announcement of his death leaves me saddened, as I’ve followed his rise since my undergraduate years of studying architecture at the Bangalore University College of Engineering, and I always found it fascinating that Tata also earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell. Although he was committed to humanitarian architecture, he went on to do so much more.
As the former chairman of Tata Sons, he transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse. He is known for famous global deals, such as orchestrating Tata Motors’ purchase of British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008. But it was his propensity to uphold his core values in all settings, no matter what was at stake.
Of all the times Ratan Tata has made headlines, one of my favorite anecdotes highlights the true essence of his character and what sets him apart from the rest. In 2018, he was invited to receive a lifetime achievement award for his philanthropic efforts from then Prince Charles (now King Charles III) at Buckingham Palace. The event, organized by the British Asian Trust, aimed to celebrate Tata’s remarkable contributions to society.
However, at the last moment, Tata canceled his trip. His reason? One of his beloved dogs was severely ill.
Suhel Seth, a close friend of Tata, recalls the multiple missed calls he received that day. When they finally connected, Tata explained, "Tango and Tito, my dogs—one of them has fallen terribly ill. I can’t leave him." Despite Seth’s attempts to persuade him to attend the prestigious event, Tata remained firm in his decision, prioritizing his dog’s well-being over accolades.
When King Charles learned why Ratan Tata wasn’t attending, he was moved. He remarked, "That's a man, that's the man that Ratan is, and that is why the house of Tata is what it is; it is on a stable course."
This story beautifully illustrates what is often lost in today's corporate landscape—the profound connection between values, compassion, and the courage to stay the course, even in the face of external pressures. Ratan Tata's unwavering dedication to his principles, and his love for his pets, remind us that true leadership is about more than just achievements; it’s about integrity, empathy, and making choices that reflect our values.
In a world where many prioritize ambition over compassion, Ratan Tata stands as a reminder that the heart of a leader is measured not just by their successes, but by their ability to connect with what truly matters.
Another one of Tata's most notable achievements was the introduction of the Tata Nano, marketed as the world’s most cost-accessible car. While it faced challenges, he was relentless, as the Nano represented Tata’s commitment to innovation and affordable solutions for millions. This drive to think outside the box illustrates Tata’s belief that businesses can be both creative and customer-centric. But what truly sets Ratan Tata apart is his unwavering commitment to ethical business practices. He firmly believes that integrity and transparency are essential for long-term success.
In fact, he was the brains behind one of the most profound business quotes of all time:
"If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together."
This quote guides me daily, from how I run my business to how I co-lead my family.
Upon Tata’s retirement, the businessman devoted himself to improving the lot of India’s many stray animals, a true testament to his desire to improve the world beyond the boardrooms. His laser-focus towards being a good person who worked to make a change and steadfast commitment to never giving up is what I carry in me as part of his legacy.
Ratan Tata’s legacy is a powerful example of the impact of ethical leadership--and his ability to balance profit with purpose is an inspiration for current and future leaders. I sure know that his commitment to ethical leadership, innovation and social responsibility inspires us here at BuildLabs.
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