It has been nearly ten days since the passing of Mr. Ratan Tata, yet the outpouring of emotions from every corner of India and around the world continues unabated.
Ratan, meaning “jewel,” truly lived up to his name. A remarkable figure in the world of business, Ratan Tata was not just a successful industrialist; he was also a visionary leader, philanthropist, and advocate for ethical practices in the corporate sector. His contributions extended far beyond the boardroom, shaping industries and uplifting communities across India and beyond.
Although I did not know him personally, being a part of Tata Administrative Service (TAS) and Tata’s Flagship hotel, the Taj Mahal Bombay, automatically connected me to his legacy. The very essence of the Tata brand is woven into the fabric of these institutions, reflecting our commitment to excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.
During my induction into TAS, I had the privilege of being in the same room as him—just a brief moment, a handshake, and a glimpse of the man who had shaped so much of what the Tata name represents. That fleeting encounter left a lasting impression, instilling a sense of pride and awe in being associated with such a monumental legacy.
However, as life often unfolds, I eventually left the group to follow the strong call of motherhood. In embracing this new chapter, I immersed myself in the joys and challenges of raising my children. I found myself rebranding as a mother and an entrepreneur, focusing on building a life that harmonized both my personal and professional aspirations.
Living in Hong Kong for the past 16 years, though I initially lost touch with my experiences at Tata, the lessons learned during my time there remained indelibly etched in my mind. The ethos of innovation, commitment to quality, and the importance of linking back to community became guiding principles in my entrepreneurial journey.
Now, as I look back, I realize how those formative experiences shaped my perspective, both as a mother and a business leader. The values instilled in me during my time with the Tata family continue to influence my decisions and aspirations, reminding me that the essence of leadership goes beyond titles and accolades, it lies in the ability to uplift others and make a meaningful impact on society.
Since his demise, I feel like I’m rediscovering lost connections. After writing a post about him, LinkedIn and Instagram algorithms went into overdrive, inundating my feed with posts, reels, and articles about Ratan Tata. The more I engaged with these heartfelt personal stories of how he touched lives—whether directly or indirectly—the more the algorithms worked their magic, showing me a wave of familiar names from my past. This wave of reconnection led me to reflect on the impact of a truly great leader. Ratan Tata believed in building meaningful relationships and treating people with respect. And not just people as he also had a deep love and compassion for animals, specially dogs. During a recent visit to Mumbai, I took my 15-year-old son to Bombay House, hoping to share with him the rich history of the Tata Group through the Tata Archives. It felt like a way to connect him to my earlier life. We also made a brief stop at the air-conditioned room in the corporate headquarters dedicated to sheltering stray dogs in the area—a cause that resonates deeply with me.
As a business coach, I often discuss the significance of personal branding, emphasizing that it is built on core values. Ratan Tata encapsulated this perfectly when he said, “The greatest joy is to be able to share your success with others.” His belief in doing the right thing remains timeless. As he noted, “I feel like the right advice changes over a period of time, but the one thing that remains unchanged is the desire to do the right thing.”
What is a brand if not a reflection of its values? In interviews, his values shine through, particularly when he stated, “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time and attention.” This simple yet profound insight encapsulates the essence of personal branding—being genuine and present.
As I reflect on his legacy, I recognize that building a personal brand rooted in strong values and meaningful connections is not just a strategy, it’s a way of life. Ratan Tata’s influence serves as a guiding light for all of us striving to leave a lasting impact, reminding us that true success lies in the relationships we cultivate and the values we uphold.
Leave a Comment