Can Leadership Be Kind? A Lesson From Ratan Tata’s Life

6 mins read

February 6, 2018. Everything was set at Buckingham Palace. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy awaited. Prince Charles was ready to present it. But then came the unexpected:  

“One of my dogs has fallen terribly ill.”  

“I can’t come.”  

This moment encapsulates the kind of man Ratan Tata was. Today, our hearts ache with loss. The world feels dimmer without him, and we share a profound sense of grief for someone who represented so much more than a name — TATA. It’s a legacy woven into the fabric of our nation, built on compassion, vision, and unwavering integrity.

Heartbeats over handshakes (always!)

Think back to the tragic events of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Many lives were lost, including that of Zaheen Mateen, a brave young chef who was shot while heroically saving guests at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.  Ratan Tata’s response transcended mere corporate duty. He reached out to the family, wrapping them in the warmth of his presence when they needed it most. There were no cameras, no grand gestures — just a man who quietly stood by a grieving family, a symbol of compassion in a world rife with suffering.  

Can you envision any leader doing that today? Ratan Tata didn’t wait for the spotlight. He moved when it mattered, embodying the essence of humanity in times of despair.  

This wasn’t a one-off moment. When an employee at Tata Steel faced a medical crisis, he didn’t delegate the issue. Instead, he ensured that the employees received the care they desperately needed. This was not a quest for applause; it was a reflection of his deep-seated integrity. 

When the Going Gets Tough, He Gets Going

Ratan Tata’s commitment to responsibility extended well beyond business. During the pandemic, when uncertainty loomed, he pledged ₹1,500 crore to support the nation. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about humanity. He fought to ensure that hospitals had the resources they needed — beds, ventilators, and essential supplies.  

In moments of pressure, he stood firm. When Nano faced significant challenges, instead of folding under adversity, he moved the factory from West Bengal to Sanand, Gujarat, stating with unwavering conviction, “If somebody puts a gun to my head, the person will either have to pull the trigger or take the gun away because I will not move my head.” 

These words embodied the steely resolve that defined his leadership. Ratan Tata was not just a businessman; he was a force of nature, unyielding in his pursuit of progress.  

A Purr-fect Friend to Every Stray

But that’s not all. Ratan Tata’s kindness extended to the smallest of lives, too. His love for dogs wasn’t just a fleeting interest but something that defined his nature. At the Bombay House, the global headquarters of the Tata Group, stray dogs found a home. And whenever he visited the office, you could see him stop to pet the dogs, his gentle touch reflecting a heart that understood the value of every life.  

Tata’s kindness didn’t stop there; he and Shantanu Naidu launched Motopaws, an initiative providing safety vests for stray dogs, showcasing his commitment to their welfare. 

You can learn a lot about a person by how they treat those who can offer nothing in return, right? Ratan Tata taught us that every act of kindness counts and that compassion has the power to transform lives.  

Daring Dreams, Bold Moves 

He was ambitious, yes — Tata Motors acquired Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008 and formed Jaguar Land Rover, a move that many called reckless. But his ambition wasn’t for power or profit. It was for a purpose. He believed in JLR’s potential to innovate and thrive, and under his leadership, the brand not only survived but flourished, introducing models that resonated with customers worldwide.

Through these ventures, Tata transformed lives, created opportunities, and gave back profoundly. The acquisition of Corus Steel in 2007 marked another pivotal moment, valued at approximately $12 billion, positioning the group as a global steel leader and bolstering Indian manufacturing. His vision extended to finance as well, illustrated by strategic investments in Citigroup. When critics questioned his decisions, particularly during economic downturns, Tata viewed these moments as opportunities to breathe new life into struggling industries.

Under his leadership, Tata Group expanded into various sectors, from luxury brands like JLR to everyday essentials like Tata Salt. Tata also transformed the hospitality and retail landscapes with ventures like Taj Hotels and Ginger Hotels while acquiring stakes in Starbucks India, Big Basket, and launching retail brands such as Westside, Zudio, and Fastrack.

Ratan Tata’s Gift To The Future 

He invested not just in ideas, but in the dreams and aspirations of young minds, guiding them through challenges and encouraging them to build a brighter future.

In his later years, he dedicated himself to mentoring young startups, sharing invaluable wisdom with the next generation of entrepreneurs. His support for companies like Ola Electric, FirstCry, Lenskart, Paytm, Zomato, and Snapdeal not only fostered innovation but also offered kindness and guidance to their founders.

Many recall him as a mentor who genuinely cared about their journeys. Sudhir Sethi, founder and chairman of Chiratae Ventures, beautifully captured this sentiment by stating, “You have left a Ratan Tata in every startup founder you met.”

Tata wanted to ensure that the principles of integrity and compassion continued through the leaders of tomorrow.  

#TataTales

Ratan Tata made headlines when he joined social media in 2019, quickly becoming a sensation with over 10Mn+ followers on Instagram and 13Mn+ followers on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing his genuine love for life. From heartfelt messages about animals to charming throwback photos of his younger self, Tata’s posts reflected a warmth that resonated with people.

His insightful reflections on business and life connected him with younger audiences, proving he was more than just a business titan. In his final social media post, he expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for thinking of me,” highlighting the deep bond he had formed with his followers. Ratan Tata embodied the spirit of a modern sage, bridging generations and fostering community through his authentic interactions.

A Guiding Light Gone Dim

How many leaders today lead with both heart and ambition? How many genuinely show up for people without the cameras or the clapping?  

Ratan Tata was a rare soul, leading not from above but alongside. He taught us that success could be kind, that power could be humble, and that true leadership isn’t about visibility — it’s about visibility and connection.  

As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we are reminded that in losing him, we haven’t just lost a leader; we have lost a beacon of humanity. The world is a little less bright without him, and our hearts will forever carry his legacy of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to doing good.