It was 1998 when I first met Mr. Tata. Extremely nervous, I stood outside his office in Bombay House. At that time, I was working with Sistas and Wolf Olins on creating the new corporate identity for the Tata Group. I had accompanied Bobby Sista and Wally Olins, both senior and extremely well respected advertising and branding legends, for an important meeting. And here I was, a young 20 something, feeling slightly overwhelmed at the thought of meeting the head of the Tata Group.
I vividly remember the warmth I felt as Mr. Tata shook my hands and invited me in the room. My nervousness just washed away, and I felt completely at home as he made me feel a part of the extremely intense strategic conversation from the very start.
And that was the essence of this wonderful man…The power of humility and warmth.
After that, there were numerous occasions that I was in his presence, especially in the early 2000s when our company, Ice Global, worked very closely with the Tata Group in planning a series of senior management meetings over a period of a few years. I witnessed the intensity of his passion for the greater good. In fact, I actually felt the sheer patriotic pride around the Tetley takeover as Mr. Tata was excited to put India on the world map.
And that was the essence of this extraordinary gentleman…The power of deep passion for nation-building.
Decades have gone by, and I continue to cherish the many moments I witnessed firsthand in my early years as an entrepreneur, and for that I will always be grateful.
Mr. Tata was certainly instrumental in unknowingly and unwittingly influencing my mindset and my sense of purpose.
Mr. Ratan Tata has certainly created a legacy, and as perfectly cited by the Tata Group, his legacy of humility, generosity, and purpose will continue to inspire future generations.
