Ratan Tata – the man, the myth, the legend! A name synonymous with business acumen, humility, and a heart as big as his corporate empire. From helming the Tata Group to revolutionising the automotive sector, he’s done it all with a smile (and maybe a few cups of tea).
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or just someone looking for a little pick-me-up, the wisdom of Ratan Tata is like a shot of espresso – strong, stirring, and just what you need to get going. Here are 25 of the best inspirational and motivational quotes from Ratan Tata that’ll get you pumped up, no matter where you are on your journey.
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“I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”
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“None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can.”
Ratan Tata’s way of telling us that our biggest enemy is… us. Thanks for the motivational gut punch, Mr. Tata. We needed that.
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“Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument.”
Ratan Tata’s masterclass on how to turn haters into a business opportunity. Now, if only we could find the blueprint for that monument…
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“Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line, even in an ECG, means we are not alive.”
Proof that even when life throws curveballs, it’s a good sign. Also, if you see a straight line on an ECG, panic. But in business? Stay calm.
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“Business needs to go beyond the interest of their companies to the communities they serve.”
Corporate social responsibility, folks. Ratan Tata made it cool before it was cool.
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“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”
Ratan Tata’s way of saying, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” So, gather your tribe, and get moving!
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“Take the risks now. Spare time can kill you later.”
It’s like Ratan Tata can see your future: you, a Netflix marathon, and a tub of ice cream. Take risks, people!
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“None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can.”
Yes, this quote is worth mentioning twice. It’s just that powerful. Also, a friendly reminder to get rid of the rust in your mindset.
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“All of us do not have equal talent. Yet, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”
Talent is great, but it’s how you work on it that truly counts. Ratan Tata encourages us to keep grinding – no excuses.
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“Power and wealth are not two of my main stakes.”
A billionaire saying that power and wealth aren’t everything? Maybe it’s time to reconsider our priorities. Or at least re-evaluate that expensive latte habit.
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“I have always been very confident and very upbeat about the future potential of India. I think it is a great country with great potential.”
Ratan Tata isn’t just an industrialist; he’s a patriot with a vision. If he believes in India’s future, maybe we should too.
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“People still believe what they read is necessarily the truth.”
Ratan Tata subtly hinting at why you should fact-check. This one is for all the headline readers out there.
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“The day I am not able to fly will be a sad day for me.”
Okay, maybe not all of us can fly planes, but Ratan Tata’s passion for pushing boundaries is pretty inspiring.
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“I admire people who are very successful. But if that success has been achieved through too much ruthlessness, then I may admire that person, but I can’t respect him.”
Ratan Tata shows that success isn’t just about the bottom line – it’s about how you get there.
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“A person who is trying to copy others will be a successful person for a while, but he won’t be successful all the time.”
Be original. It’s better to fail in originality than succeed in imitation. Plus, it’s just cooler.
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“I have been constantly telling people to encourage people, to question the unquestioned and not to be ashamed to bring up new ideas, new processes to get things done.”
If you’ve ever felt like your idea was too out there, Ratan Tata says go for it. Who knows? You might just end up changing the game.
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“I don’t think I am as evolved as my grandfather was.”
Even the great Ratan Tata knows there’s always room to grow. It’s okay to be a work in progress.
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“The early years of my life were a bit of a struggle.”
Before the glitz and the glamour, there was hard work. If Ratan Tata can overcome struggles, so can you.
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“I followed someone who was much bigger than I was. It was not easy to fill his shoes.”
Taking over from a legend isn’t easy. But Ratan Tata did it with grace and style, showing us all how it’s done.
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“I will certainly not sell my shares.”
When asked about retaining ownership, Ratan Tata’s simple response oozed determination and loyalty to his legacy.
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“A promise is a promise.”
Short, simple, and oh-so-powerful. A lesson in integrity, courtesy of Ratan Tata.
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“We live in a highly competitive world – and we Indians should be looking at the business world outside, not the world inside.”
Think global. Ratan Tata reminds us that there’s a whole world out there – why limit ourselves?
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“Take the untraveled path. And I am sure it would be rewarding.”
Ratan Tata urging us to leave our comfort zones behind. Because let’s be honest, that’s where the magic happens.
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“It is easy to become rich, but it is difficult to remain rich.”
A cautionary tale for the ambitious. Making money is one thing; holding onto it is another. Manage your success wisely.
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“I have always tried to do what I thought was the right thing, even when I was criticised for it.”
Ratan Tata’s ultimate message: Stand by your values, even when it’s tough. Because in the end, integrity is what defines you.
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Zia Hawwa
Currently pursuing a Degree in Criminology, Zia’s passions lie in the world of literature and the human psyche. She loves what the world has to offer, and is always on the journey of satisfying her curiosity.