Living by Ratan Tata’s Legacy: A Personal Journey of Resilience and Leadership

Ratan Tata, the legendary Indian industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, recently passed away, leaving an enduring legacy of ethical leadership, philanthropy, and business excellence. Throughout his career, he transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse while maintaining a steadfast commitment to societal welfare. Revered for his integrity and humility, Tata’s wisdom inspires generations of leaders. His passing marks the end of an era, but his principles will continue to guide us for generations to come.

His quotes, rooted in resilience, integrity, and leadership, have profoundly influenced my journey. From my beginnings with a degree in horticulture and a career in plantations to becoming a scholar in sustainable tourism and higher education leadership, Tata's beliefs have shaped my life and work. He once said, “A person’s mindset can either make or break them." When I began my academic journey at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with a degree in horticulture—a field not of my choosing—I embraced a mindset open to learning and growth. My initial work in plantation management was deeply rooted in vegetation management, but I soon felt compelled to pursue the field of environment and sustainable tourism. This led me to earn my Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, focusing on ecotourism management. This shift in mindset allowed me to transition from managing natural resources to becoming a scholar and leader in sustainable development. Throughout my career, I have learned that our mindset enables us to evolve, adapt, and make meaningful contributions.

My path from horticulture to sustainable tourism was far from easy. Transitioning from plantations to academic institutions like UPM, Taylor’s University, the University of The Bahamas, and now DISTED College required resilience. Securing Malaysia’s largest national research grant for responsible rural tourism, worth RM9 million, was one of my most challenging but rewarding achievements. Persistence—a value Ratan Tata held dearly—allowed me to overcome obstacles and succeed in various fields, from research to higher education management. In Tata's words, "Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success."

Tata’s principle that, "Business has to benefit the communities they serve, not just themselves," has always been central to my work in responsible tourism and community-based tourism. As a consultant for numerous national and international projects, I developed a community-based tourism toolkit for The Bahamas, Myanmar, and Malaysia. These projects were not just about tourism but about ensuring that local communities benefited economically and socially. As Tata emphasised, “Business should serve more than just financial goals—it must uplift communities.” This principle has driven much of my work.

Further, Tata’s words, "Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, create your own opportunities," inspire proactive leadership. When I pioneered the establishment of the Centre for Research and Development at Taylor’s University, it was not because the opportunity presented itself but because I created it. My roles as Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of The Bahamas and now President of DISTED College in Penang have been built on this philosophy of seizing and creating opportunities to foster growth for myself, the institutions, and the communities I serve.

Integrity has been a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy, echoing Tata's belief: "I admire people who succeed with integrity, not ruthlessness." Whether guiding academic institutions or leading research projects, I have always prioritised integrity throughout my career. This commitment to ethical leadership has led to numerous accolades and national and international awards. These achievements are not only testaments to professional success but also reflect my belief in succeeding with honesty and respect for others.

As an academic leader, I have often found myself in situations requiring decisions to be made without the luxury of certainty. In my role as President of DISTED College, I have taken many challenging decisions, but I have always believed in Tata’s philosophy: "I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right." I ensure that every choice leads to positive outcomes through reflection, adjustment, and dedication. Leading an institution requires this adaptive decision-making approach.

The long hours I put in all my endeavours are due to my passion for my work, which has been a seamless part of my life, aligning with Tata's view: "I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other." My professional journey, from lecturing and research in environmental management to academic leadership, reflects my values of sustainability and community service, allowing me to find fulfilment in my personal and professional life. Only when I feel I am losing that fulfilment and unable to give my best, do I move on with my life.

Collaboration has always been central to my success, as Tata aptly stated, "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together." Whether working with national and international organisations or partnering with institutions across the globe, I have always believed that long-term success is built on teamwork. The most significant accomplishments are achieved through collective effort and collaboration, principles I have applied throughout my academic career, research and management. Trust your team to walk far, as Tata stated.

In my leadership roles, especially as President of DISTED College, I have embraced Tata’s belief in responsibility: "Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses." Leading an institution requires accountability for its growth, its students' success, and its impact on the community. I have always taken full responsibility for my decisions, guiding my team to my fullest ability and moving the institution toward excellence.

Kindness and empathy have always been integral to my personal interactions and professional leadership. Tata's words resonate deeply: "Never underestimate the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion in your interactions with others." Whether mentoring students, leading your staff or research team, or even working with local communities, I have always prioritised compassion. As Tata advised, kindness is not a weakness but a strength that fosters trust and collaboration, essential in creating meaningful, lasting impact. As a leader, I have an open-door policy with no protocols to interact or communicate with me, with some even implying that I don’t behave like a “boss”.

In summary, Ratan Tata's principles have steered my professional and personal journey, providing satisfaction and success. Tata’s insights remain my compass—focused on integrity, perseverance, community upliftment, and initiative. As I look ahead, I pledge to embody these values, lead with kindness, and inspire others to transform challenges into avenues of growth, wherever I go, much like Ratan Tata did.

Farewell, Ratan Tata. Your legacy of wisdom, integrity, and compassion will continue to light our paths.