The Day I Sat on the Floor and Learned Leadership from Ratan Tata: An Unforgettable Lesson!

November 5, 2015: The Day I Learned the True Meaning of Leadership from Ratan Tata

November 5, 2015, will forever hold a special place in my memory. It was the inauguration of T-Hub in Hyderabad—an event I found out about at the very last minute. My co-founder and I scrambled to get in, unaware that this day would shape my understanding of leadership in ways I hadn’t imagined.

The auditorium was packed beyond capacity. I barely managed to squeeze into the last row, standing shoulder to shoulder with the crowd. Unexpectedly, the security team began moving a few of us to the vacant front-row seats. To my surprise, I found myself sitting in the very first row, just feet away from where a conversation between Shri Ratan Tata and Mr. K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) was about to begin.

When Ratan Tata entered the room, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The crowd rose to its feet, applauding and cheering for this iconic figure. But as he approached the stage, he noticed something—there were only two chairs, one for him and one for Mr. KTR, despite several other dignitaries being present. Without a moment’s hesitation, Ratan Tata refused to sit until everyone else had a seat.

In a spontaneous gesture, I offered my chair to be moved to the stage, sat on the floor, and continued to watch the conversation. A few others followed suit, and the issue was quickly resolved. What happened next was something I never could have expected.

During the conversation, Ratan Tata briefly turned off his microphone, leaned toward me, and quietly said he was deeply moved by our gesture of giving up our seats. He expressed his regret that we were sitting on the floor. It was a deeply humbling experience to have someone of his stature acknowledge such a small act. His thoughtfulness and keen awareness of the people around him left an indelible impression on me.

As the event progressed, I began taking notes. At one point, I glanced up and caught Ratan Tata smiling at my notebook. That brief connection felt surreal—one of those moments that stay with you for life.

During the audience Q&A, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to ask a question. At that time, Kheyti was still just an idea taking shape. I asked Ratan Tata if we should focus first on the depth of impact or scale the solution as we grow. His response was clear and profound: “Focus on depth of impact first. Once that’s perfected, then scale.”

That simple piece of advice hit home. It fundamentally changed how we approached Kheyti and has since guided me through every venture I’ve been a part of.

As the event concluded, something extraordinary happened. Ratan Tata called me over, asked my name, and told his secretary to take my details. He invited me to meet him at his office in Bombay. A few days later, I received an email confirming the meeting, along with flight tickets. My co-founder, Kaushik, and I traveled to the iconic Elphinstone building in South Bombay—and the rest, as they say, is history.

That day, I learned more about leadership than any book or course could ever teach. His humility, generosity, and approachability left a lasting mark on me. Despite his incredible achievements, it is his grounded nature and genuine interest in others that defines his legacy. He showed me that true leadership isn't about claiming the best seat, but about ensuring everyone has a place, and doing so with the utmost love, authenticity, and grace.

Thank you, Shri Ratan Tata, for that unforgettable moment and for imparting wisdom that will continue to guide me in my journey. You showed me that true leadership is not just about vision, but about uplifting others with humility and grace. #RatanTata Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao / KTR T-Hub