Building Communications Strategy with Ratan Tata’s Wisdom

Much has already been said about Ratan Tata and the values that he epitomised. This post however reflects on some of Ratan Tata’s famous quotes that resonate beyond leadership to see what they can offer to corporate communications.

Here’s how we, as communicators, can embody his wisdom.

Mindset is Everything
“None can destroy iron, but its own rust can…”

Ratan Tata reminds us that our biggest barrier is often ourselves. As communicators, when we get stuck in traditional ways of thinking or resist change, we limit our own growth. The key is to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and evolution. Whether handling a crisis or developing a brand strategy, staying adaptive is critical.

Turn Criticism into Opportunity
“Take the stones people throw at you…”

Criticism is part of the game, especially in communications. Rather than seeing it as a hurdle, use it as fuel for growth. When facing negative feedback—be it from stakeholders or the public—consider it an opportunity to improve. Whether refining a message or pivoting a campaign, this ability to transform challenges into milestones is crucial for any communicator.

Decisiveness is Key
“I don’t believe in taking right decisions…”

In communications, waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect message can be paralysing. Sometimes, you just have to make the call and then work towards making it right. It is this decisive action that propels brands forward, even in uncertain times.

Authenticity Matters
“The strongest thing I ever did was to show my emotions…”

In today’s world, authenticity is the foundation of trust. Audiences respond to real, vulnerable messaging. We often get caught up in maintaining a polished image, but showing humanity—especially in difficult times—builds deeper connections. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being relatable.

Take Risks
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”

The communications world is ever-changing. Playing it safe rarely leads to groundbreaking results. Take calculated risks, whether it’s trying a new digital strategy or diving into a controversial topic. The biggest innovations in corporate communications come from those willing to experiment.

Collaboration is Power
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone…”

Communications isn’t a solo journey. It thrives on collaboration—between teams, departments, and external partners. A communicator who collaborates effectively will always create richer, more impactful outcomes than one who tries to do it all alone.

Prepare for the Future
“I do not know what the future holds…”

Uncertainty is a constant in corporate communications. We cannot predict every trend or crisis, but we can stay prepared by staying informed, agile, and curious. Ratan Tata’s foresight encourages us to stay open-minded about the future, ready to adapt to whatever comes next.

Ups and Downs are Part of the Journey
“Ups and downs in life are very important…”

Communications, like life, comes with peaks and valleys. Sometimes, campaigns fall flat, or public sentiment turns negative. But these moments aren’t failures—they’re lessons. The most resilient communicators are those who use the tough moments as learning experiences, emerging stronger.

Incorporating these lessons into your communications strategy doesn’t just help your organisation grow—it positions you as a leader who can guide your team through any challenge. Ratan Tata’s wisdom isn’t just for business leaders; it’s a guide for all of us striving to create meaningful, lasting impact in the corporate world.

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Sarita Bahl

Sarita Bahl is an alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the Swedish Institute of Management Program. An experienced and versatile leader, she comes with nearly four decades of professional experience. She has over the years successfully overseen the communications and public affairs function and led the corporate social responsibility strategy for Bayer South Asia, Pfizer, and Monsanto, among others. Sarita has held multiple roles across diverse industries, the public sector, trade associations, MNCs, and the not-for-profit sector. Her areas of interest include advocacy, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and communications.

As an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Senior Practitioner (Mentoring) from the European Council of Mentoring and Coaching (EMCC), Sarita specializes in career transition, inner engineering and life issues. Sarita enjoys writing and is passionate about animals, books, and movies.