Welcome to LetsUnBox: A Journey of Insights
"Keep it Simple. Talk to a friend. Not a Boardroom" - thats our motto.
Hey there!
Aeons ago, on this day, an idea was born. The idea of "the force of good", when Ma Durga triumphed over evil in an act that has shown the path to mankind forever. I am excited to be back again with my new post -- after almost a year since my last - on the day of Dussehra, with something fresh.
Welcome to LetsUnBox, a daily newsletter where we explore ideas, share insights, and uncover the stories behind the world of startups, business, and everything in between. Each day, we’ll unwrap one topic—something valuable, inspiring, or thought-provoking—that will help us understand the nuances of building and scaling ventures.
Spotlight: The True Founder and the Ultimate Innovator
Today, in my first newsletter under LetsUnbox, I want to pay my tribute to Ratan Tata Sir. Sure, all of us recognise him as one of India’s greatest industrialists and philanthropists. But what really makes him stand out is how, despite inheriting a vast empire, he chose to go beyond the obvious. Instead of sticking to traditional areas, he led Tata into bold, uncharted territories—moving into global markets with acquisitions like Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tetley.
He didn’t just rest on the foundation his family built; he took risks, explored new ideas, and stayed ahead of the curve. Remember the Tata Nano? While it didn’t hit the mark commercially, the vision behind it—creating an affordable car for everyone—was groundbreaking. It showed his commitment to making a meaningful difference.
This is true entrepreneurship. Having the vision to define the path ahead, take risks, face criticism. To keep moving ahead is the true mark of a leader who has inspired thousands of founders in India.
A Personal Reflection on Meeting Ratan Tata
About eight years ago, I had the surreal experience of meeting Ratan Tata in person. Here’s the thing—no matter how much you prepare, nothing really gets you ready for a moment like that. Yet, what struck me was his genuine curiosity. Despite his immense success, he was keen to listen, to ask questions, and to learn.
During the conversation, I mentioned that I grew up in Jamshedpur, with three generations of my family working for the Tatas. He looked at me and said, “I’m very proud of what you’ve created, coming from Jamshedpur.” That simple statement, from someone like him, meant the world to me.
Ratan Tata’s humility and passion for ideas continue to inspire. He proves that no matter how big your empire, it’s the spirit of curiosity, humility, and empathy that keeps you grounded and drives true innovation.
In a world obsessed with success, spiritual ‘gyaan’, and work-life balance, where arrogance can sometimes be mistaken for strength, Ratan Tata exemplified the opposite—leading by example, with compassion and grace. I feel fortunate to be in the era where we could witness such strong, unconventional yet compassionate leadership.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. - Ratan Tata
My personal learning
What truly made Ratan Tata Sir a ‘founder at heart’ was his curiosity—he asked questions as if he was learning alongside us, not just advising. He reminded me that great businesses are built by staying close to the customer and grounded in values. It was this rare ability to empathize, encourage, and challenge us that teaches us that humility always wins. Our ability to surround ourselves with people who nurture us, and ensure everyone we meet is treated with the respect and time they deserve is the best way to evolve spiritually, and leave behind a lasting impact in how we contribute to life.
This the beginning of a new series, motivated and inspired by a friend (who will stay behind the shadows till we are ready to announce the team!) I hope my friendship and the deep conversations will help me stay consistent this time, and ensure I don’t let myself fall through the cracks again. Stay tuned as we build a space for you to learn, understand and assimilate how businesses are built and delivered, one day at a time.
Wishing you a productive, happy and abundant week ahead. We also appreciate if you could comment, share the link with friends, as we build a larger community around LetsUnBox.