Rajesh GopiNathan: From TCS boardroom to Global Tech visionary

Rajesh GopiNathan: From TCS boardroom to Global Tech visionary

“Show up every day with a beginner’s mind.”

— Rajesh Gopinathan

That single line conveys a lot about the person who silently drove one of India's largest IT companies to global prominence. Rajesh Gopinathan didn't scream or seek the attention, yet he transformed the game for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in a span of six years.

He wasn't a businessman by birth. Raised in Kerala, Rajesh attended NIT Trichy to study engineering before pursuing an MBA at IIM Ahmedabad. He began modestly, like many of us, as an employee of a massive corporation when he joined TCS in 2001.

But as time went on, people noticed that he was calm, clear-headed, and had a broad perspective.

He was among the youngest members of the Tata Group in 2017 when he was appointed CEO. Some questioned if someone so reserved could truly be in charge of a company the size of TCS. Expectations were not all the same. But he demonstrated right away that he was here to lead with vision, not just to manage.

He didn't respond verbally. He took action.

A Thought That Revolutionized Everything

Early in his tenure as CEO, Rajesh approached the whiteboard at an internal meeting and made a straightforward but impactful statement:

"We will now do more than just fix IT issues. We will assist businesses in their transformation. Let's adopt this way of thinking.

This was not mere rhetoric. He introduced novel approaches such as Business 4.0, which prioritized cloud, automation, and artificial intelligence long before these terms gained popularity. TCS was more than just a supplier. It turned into a global change partner for businesses.

Under Rajesh, TCS's market value nearly doubled, its revenue increased by $10 billion, and more than $27 billion was distributed to shareholders. His strategy remained straightforward despite the large numbers.

A CEO who prioritizes people

Even though the firm was flourishing, Rajesh kept his attention on people, who were just as vital.

Rajesh added a very human touch to leadership in addition to business growth. He promoted diversity as a practice as much as a policy.

During a leadership forum, he once remarked, "If half of the world is excluded, we cannot talk about building the future."

TCS rose to prominence in his era as one of India's most inclusive businesses. At TCS, almost 200,000 women made up 35% of the workforce. Leadership positions for women doubled.

Profits were not Rajesh's response when asked what he was most proud of. What he said:

"Creating an environment where women can lead and succeed is what success is all about."

This wasn't just a headline-grabbing message, either. It was reflected in the culture. He had a reputation for being personable at town halls, frequently expressing his opinions in a lighthearted manner and inspiring even the youngest staff members to speak up.

Once a new employee hesitantly inquired, "Sir, how do you handle pressure at this level?"

Rajesh just smiled and said:

"Stay curious. You don't have to have all the answers. Simply ask the proper questions.

International Accolades and Recognition

Gopinathan received appreciation on a global scale for his contributions:

Brand Value: Under his direction, TCS became the most valuable Indian brand in 2022, with a 212% increase in brand value to $45.5 billion.

Awards: In 2020, he was recognized the Outstanding Business Leader of the Year, and in 2021, he was voted India's Best CEO.

An Elegant Farewell

When Rajesh was at the height of his success in 2023, he resigned.

No drama. Not much controversy. A silent choice.

In his parting note, he wrote:

"TCS's greatest moments are yet to come." The course we've taken makes me proud. The time has come to pass the torch.

That is uncommon. The majority of leaders continue. Rajesh let go — with hope and compassion.

What Rajesh Can Teach You

Rajesh's story serves as a reminder to every young entrepreneur or startup founder:

To drive change, you don't have to follow trends.

Although you don't have to know everything all the time, you should never stop learning.

And perhaps that's what the world needs right now: a leader who listens, learns, and leads with poise and assurance.