My husband did his internship in Czech Republic and a few days back he asked me if I knew the parent country of Bata. "USA?" I guessed. "No. Its Czech." He replied. "No kidding", I exclaimed. I was quite surprised. I did not think Czech could have given birth to one of the largest shoe store around the world.
Therefore, while studying at the IIM library when I saw the autobiography of Thomas J Bata, I picked it up and was engrossed instantly in the beginning of the Bata empire, Europe, world wars and Hilter's regime.
I learnt a lot of good stuff- how boarding and prep school can do good to a young man in the making of a leader. Travelling, learning different languages, not being afraid to open shop in foreign lands or be afraid of wars and your home being taken away from you. No being scared to make another country your abode.
His book has made me think, that truly human nature is ranked. There are men who have the ability, the flare, the character to achieve big things. There are men destined to be big because of their blood. They are born in families who have instilled in them values and traits. Bloodline is not just about the name or the dna, but it is the upbringing and attitude of the elders that go to their young ones that make's them achieve what they have.
I must say that I am totally impressed by Thomas J Bata's life and his zest at this age of over seventy. Yet, like I said, some people are destined to be born great and to achieve great things. The world can't be filled with Bata's but the world definitely needs at least a 100 of them to make it better.
Therefore, while studying at the IIM library when I saw the autobiography of Thomas J Bata, I picked it up and was engrossed instantly in the beginning of the Bata empire, Europe, world wars and Hilter's regime.
I learnt a lot of good stuff- how boarding and prep school can do good to a young man in the making of a leader. Travelling, learning different languages, not being afraid to open shop in foreign lands or be afraid of wars and your home being taken away from you. No being scared to make another country your abode.
His book has made me think, that truly human nature is ranked. There are men who have the ability, the flare, the character to achieve big things. There are men destined to be big because of their blood. They are born in families who have instilled in them values and traits. Bloodline is not just about the name or the dna, but it is the upbringing and attitude of the elders that go to their young ones that make's them achieve what they have.
I must say that I am totally impressed by Thomas J Bata's life and his zest at this age of over seventy. Yet, like I said, some people are destined to be born great and to achieve great things. The world can't be filled with Bata's but the world definitely needs at least a 100 of them to make it better.
