The former CEO of JapanAirlines, Haruka Nishimatsu, reduced his pay by 60% to avoid layoffs in the company during financial hardship. It was conveyed that he was taking home less than many of the airline’s pilots. He gave up executive perks like designer suits, executive dining, and a chauffeur-driven car. Like his employees, he travelled by bus, bought his suits, and shared meals in the employee cafeteria.
Back home in India, RatanTata upheld similar values during the COVID-19 crisis. Under his leadership, TataGroup made a remarkable decision not to lay off a single employee despite mounting losses, choosing compassion over cost-cutting.
Recently, TCS has laid off over 12000 employees. In 2025, over 100,000 professionals will be laid off globally. Mass layoffs are noticed across big tech and consulting giants like Intel, Microsoft, Meta, and more across Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and India.
Leaders like HarukaNishimatsu and Ratan Tata are the epitome of true leadership, navigating economic pressure. Instead of letting people go, they let go of privilege, saving many professionals’ livelihoods. Their tales remind us that true leadership means standing with your team, not above them.
