He is one of the most powerful names in the Tata empire and is in Ratan Tata's core team. Besides being a top speaker at major business summits, he's a regular at the tennis court and select cultural events. But what makes R Gopalakrishnan, executive director, Tata Sons, different is his ability to gel his value system and work ethics to rise. In many ways, he is more unpredictable than many of his contemporaries. And he can quite easily be dubbed conservative and a bit old-fashioned.

But a peep into his family life reveals a strong balance of values with a fine mix of the practical approach. Gopalakrishnan's down-to-earth approach is a welcome change. Encouraging his three kids to explore international careers, he also insisted that they join bhajan classes at a young age. Partying was allowed, but a 10.30 pm deadline was a must. The kids initially complained, but soon understood the parental concern. Instead of life on the fast track, the family together works on the concept of inner calmness. 

"For me, calmness is equal to the values I inherited. Life is nothing but a set of roles we play. But when we have to get off the stage, we have to gracefully take off the costume and wear the natural dress to face our maker," Gopalakrishnan smiles. The attitude is displayed in abundance in his exquisitely designed house at Cuffe Parade. Amidst the antiques and silver, lies a small pooja room. There are also pictures of his ancestors. In fact, Gopalakrishnan is in the midst of a quest to know more about his family tree. 

"It is an urge to know where we came from and how we progressed over the years. It's fascinating!" The family adopts a mantra which is a mix of adventure and conservatism. During the week, he may attend seminars and workshops, guiding IITians, but nothing can force him to give up his Sunday — which starts with a game of tennis at Bombay Gymnkhana. Gopalakrishnan calls himself a predictable man in many ways. 

There is no stress on rituals, but a Vishnusahastranam reading is a must on Sunday Close friends know it and don't disturb him over the weekend, knowing well that nothing can force him out, not even the most happening party in town. "I need to spend time with the family — talk to them, read and generally relax. We must invest in our children, listen to them and understand. It's more important than pointless socialising. Most people go to parties to be photographed, something which does not interest me." 

There is a fine correlation with the organisation he works for and his personal beliefs — Tatas, which has evolved an image as an organisation which believes in fair, honest and transparent business, which has withstood the test of public scrutiny. "The humane face of the company is also important. The feeling of returning to society what you earn is a value system we all associate," says Gopalakrishnan.

Guarding his privacy to the core, it takes an effort to make this leadership guru allow us to peep into his private life. With holding top positions in Hindutsan Lever and a stint in Saudi Arabia before coming to Tatas Gopalakrishnan sticks to 'work hard' strategy to climb the ladder of success. Is he too conservative for today's fast-track competitive world? 

"There is no substitute for hard work. Also, one must enjoy what you are doing. I tell young people, 'If you want to be happy, nothing can stop you from being that way. Life is a bit sweet and sour. Tea is hot, while colas are cold. Get the right mix.'" Close subordinates call him a good boss, who is a bit of a task-master but also has the rare quality of allowing his colleagues to grow. "The purpose of life is to know oneself. I know I'm a funny man in many ways and I don't care if people think that way. Life is very turbulent — at the eye of the spiral of life, there is calmness. The quest is to achieve that."