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Quote of the Day by ex Wipro CEO Azim Premji: 'If people are not laughing at your goals, your goals are too small'
The Economic Times· 2026-01-19 04:55
Company Overview - Azim Premji transformed Wipro Limited from a $2 million cooking oil company into a global IT, BPO, and R&D services organization generating over $10 billion in revenue with a presence in 66 countries [1][10] - The pivotal shift in Wipro's focus towards computer hardware and software in 1977 allowed the company to carve a niche in custom software solutions, particularly for the US market [1][10] - By the late 1990s, Wipro's value significantly increased, establishing Premji as one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs globally [1][10] Philanthropic Efforts - Azim Premji founded the Azim Premji Foundation, which focuses on enhancing primary education in rural India [2][10] - In May 2025, the foundation committed $265 million over three years to support underprivileged girls in completing their college education [2][10] - Premji's philanthropic contributions earned him the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2005 [2][10] Leadership and Vision - Premji's leadership style emphasizes ambition and the importance of setting transformative goals that may seem unrealistic to others [5][6][8] - He advocates for self-belief and commitment to one's goals despite external skepticism, highlighting that progress is driven by those who envision outcomes beyond conventional thinking [7][8][10] - Premji's journey as an entrepreneur and philanthropist reflects the impact of bold goals, which can disrupt the status quo and demand innovation and persistence [8][10]