'No need for brains': Harsh Goenka recalls global CEO's insult, says people now prefer to work for Indian cos

Industrialist Harsh Goenka took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a telling experience with a top global executive—one that he believes highlights a persistent colonial mindset.

In his post, the chairman of RPG Enterprises revealed how a global CEO once dismissed the intellectual capabilities of Indian professionals.

“A global CEO with the most progressive Indian subsidiary told me, ‘I want my Indian CEO to be the best execution engine—great hands and legs, but no need for brains. That part’s here in the UK,’” Goenka wrote.


He added, “This approach is exactly why more people are now preferring to work for Indian companies.”

The post triggered strong reactions from users on the platform.

“So it’s true—neo-colonial attitudes continue to persist,” one user commented.

“This mindset is exactly why Indian talent is increasingly choosing homegrown companies. We want brains valued, not just execution,” wrote another.


Elia Jayaraj, MD at Benhaans Pharma, chimed in, “That UK CEO’s plan to make the Indian team all hands and legs with no brain? Hilarious—like asking a cricket star to just fetch the ball! No wonder folks are sprinting to Indian firms like TCS, where they can flex their smarts. Nasscom’s chuckling—10% better retention in 2024! Let the Indian CEO call some shots, or you’ll lose the whole match.”

Another user speculated, “It must be a pharma or financial services company. In no other field are the Brits doing great business.”

Notably, Indian-origin leaders now head some of the world’s top companies, combining their Indian roots with global experience to drive innovation. These include:

Sundar Pichai (Google)

Satya Nadella (Microsoft)

Shantanu Narayen (Adobe)

Ajay Banga (World Bank)

Arvind Krishna (IBM)

George Kurian (Google Cloud)

Nikesh Arora (Palo Alto Networks)

Leena Nair (Chanel)

Ravi Kumar S (Cognizant)

Their success, many say, is a testament to the value of Indian talent—both in execution and strategic leadership.