Thomas J. Watson

American businessman, pioneer of the computer industry

5 quotes in the MindQuotes library.

About

Thomas John Watson Sr. (1874-1956) was an American business executive who transformed the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) into International Business Machines (IBM), one of the world's largest computer companies. Joining CTR in 1914 as general manager, he became president in 1915 and renamed it IBM in 1924. Under his 42-year leadership, IBM became a leader in office equipment and early computers. Watson introduced progressive employee benefits, including medical insurance and pension plans. He also served as president of the International Chamber of Commerce and promoted world trade as a path to peace.

Key milestones

1914Joined the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) as general manager.
1924Renamed CTR to International Business Machines (IBM).
1956Handed over IBM leadership to his son Thomas J. Watson Jr. in May, one month before his death.

Themes

Technological innovationEmployee welfareWorld tradeCorporate leadershipEducation and research

Sources: newsroom.ibm.com · id.loc.gov · snaccooperative.org

“The great accomplishments of man have resulted from the transmission of ideas, into enthusiasm, into actions.”

— Thomas J. WatsonTheme · Motivation

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“Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It's quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn't at all. You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it, So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because remember that’s where you will find success.”

— Thomas J. WatsonTheme · Success

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“None of us can hope to get anywhere without character, moral courage and the spiritual strength to accept responsibility.”

— Thomas J. WatsonTheme · Personal Development

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“The young man requires wisdom as well as knowledge.”

— Thomas J. WatsonTheme · Education

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“If we do not take advantage of our opportunities, it is our own fault.”

— Thomas J. WatsonTheme · Personal Development

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