Thomas J. Watson – IBM Founder
Thomas J. Watson – IBM Founder Pioneering the Information Age with Vision and Values Thomas J. Watson, Sr. was more than a businessman—he was a transformational leader who laid the groundwork for the computing revolution. As the driving force behind International Business Machines (IBM), Watson turned a fledgling company into a global giant, not just through technological innovation but by championing strong values, discipline, and a vision of a world empowered by information. Humble Beginnings and a Salesman’s Start Born in 1874 in Campbell, New York, Watson grew up in modest circumstances. After a short stint as a teacher, he entered the business world as a traveling salesman for the National Cash Register Company (NCR). His early career was marked by aggressive sales tactics, a relentless work ethic, and a deep understanding of how to motivate people—traits that would define his leadership style for decades. At NCR, Watson rose quickly, eventually becoming one of the company's...