In the history of innovation, few names shine as brightly as Nikola Tesla. His innovative mindset, attitude, and ways of thinking offer us timeless lessons in the power of perseverance, the importance of vision, and the essence of leadership. The wisdom from these genius minds can inspire us to harness an innovation mindset amidst setbacks, challenges, and opposition. In this blog, we will take a look at the stories of Nikola Tesla and how this genius inventor transformed our modern-day technology. He was a true visionary and dreamer who believed in the beauty of his dreams. He predicted the development of technologies similar to the internet and smartphones today. Yet his philosophy was one of service to humanity.
Leadership Lessons from Tesla
In the late 19th century, Nikola Tesla arrived in America and was soon introduced to Thomas Edison, who was the most celebrated inventor of the time. However, their friendship soon turned into personal rivalry as Edison’s work was on direct current (DC) electricity, and he saw little value in Tesla’s ideas about alternating current (AC). Tesla responded to this dismissal by stating:
“My project was retarded by the laws of nature. The world was not prepared for it. It was too far ahead of time. But the same laws will prevail in the end and make it a triumphal success.”
Eventually, Tesla separated from Edison and later partnered with George Westinghouse, who shared his vision. Together, they began the project of electrifying America, culminating in the construction of the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls.
. (photo: https://www.teslasociety.com/exhibition.htm)
Adam’s power station with three Tesla AC generators at Niagara Falls, November 16, 1896. Tesla’s AC system was so successful that it not only supplied electricity to the Falls but also to Buffalo and New York, proving its efficacy.
Overcoming Obstacles and Setbacks with Powerful Visionary Leadership
Tesla’s life was not without challenges. His later years were marked by financial difficulties and isolation. His work on wireless transmission of power in his Wardenclyffe Tower project was ahead of its time but ultimately led to financial ruin. Tesla’s investor, J.P. Morgan, was not happy that his technology was going to provide wireless electricity at very little cost and famously said to Tesla, “Where can I put the meter on it?” Tesla’s visionary leadership style was way ahead of his time, and he famously replied, “Let the future tell the truth, and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishments. The present is theirs; the future, for which I have really worked, is mine.”
Tesla’s innovative mindset took him beyond electricity and into the fields of radio, remote control, and even envisioned technologies eerily similar to the internet and smartphones of today. He famously said, “The wireless globe will make it possible for a businessman in New York to dictate instructions and have them appear in type in London or elsewhere. He will be able to call up, from his desk, and talk to any telephone subscriber on the globe.”
Clearly, Tesla was a visionary and had an extremely rare leadership mindset that set him apart from everyone else at his time. He did not allow the opinions and doubts of others to affect his belief in himself. He was not a leader for his time; he was rather a leader for the future of humanity.
Tesla’s Innovative Mindset Wasn’t Just About Technology
In my opinion, what truly sets Tesla apart from so many other leaders was his philosophy towards life and innovation. He was a true humanitarian and believed that working should not be for personal gain but for the betterment of humanity. He famously said, “If your hate could be turned into electricity, it would light up the whole world.” His innovative mindset wasn’t just about technology. He saw the greed of early Western capitalism and was not on board with it; instead, he advocated for humanitarian selfless action.
Tesla’s story is a true inspiration for many leaders today, not only for his genius and futuristic technology that he invented and gifted to humanity but also for his commitment to serve humanity.
