Thomas Watson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Watson.

Thomas Watson (1874-1956) was an American business executive and the longtime president of the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).

Born on February 17, 1874, in Campbell, New York, Watson began his career as a salesman at the National Cash Register Company (NCR) in the late 19th century. He quickly rose through the ranks and became general sales manager, demonstrating remarkable sales and management skills. However, a disagreement with NCR's management led Watson to resign in 1914.

In 1915, he joined the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR), which later became IBM. Watson's leadership transformed IBM into one of the most successful and innovative companies in the world. Under his guidance, the company expanded its product lines, developed IBM's famous punch card technology, and focused on producing large-scale tabulating machines.

Watson's tenure as IBM's president was marked by his commitment to customer service, employee welfare, and development of corporate culture. He fostered a strong work ethic within the company and coined the phrase "Think" to emphasize the importance of critical thinking and innovation.

Thomas Watson retired in 1956 after leading IBM for over four decades. His efforts revolutionized computing technology and established IBM as a global powerhouse in the industry. Thomas Watson's legacy as a visionary leader and entrepreneur is still celebrated today, and he is remembered as one of the pioneers of modern computing.