Interview: Business Tycoon in Search of the Spiritual Wealth

How many people born into billionaire families can mentally detach themselves from the corporate world and effortlessly balance spirituality and business? Alfred Ford, the great-grandson of American automobile legend Henry Ford, is one of the very few billionaires who prefers chanting the glories of Lord Krishna in a temple over participating in boardroom discussions at Ford Motor Company.

Alfred Ford has witnessed many ups and downs in his corporate journey while running the iconic Ford Motors—founded by his great-grandfather in 1903. Now, after two generations, he and his brothers continue to oversee the company.

“My great-grandfather started Ford Motors with the vision of making automobiles affordable for the common man. His son, Edsel Ford, followed in his footsteps but sadly passed away at the young age of 49. Later, my father took over, and during his tenure, the company saw major developments. He expanded the company globally and made automobiles accessible to international markets. Now, my brother William Ford is the Chairman,” Alfred shared.

A few years ago, Ford Motors came close to bankruptcy due to a heavy debt load and market turmoil in Europe, prompting the company to overhaul its strategy. “We immediately changed the CEO, and the current leadership has brought a new vision. We are fully backing him in his turnaround plans,” he said.

But through all the corporate turbulence, what helped Ford maintain his equanimity was his spiritual grounding. The Bhagavad Gita and its teachings gave his life new meaning. Despite being born into one of America’s richest families, the staggering wealth and privileges never trapped him in the material world. He felt a profound sense of emptiness, a void that ultimately led him to a spiritual quest culminating in a life-changing encounter with his spiritual mentor.

“The turning point in my life was when I met my Guru, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, in Dallas, Texas, about 40 years ago. That meeting drastically altered my thinking, and I began to see life from a completely different perspective,” he said. This spiritual awakening inspired him to visit India, a country he considers a treasure trove of spiritual wealth.

Speaking about the challenges of running a company, he said, “In the early days, it was very difficult first, to manage the funding, and then to provide a clear direction. But now, things are much smoother.”

When asked about the key qualities needed in an entrepreneur, Ford said, “Leadership, innovation, being first in the market, and creativity are essential qualities in my view.”

On his personal strengths, he reflected, “Dedication to principles, humility, and learning from mistakes are my greatest strengths.”

A vegetarian and teetotaler, Alfred Ford is a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. He is married to Sharmila Bhattacharya from West Bengal and visits the state at least twice a year. Recently, he was in Kolkata to oversee progress on a monumental project the construction of the world’s largest Vedic temple at the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur.

As one of the most devoted followers of the ISKCON movement, Ford is sponsoring the first phase of the Chandrodaya Temple an ambitious architectural feat. The temple, standing 340 feet tall, departs from traditional Hindu temple architecture with its distinctive domes, columns, and turrets. The first phase is expected to open to the public in 2016, coinciding with ISKCON’s 50th anniversary. Ford is contributing nearly $75 million to this initiative.

Reflecting on his spiritual journey, he remarked, “With the population rising rapidly, the world is facing countless problems. We must seek permanent solutions and I believe spirituality is the only answer.”

Among his notable achievements, Ford counts the establishment of a Cultural Centre in Detroit and aligning the Ford brand with his spiritual principles. “Bringing the Ford initiative into a cultural and spiritual fold is one of my proudest accomplishments.”

When asked about Corporate Social Responsibility, Ford said, “Spiritual enlightenment, in my view, is the highest form of social responsibility. By contributing to the temple in Mayapur, I believe people from all walks of life will benefit.”

And what is his idea of happiness? “It is service and connection to Krishna,” he said with a smile. His favorite ways to unwind include hiking, walking, or simply chanting Krishna’s name. Over the past 40 years, Ford has visited Kolkata many times and has been deeply impressed by the city’s transformation. His wife, Sharmila, is also an ardent follower of the ISKCON movement.

Recalling their first meeting, Sharmila shared, “We met at a Rathayatra festival organized by ISKCON in Sydney in 1982. It was love at first sight for both of us.” Initially, her parents were apprehensive about her marrying a foreigner they had hoped she would marry a Bengali boy. However, upon meeting Ford, their reservations gave way to admiration, and the couple married in 1984.

Speaking about his wife, Ford said, “My wife Sharmila is a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. She is the anchor of my life. A wonderful woman who supports me in all my endeavors.” Sharmila added, “What I admire most about my husband is his humility, dedication, honesty, and simplicity. He is so gentle, kind, and sweet I can’t express it fully.” The couple has two daughters Amrita and Anisha.

On balancing work and life, Sharmila noted, “He manages both very well. He is deeply spiritual. He wakes up at 3 a.m. every day and only goes to the office after completing his prayers and rituals.”

“His first priority in life is, of course, his spirituality,” she added.

The interview was first published in the May 2013 issue of Corporate Tycoons magazine.