Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, Neuralink, and other companies, is renowned for his immense wealth and entrepreneurial prowess, consistently ranking among the world’s top three richest individuals. In a recent conversation with Nicolai Tangen, CEO of the $1.6 trillion Norges Bank, Musk shed light on the sacrifices and strategies behind his success.
He described “ultra-hard work” as working every waking hour, a regimen he adhered to for years at a time, often putting in 100-hour weeks during critical periods at Tesla and the early stages of his ventures.
During the podcast, Musk emphasized the importance of overseeing hardworking employees by outlining a common goal and ensuring alignment. He believes that smart individuals are self-managing and can be productive anywhere, given a clear objective. While discussing his management style, Musk dismissed the notion of micromanagement, framing his meticulous attention to detail as essential for achieving perfection in product development.
Elon Musk (Credits: CNN)
In addressing the balance between micromanagement and delegation, Musk emphasized his commitment to ensuring attention to detail rather than micromanaging. He believes that meticulousness is crucial for creating flawless products and achieving success. Additionally, Musk shared his perspective on legacy, expressing a willingness to be remembered inaccurately as long as he believes he has contributed positively to the future of consciousness.
Despite facing challenges such as declining revenue at Tesla, Musk remains focused on innovation and progress. He affirmed Tesla’s commitment to producing new, more affordable electric cars, highlighting the company’s continued efforts to advance sustainable transportation. Musk’s relentless work ethic, strategic management approach, and visionary mindset underscore his role as a driving force behind the success of his ventures.
