Part 7/12:
A key element of Musk’s success, according to Sax, is his ability to build comprehensive mental models of complex systems. Musk doesn’t merely skim the surface of technological or operational challenges; he digs deep, sometimes spending weeks understanding every component, every decision point, and reconstructing how systems are architected in his mind. This capability allows him to make rapid, informed decisions across diverse domains—from rocket propulsion to AI development—because he internalizes the technical intricacies at a granular level.