Part 4/13:
Elon Musk's management approach is often described as intense, demanding, and sometimes brutal. Former Tesla and SpaceX employees recount a work environment marked by long hours, quick decision cycles, and high expectations. Reports indicate that Musk expects concise communication from his teams and may deliver 2 a.m. texts or 6 a.m. conference calls to keep momentum.
Many employees have lauded Musk’s ability to rally people around lofty missions—such as colonizing Mars or solving climate change through sustainable transportation. People like Carl Medlock joined Tesla inspired by its vision but experienced the demanding environment that often led to burnout or departure. Musk’s focus is less on being liked and more on maintaining relentless pursuit of huge, transformative goals.