Comments on: Beyond the New Biography: What Leaders Can Learn from Elon Musk by Behnam Tabrizi

By: Wes

Wes — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 03:00:17 +0000

Really enjoyed your reflections here. Isaacson’s biography of Musk gives the full picture—ambitious innovation and abrasive leadership—but what struck me in your piece is how leaders don’t have to mimic all of Musk’s extremes to learn from him.

I especially appreciated the idea of pursuing an existential purpose—something bold enough to inspire people, make strategic trade-offs easier, and galvanize teams. Also the parts about “startup mindset,” “managing tempo,” and “radical collaboration” feel much more achievable (and more sustainable) than trying to go full-steam all the time.

Thanks for pointing out that we don’t need to lose our humanity or burn people out in order to drive innovation. This kind of balanced, practical leadership thinking is exactly what leaders today need more of.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:36:07 +0000

I disagree with Isaacson that Musk’s awful treatment of people has been necessary for his success. In fact, to the contrary, I’d say it has hurt him at times. It is Tesla that makes up the majority of his net worth and he literally almost destroyed that company with his insistence on automating the entire factory, which his executives warned him wouldn’t work, as that has to be done gradually. He “knew” he was right though and plowed ahead and it blew up in his face. The company would have likely gone under if not for China coming to its aid and allowing construction of a factory in China. But even if not, he still brought it far closer to failing than he should have.

I’d say Musk’s penchant for risk and super work ethic are the primary contributors to his success, along with his engineering skill. But his horrible personality is not necessary.