Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
by Ashlee Vance
Having read the biography from Ashlee Vance on Elon Musk, I learned a number of things. Something that particularly surprised me was that Musk actually had a complicated childhood according to the book. In fact, he was viciously bullied in school as well as emotionally abused by his father. What I was impressed about was that Musk sold his first company ZipX for a whopping $307M in cash. Something I admired a little less was the fact that he had to lay off 9% of Tesla's workforce in order to make strides toward real profit. Admittedly, though, these are some of the necessary actions that are taken in the life of an entrepreneur. Musk encountered a troubling childhood and as such he moved from South Africa to Canada to study at Queens University and sequentially the University of Pennsylvania. He then seized the opportunity of the rising internet age to create his own company.
I noticed that Musk was particularly adept at overcoming adversity. Overcoming a struggle filled past, he then established himself as a multimillionaire in his twenties.
Something that left me a bit confused is why Musk went back on his decision to make his company private. It seems that the backlash of having made that announcement was too much and as such he reversed the decision.
Personally what I would like to know from Musk resides in these two questions: How much of an impact did criticism hold in forming you to be the man you are today? And how much of an impact does it hold now? I'd like to know this information because first hand experience from a self made millionaire can help give me some insight on becoming an entrepreneur myself.
After reading the biography I now have an idea of what it is Musk might define as hard work, which is something I'd agree on: It is the ability to overcome adversity even when it may seem futile.
I read about Musk too and also thought the details of his childhood were surprising. I admired his resilience though and the fact that he rose above and moved to North America to create a better life for himself. I actually somewhat admire his ability to make tough decisions, such as firing 9% of Tesla, without hesitation. I think it's part of what makes him a good leader, even if it makes him less likeable.
ReplyDeleteHey Jake,
ReplyDeleteI have never known about the background and origins of Elon Musk and hearing about his troubled past really surprised me. I think the unfortunate events Musk had to experience really helped shape him into the entrepreneur that he is today. I also thought your questions for Musk are very compelling and would provide a lot of insight on entrepreneurship.
I noticed that most of the students in this group read about Elon Musk. I feel like this must have been a good book because I have only read favorable reviews. I am also surprised to hear about the adversities he encountered during his childhood. I have always viewed him as a privileged person who has lived a comfortable life. I would also like to hear his answers to the questions you asked.
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