Podcast
#172 Elon Musk
Founders
- Finding a Supplier for a Bolt on the Landing Gear of a Plane Experiencing work at SpaceX is described as thrilling and all-encompassing, where the roles and responsibilities switch rapidly without distinct boundaries. The way a person chooses between two options can reveal insights into their thinking and priorities. Elon Musk presents two approaches to building a rocket: linear and iterative. Transcript: David Senra Between two options, you can learn a lot about how that person thinks or what’s important to them by by which option they choose. And this is an example of that with Elon Musk. You have two ways that you can build a rocket linear and iterative. So I’m not going to run over a point. Let me read this here. And then I’ll ask you the question midpoint midway. There are basically two approaches to building complex systems like rockets, linear and iterative design. The linear method begins with an initial goal and moves through developing requirements to meet that goal, followed by numerous qualification (Time 0:26:40)
- How to Build a Rocket? The linear method of building a rocket starts with an initial goal, then progresses through developing requirements, qualification tests, subsystems, and finally assembling major components like structures, propulsion, and avionics. The linear design involves extensive engineering over the years before actual development begins due to the challenges, time constraints, and costs associated with modifying designs once hardware construction has commenced. Transcript: David Senra Years are spent engineering a project before development begins. This is because it’s difficult, time-cons and expensive to modify a design and requirements after beginning to build hardware. Before I’m going to describe the iterative design for rocket, what that means, which one do you think Elon chooses? You already know he’s not going to do that. He’s not going to do that. The iterative approach begins with a goal and almost immediately leaps into concept designs, (Time 0:27:22)
- I Don’t Talk About Doing Things, Just Do Things Elon Musk uses criticism or doubt as fuel, turning it into motivation to succeed. When faced with patronizing remarks, Musk’s demeanor changes, and he becomes determined to prove the doubters wrong. He values the balance between engineering and design, channeling negative remarks into a driving force for success. Transcript: David Senra It’s never going to work. At this remark, Musk’s back straightened, and he got this look in his eye that Shotwell could easily read. And it’s just Shotwell talking about the effect of this guy’s words on Musk. He’s going to make sure that you regret the moment you said that. This is a unique way Elon thinks about balancing engineering with design. So it says, Musk will make snap decisions. This is one of the keys that enables SpaceX to move so quickly. I make the spending decisions and the engineering decisions in one head, he said. Normally, those are at least two people. There’s some engineering guy who’s trying to convince a finance guy that his money should be spent. But (Time 0:43:42)
- Space Ex vs Nassa Elon Musk engaged in numerous legal battles and disputes in the early days of Space Ex, showing a determined and combative approach. The lawsuits involved rocket engine technology with Northrop Grunman, a merger of launch businesses with Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as well as disputes with other major rivals in the industry. In a span of three years, Space Ex took legal action against three of its biggest competitors and challenged the Air Force’s proposed United Launch Alliance merger, while also contesting a contract with NASA. Elon Musk’s aggressive stance indicates that he was unafraid of confrontation and conflict in his pursuit of success in the space industry. Transcript: David Senra To merge or launch business into a single rocket company. Within its first three years, SpaceX had sued three of its biggest rivals in the launch industry, gone against the Air Force with a proposed United Alliance merger, and protested a NASA contract. Elon Musk was not walking on eggshells on his way to orbit. He was breaking a lot of eggs. And to write it for this, they wind up getting a contract from NASA. It’s the first $278 million they get, and it really changed SpaceX forever. Obviously, they still would have went out of business because they hadn’t put a rocket into orbit yet when they got the contract. But with (Time 0:48:15)
- Why Did You Go There? The surprising research findings revealed that half of the individuals ended up working for the industries leading companies instead of the expected sector. The success of space sex was unexpected and led the interviewer to question the former students about their choices. The former students made their decisions based on a belief in the mission, prioritizing talent over experience, and valuing an entrepreneurial culture over heritage. Transcript: David Senra Successful. So I interviewed these former students and asked, why did you go there? They went there because they believed. Many of them took pay cuts, but they believed in the mission. Talent wins over experience and an entrepreneurial culture over heritage. And I’ll close on this. Nearly two decades have gone by since Musk first began thinking seriously about Mars. During an interview in early 2020, his mind drifted back to that first impulse to get into the business. He remembered a gray rainy day on the (Time 1:03:11)