Elon Musk is a unique figure in the business and technology world. He currently leads multiple companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, xAI, and Twitter (now X). Additionally, he has played an influential role in the Dogecoin (DOGE) cryptocurrency. Managing such a vast portfolio of ventures raises a crucial question: how does he do it?
One of Musk’s biggest strengths is his ability to delegate effectively. He places strong leaders in key executive positions within his companies, allowing him to focus on high-level strategy. For example, Gwynne Shotwell runs the day-to-day operations at SpaceX, while Tom Zhu oversees many aspects of Tesla’s business. This enables Musk to allocate his time efficiently.
Another critical factor is his relentless work ethic. Musk is known to work over 80–100 hours per week, often splitting his time between companies. He reportedly sleeps only a few hours per night and maximizes productivity by keeping meetings short and making quick decisions. His intense schedule allows him to stay actively involved in multiple projects simultaneously.
Prioritization is another key strategy. Musk spends more time on projects that require urgent attention, such as SpaceX launches or Tesla production challenges. His ability to identify and tackle high-impact problems ensures that his companies continue innovating and staying ahead of competitors.
Technology also plays a significant role in Musk’s management style. He utilizes real-time data, emails, and video conferencing to stay connected with his teams. By leveraging digital tools, he remains updated on critical developments without always needing to be physically present.
Musk’s deep technical knowledge allows him to lead multiple companies effectively. He is not just a businessman but also an engineer and designer who understands the intricacies of the products his companies develop. This enables him to make informed decisions quickly and provide valuable insights to his teams.
His long-term vision also helps him stay focused. Whether it’s colonizing Mars, advancing AI, or accelerating sustainable energy, Musk’s companies operate under a shared goal of pushing humanity forward. This overarching mission helps unify his efforts across different industries.
Despite his immense workload, Musk still finds time to engage with Dogecoin and other projects. His tweets and public endorsements have influenced the cryptocurrency’s value, and he has expressed interest in integrating DOGE into platforms like X. His involvement in DOGE is often more informal compared to his other companies, but it still aligns with his interest in decentralized finance.
Critics argue that Musk spreads himself too thin, risking burnout or neglecting certain ventures. However, his track record of success suggests that his unconventional approach works for him. His ability to balance multiple responsibilities while driving innovation is what sets him apart from most entrepreneurs.
Ultimately, Musk’s success in managing multiple companies and DOGE comes down to his strategic delegation, intense work ethic, prioritization skills, use of technology, technical expertise, and unwavering vision. While his approach may not be conventional, it has undoubtedly reshaped industries and pushed the boundaries of what one individual can achieve.