Megalomaniac: A person obsessed with their own power.
Elon Musk's trajectory from a tech-savvy entrepreneur to a polarizing figure in global business and culture is both remarkable and unsettling. Early in his career, Musk was lauded as a visionary committed to addressing humanity's most pressing challenges—whether through electric vehicles, renewable energy, or the exploration of space. However, as his influence and wealth have grown, so too has his reputation for erratic behavior, self-aggrandizement, and an increasing detachment from the progressive ideals that once defined his public persona.
In this article, we explore the journey of Elon Musk, examining how he went from a progressive idealist focused on improving the world to a figure increasingly driven by power, ego, and a need for validation.
The Early Years: A Bright Mind in a Troubled Environment
Father Errol Musk and newborn Elon
Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, into a family that was both affluent and fractured. His father, Errol Musk, was an engineer, while his mother, Maye Musk, was a model and dietitian. Despite this seemingly privileged upbringing, Musk's childhood was far from easy. He was often bullied at school and had a strained relationship with his father, which would later be cited as a source of deep emotional trauma.
Elon Musk's family background is as unconventional as the man himself. His maternal grandfather, Dr. Joshua Haldeman, was a Canadian chiropractor and amateur archeologist who moved his family to South Africa in the 1950s. Haldeman was a fearless adventurer, piloting a small single-engine plane on expeditions deep into Africa to hunt for the lost city of the Kalahari Desert. Musk's adventurous spirit and inclination toward risk-taking may very well be an inheritance from his grandfather.
On his father’s side, there’s a more controversial legacy. Musk’s paternal ancestors include individuals who were involved in nefarious activities, including rumored connections to pirate gangs operating off the coast of Mozambique in the 18th century. While these tales are often shared within the Musk family with a mix of pride and mystery, they paint a picture of a lineage steeped in rebellion and lawlessness—a stark
contrast to the polished image of modern-day entrepreneurs.
Musk's early interest in technology was evident; he taught himself computer programming at a young age and created a video game at 12. This early display of genius hinted at the groundbreaking work he would later pursue. After moving to Canada for university and eventually transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, Musk's focus on using technology to solve big problems became clear. He was driven, ambitious, and deeply interested in how innovation could better humanity—a far cry from the person he would later become.
Elon Musk's relationship with his father, Errol Musk, is perhaps one of the most complex and troubling aspects of his upbringing. Errol, a South African electromechanical engineer, was by all accounts a brilliant man, but his personality and actions left deep emotional scars on Elon. The elder Musk was reportedly domineering and at times emotionally abusive, instilling a sense of fear and inadequacy in his young son.
In various interviews, Elon has described his father as "a terrible human being" and recounted instances where Errol would make life miserable for everyone around him. This tumultuous relationship reached a peak when Errol fathered a child with his own stepdaughter, a scandal that shocked the family and further alienated Elon from his father. The emotional toll of these experiences fueled Elon’s drive to prove himself, to escape his father’s shadow, and to build a legacy that was entirely his own.
Elon Musk's journey to America began with a deep-seated belief that the United States was the place where he could truly achieve his dreams. Growing up in South Africa, Musk was intensely aware of the limitations imposed by the country's socio-political environment, especially during the apartheid era. As a teenager, he became obsessed with the idea of moving to the U.S., viewing it as the land of opportunity where anyone with enough determination and ingenuity could make a mark on the world.
At the age of 17, Musk made the bold decision to leave South Africa for Canada, where his mother, Maye, was born. He obtained Canadian citizenship through his mother, which provided a pathway to eventually reaching the United States. With just a backpack and a few thousand dollars, Musk arrived in Canada, staying with relatives while he figured out his next steps.
The Rise: From Takeovers to Tech Titan
After graduating from Penn University, Musk briefly pursued a Ph.D. in applied physics at Stanford University, but he dropped out after just two days, realizing that the internet boom held more immediate potential for changing the world. His decision to leave Stanford was a gamble, but it reflected Musk’s instinct for recognizing pivotal moments in technology and his desire to be at the forefront of innovation.
Musk moved to Silicon Valley with his brother, Kimbal, and together they set out to create their first tech venture. They lived in a small office, showering at the local YMCA, and worked tirelessly to develop the software that would eventually become Zip2. The idea behind Zip2 was to create an online city guide for newspapers, a concept that was ahead of its time. Musk’s vision was to help businesses transition from traditional advertising to digital platforms, laying the groundwork for what would become a digital revolution in local commerce.
After selling Zip2 for nearly $300 million, Musk's next big move was into the financial technology sector with X.com, which would later become PayPal. While Musk is often credited as a PayPal founder, the reality is more complex. PayPal was originally founded by Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek. Musk's company, X.com, merged with PayPal, and after a power struggle, Musk was ousted as CEO by the board in favor of Thiel. However, Musk’s financial gain from the sale of PayPal to eBay in 2002 provided the capital needed for his next ventures, Tesla and SpaceX.
Tesla, too, is a company where Musk’s role as “founder” is often overstated. Tesla was actually founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003. Musk joined later as an investor and led the company’s first major funding round, which eventually gave him the leverage to take control. Eberhard was forced out in 2007, and Musk assumed the mantle of CEO, pushing Tesla toward mass-market electric vehicles. Under Musk's leadership, Tesla is shooting for full autonomous self-driving which would revolutionize transportation for the foreseeable future.
Musk was also originally involved in the founding of OpenAI, a research organization aimed at ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. However, differences in vision and governance led to Musk stepping away from the organization in 2018. Musk’s departure was reportedly due to disagreements over the direction of the company and his desire to take control, a pattern that had already emerged in his previous ventures. After leaving OpenAI, Musk became increasingly critical of the organization and artificial intelligence in general, positioning himself as a lone voice of reason amidst what he portrayed as a reckless industry.
SpaceX, Musk’s foray into space exploration, was perhaps his most genuine passion project. The idea for SpaceX was born out of Elon Musk's fascination with space and his deep concern for humanity's long-term survival. After selling PayPal in 2002, Musk had the financial resources to pursue his dream of making humanity a multi-planetary species. His initial plan was to send a small greenhouse to Mars, dubbed the "Mars Oasis," to inspire public interest in space exploration and secure increased funding for NASA. However, during a trip to Russia to purchase refurbished ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) to use as launch vehicles, Musk encountered difficulties—Russian officials mocked him, and the price was too high.
SpaceX's early days were fraught with challenges. The company operated out of a small warehouse in El Segundo, California, where a team of young engineers worked tirelessly to develop the Falcon 1 rocket. Musk was hands-on, often working 80 to 100 hours a week and demanding the same dedication from his team. His leadership style was intense, pushing his engineers to innovate quickly and solve problems on the fly.
As SpaceX conquered the challenges of rocket development, Musk also envisioned a global satellite internet network—Starlink. The idea was to deploy thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet access across the globe, particularly in remote or underserved areas. The first batch of Starlink satellites was launched in May 2019, and by 2021, SpaceX had deployed over 1,500 satellites, rapidly expanding coverage. While initially met with skepticism, Starlink quickly proved its value, especially in areas with limited connectivity options.
One of the most significant and unexpected uses of Starlink emerged during the Ukraine war in 2022. As Russian forces invaded Ukraine, they targeted critical infrastructure, including communications networks, to disrupt the Ukrainian government and military operations. In response to a plea from Ukrainian officials, Musk activated Starlink service over Ukraine and sent thousands of Starlink terminals to the country, providing a lifeline for communication in the midst of chaos.
Starlink proved to be a game-changer. Ukrainian forces, as well as civilians, used the network to maintain communication, coordinate defense efforts, and share real-time updates with the world. It allowed the Ukrainian military to operate drones, coordinate artillery strikes, and ensure continuous communication even as Russian forces attempted to jam traditional communication channels. The resilience and reliability of Starlink underlined its potential as a critical tool in modern warfare, earning Musk both praise and controversy for his involvement.
For many years, Musk was seen as a visionary who could inspire teams to accomplish the impossible. His drive to disrupt industries and challenge the status quo won him admiration and respect, even as his management style grew increasingly demanding and his ambitions, grander. His group of companies—Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and Starlink—collectively and individually have reshaped industries and pushed the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy. SpaceX has not only revived interest in space exploration but also made significant strides toward making humanity a multi-planetary species. Neuralink is pioneering brain-machine interfaces that could transform the treatment of neurological conditions, while The Boring Company aims to redefine urban transportation with its innovative tunneling solutions. Starlink, through its global satellite network, is bridging the digital divide, providing internet access in remote areas and playing crucial roles in global events Together, these companies reflect Musk's ambition to tackle some of humanity's most pressing challenges, though they also highlight the complex interplay of innovation, controversy, and the immense impact of his vision on the future.
A Toxic Culture Maven
Musk is notorious for his relentless work ethic, which he expects his employees to match. At Tesla, SpaceX, and his other companies, Musk has frequently called for "all hands on deck" blitzes—periods of intense work where employees are expected to put in long hours, sometimes around the clock, to meet ambitious deadlines. These blitzes often come in response to crises or when Musk wants to push through a significant milestone, such as ramping up production of the Tesla Model 3 or preparing for a crucial SpaceX launch.
At Tesla, reports of a toxic workplace became particularly prominent during the Model 3 production ramp-up. Employees described an environment where unrealistic deadlines were the norm, and those who couldn't keep up were often let go. The pressure was so intense that some employees claimed they had to choose between their jobs and their health, with several reporting stress-related illnesses and injuries.
Similarly, at SpaceX, the push to achieve seemingly impossible goals has created a high-stakes atmosphere. While many employees are driven by a shared sense of purpose and the excitement of working on cutting-edge technology, the toll it takes is significant. Former SpaceX employees have reported a "burnout culture," where the relentless pace and long hours are celebrated, but at the cost of personal well-being and job satisfaction.
Musk’s management style, which often includes public criticism of employees who don’t meet his expectations, has also been cited as a factor contributing to the toxic environment. While some thrive under the pressure and view Musk’s demands as part of what makes his companies successful, others find the environment unsustainable, leading to high turnover rates and frequent burnout.
While Musk’s intense focus and high expectations have led to groundbreaking achievements, they have also contributed to what many ex-employees describe as a toxic work environment. At Tesla and SpaceX, former employees have spoken out about the extreme pressure, fear of failure, and the lack of work-life balance. Some describe a culture where employees are constantly on edge, afraid to speak up or challenge Musk’s directives for fear of being reprimanded or fired.
The Radicalization of a Titan
As Musk’s empire expanded, cracks began to show in his public image. His leadership style became increasingly authoritarian, with reports of toxic work environments at both Tesla and SpaceX. Employees described a culture of fear, where failure was not an option and dissent was not tolerated. These issues were compounded by Musk’s public behavior, which began to reveal a more erratic and self-centered personality.
Elon Musk’s political trajectory—from being one of President Barack Obama’s biggest advocates to aligning more closely with the values and rhetoric associated with former President Donald Trump—illustrates a significant shift not only in his political stance but also in his broader worldview. This evolution can be seen as reflective of a deeper transformation in Musk’s character, moving from a focus on serving humanity to a more self-centered, ego-driven approach that aligns with the traits of growing megalomania.
This shift in Musk’s political alignment can be seen as part of a broader transformation in his approach to leadership and innovation. In the Obama years, Musk’s work was often framed as serving humanity—whether through advancing electric vehicles to combat climate change, promoting space exploration as a means of ensuring humanity’s long-term survival, or supporting renewable energy initiatives. His focus was on leveraging technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, with a vision that extended beyond his personal interests.
However, as Musk’s wealth and influence grew, so did his sense of invincibility and self-importance. His increasing alignment with Trump’s ideology reflects a shift toward a more self-serving approach, where maintaining his own power, autonomy, and public image took precedence over the broader social good. Musk’s actions, such as his public attacks on unions, his disregard for safety regulations, and his growing hostility toward progressive causes, suggest a pivot from a mission-driven leader to one more
concerned with preserving his own freedom to operate without constraints.
This shift is emblematic of growing megalomania, where Musk’s sense of self and his belief in his own ideas began to overshadow the collective ideals he once championed. His rhetoric against the "woke mind virus" and DEI initiatives further illustrates this transformation, as he increasingly viewed progressive policies not as opportunities to improve society, but as threats to his own autonomy and business interests.
Musk’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed his growing detachment from the ideals he once espoused. In the early days of the pandemic, Musk downplayed the severity of the virus, calling the panic "dumb" and predicting that the number of cases would drop to zero by April 2020—an assessment that was wildly inaccurate. His public defiance of lockdown orders and criticism of government interventions not only alarmed public health experts but also raised questions about his priorities. Despite the clear danger posed by the virus, Musk reopened Tesla’s Fremont factory in defiance of local regulations, putting his employees at risk and setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle.
This period marked a significant shift in Musk’s public persona. Once seen as a forward-thinking entrepreneur focused on collective well-being, Musk increasingly adopted a libertarian stance that prioritized personal freedom over public health. His skepticism of the pandemic measures, coupled with his embrace of conspiracy theories about government overreach, alienated many of his early supporters. What was once seen as quirky individualism now appeared as a dangerous disregard for collective responsibility.
Musk's well-documented disregard for work-life balance is not just a hallmark of his personal ethos but also a lens through which he views broader workplace dynamics, including progressive initiatives like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Musk’s approach to business and innovation is characterized by a relentless focus on productivity, efficiency, and the pursuit of ambitious goals, often at the expense of personal well-being. This mindset profoundly shapes his perspective on DEI, which he tends to see as distractions or impediments to what he considers the core mission of his companies.
Concurrently, Musk's rhetoric against "woke" culture and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives became more strident. He began referring to progressive movements as a “mind virus” that threatened society, doubling down on his opposition to what he perceived as a growing culture of political correctness. This shift further alienated him from the progressive communities that had once celebrated his efforts to combat climate change and advance human knowledge.
Musk’s increasingly radical stance against DEI and “woke” culture was not just a philosophical position but became a core part of his public identity. He criticized companies that embraced DEI initiatives, suggesting that they were part of a broader effort to impose social agendas at the expense of merit and innovation. His comments sparked outrage and further polarized his image, with many seeing his anti-DEI stance as a betrayal of the inclusive, forward-thinking ethos that had originally defined Tesla and SpaceX.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk and Tesla have faced multiple lawsuits from African American employees alleging racial discrimination and harassment at the company's factories, particularly at the Fremont, California plant. The most prominent case involved Owen Diaz, a former elevator operator at Tesla's Fremont factory, who sued the company in 2017, alleging that he had been subjected to severe racial harassment. Diaz claimed that he and other Black workers were regularly called racial slurs, and he witnessed racist graffiti in restrooms and common areas. He also alleged that Tesla supervisors failed to stop the abuse and that the company did not take adequate action to address the hostile work environment.
In 2021, a jury awarded Diaz $137 million in damages—a staggering amount intended to send a strong message about the severity of the harassment and the company's failure to address it. The award included $6.9 million in compensatory damages for emotional distress and $130 million in punitive damages. However, in 2022, a federal judge reduced the award to $15 million, while still acknowledging the egregious nature of the discrimination Diaz faced.
Musk’s personal response to these issues has been scrutinized as well. In an email sent to employees in 2017, Musk reportedly urged employees to be "thick-skinned" about offensive comments but also stated that those who are "mean" could expect to be fired. This response was criticized for appearing to downplay the seriousness of racial harassment and for not adequately addressing the systemic nature of the issues raised. The lawsuits have had a significant impact on Tesla's public image, particularly among those concerned with corporate responsibility and workplace equality. While Tesla remains a leader in electric vehicle production and innovation, these legal battles have highlighted serious flaws in its corporate culture and have led to calls for greater accountability.
After acquiring Twitter (now X) in 2022, one of his first moves was to significantly reduce the company's workforce, including many of the teams dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This action was part of a broader restructuring that Musk framed as a necessary step to streamline the company and restore its profitability. However, this dismantling of DEI initiatives also aligned with Musk's increasingly vocal stance against what he referred to as the "woke mind virus."
Musk did not shy away from flaunting these changes. He frequently took to Twitter to express his disdain for "woke" culture, which he often described as a "mind virus" that threatened free speech and innovation. In various tweets, Musk mocked DEI initiatives, suggesting that they were more about enforcing a particular ideological conformity than about genuinely improving workplace fairness or inclusivity. For instance, in response to criticism about the layoffs, Musk tweeted about the importance of meritocracy over identity politics, implying that the emphasis on DEI at companies like Twitter was misguided and had hindered the platform's performance. This rhetoric resonated with some of his followers who shared his skepticism of progressive social policies but alarmed many who saw it as a step backward in creating a more equitable and inclusive tech industry.
Personal Struggles: The Fracturing of Family Ties
Elon Musk’s personal life has been as complex and tumultuous as his professional career, often reflecting the same intensity, unpredictability, and disregard for conventional boundaries. Many of his relationships, whether romantic or familial, often seem to reflect his broader love of chaos—a characteristic that appears both in his personal life and his business ventures. His marriages to Talulah Riley, whom he married and divorced twice, and his complex relationship with musician Grimes, with whom he shares several children, are further examples of this pattern.
From his relationships with high-profile figures like Amber Heard to the controversial decision to have children with an employee, Musk’s personal choices reveal a pattern of behavior that is marked by a love of chaos and an apparent detachment from the consequences of his actions on others. These relationships are often marked by intense emotional swings, unconventional dynamics, and a disregard for traditional norms.
Musk’s approach to relationships mirrors his approach to business: intense, driven, and often leaving a trail of disruption in its wake. He seems to thrive on the energy and conflict that come with these high-stakes, emotionally charged situations. This love of chaos can be seen in the way he manages his companies, where he often creates or embraces crises as a means of driving innovation and pushing boundaries.
However, this chaos has personal costs. Musk’s relationships are often short-lived or fraught with difficulties, and his children, particularly those from his previous marriages, may experience the fallout from his unconventional lifestyle and choices. Despite his success in the business world, Musk’s personal life remains a realm of unpredictability, where his pursuit of excitement and his resistance to conventional boundaries frequently lead to public and private turmoil.
This is particularly evident in his relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. In 2022, Vivian legally changed her name and gender, and publicly distanced herself from Musk, citing a desire to sever ties with him. This estrangement highlighted Musk’s inability to reconcile his public image with the private realities of his family life. Rather than responding with empathy, Musk dismissed his daughter’s decisions as being influenced by “woke” ideologies, further isolating himself from those closest to him.
These ruptures in Musk’s family reflects a broader pattern in his life—a refusal to engage with perspectives that challenge his own, and a tendency to view dissent as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for growth. The loss of connection with his daughter is perhaps one of the most tragic consequences of Musk’s descent into megalomania, revealing the human cost of his single-minded pursuit of power and control.
The Double-Edged Sword of Power
Elon Musk's journey from a progressive, idealistic entrepreneur to a figure increasingly consumed by his own power and ego serves as a cautionary tale. His early successes were driven by a genuine desire to solve humanity’s greatest challenges, but as his influence grew, so did his detachment from those original ideals. The transformation from a visionary leader to a prickly, sensitive, and radical individual illustrates the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and the dangers of surrounding oneself with yes-men and sycophants.
Musk’s work has undeniably pushed the boundaries of what is possible, from Tesla’s electric vehicles revolution to SpaceX’s advancements in space travel. However, when innovation is driven by ego rather than collective benefit, there is a risk that decisions may prioritize personal glory over sustainable, long-term progress. Projects could become more about creating spectacle or asserting dominance rather than addressing the nuanced, systemic challenges they claim to solve.
Musk’s immense wealth and control over key industries place extraordinary power in the hands of one individual. If that individual is driven by self-interest and a desire for control, rather than by a commitment to collective progress, it could lead to a concentration of resources and decision-making power that undermines democratic processes and public accountability. This centralization of power can distort markets, influence government policies, and potentially exacerbate inequality.
As the owner of a major social media platform, Musk has the ability to shape public discourse on a global scale. A megalomaniac’s control over such a platform could lead to the manipulation of information, suppression of dissenting voices, or the promotion of ideas that serve personal interests rather than the public good. This could undermine trust in public institutions, fuel polarization, and contribute to the erosion of objective truth in public discourse.
Today, Musk’s legacy is at a crossroads. He could continue down the path of megalomania, prioritizing his own power and sense of self-worth over the broader good. Or, he could rediscover the values that once made him a symbol of progress and innovation, reconnecting with the principles that guided him in the early days of his career. The story of Elon Musk is not yet finished, but it is a stark reminder that even the brightest minds can lose their way if they lose sight of what truly matters.
Omar L. Harris is the managing partner at Intent Consulting, a firm dedicated to improving employee experience and organizational performance and author of Leader Board: The DNA of High-Performance Teams; The Servant Leader's Manifesto; Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss: Leadership in the Era of Corporate Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Leading Change: The 4 Keys; Hire the Right W.H.O.M.: Sourcing the Right Team DNA Every Time; and The J.E.D.I. Leader's Playbook: The Insider's Guide to Eradicating Injustices, Eliminating Inequities, Expanding Diversity, and Enhancing Inclusion available for purchase in ebook, print, and audio on Amazon.com. Please follow him Instagram, Twitter, and/or his website for more information and engagement.
Comments