Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #35

Abstract Elon Musk stands as one of the most influential and transformative business leaders of the 21st century. As the founder and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has revolutionized both the automotive and aerospace industries through his ambitious vision and innovative leadership approach. His leadership style combines audacious goal-setting with hands-on technical involvement and a relentless drive for breakthrough innovation.
At Tesla, he transformed the perception of electric vehicles from niche products to desirable mainstream automobiles. At SpaceX, he disrupted the aerospace industry by developing reusable rockets and dramatically reducing the cost of space launches. Musk's leadership approach has drawn criticism for its intensity and occasional volatility. His management style can be demanding and unorthodox, often pushing organizations and employees to their limits. Yet this same intensity has enabled his companies to overcome significant technical and business challenges that many considered insurmountable.
Through his leadership of multiple groundbreaking companies, Musk has demonstrated how visionary leadership combined with technical expertise can drive transformative innovation. Musk's leadership legacy will likely be defined by his ability to turn seemingly impossible visions into market-changing realities.