Overview
Elon Musk is the face of modern entrepreneurship, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, Tesla and Neuralink. His ambition is limitless and his success is second to none. As such, interviewing him is a great opportunity to explore the methods and motivations behind his work and get an insight into Elon’s mindset.In this article, we’ll look at the basics of interviewing Elon Musk and what you should focus on, as well as some techniques for getting the most out of the conversation. We’ll also consider the importance of connecting with Elon on a personal level, which can be crucial in any successful interview.
Preparing For the Interview
When you’re interviewing Elon Musk, it’s important to do your research. While most interviewees will prepare some notes before the interview, when it comes to Elon, there are no half measures. You should read up on his personal background, work history and current projects, so that you understand the context in which his answers will be based.
Also, it’s important to be aware of the personal intentions behind Elon’s work. How does he view himself and the impact he’s had? What are his hopes and dreams for the future? These sentiments can be the key to getting personal insight into the man himself.
During the Interview
Elon is renowned for being open and level-headed during interviews, so the key is to ask pertinent questions that relate to his motivations and interests. You should also be aware of the possible challenges of interviewing Elon.
The first is that he is often a busy man and can be quite short when responding to questions. In order to make sure you don’t lose his attention, try to keep your questions concise and relevant. Furthermore,aim to ask questions that have direct answers, as Elon feels most comfortable providing direct responses to issues.
The second challenge is that Elon is a master of detail, and can often drift off into details that may seem irrelevant to the discussion. Make sure you stick to the topic of the discussion and move on quickly when necessary.
Connecting With Elon Personally
The interview should also focus on connecting with Elon on a personal level. To do this aim to explore his preferences, goals and passion. Asking him about his experiences or his family, for example, can help in opening up a discussion and provide great personal insight into the man himself.
Finally, make sure your tone is respectful and light – steer away from confrontational or overly critical questions. After all, Elon is a busy man and will not appreciate having his time wasted.
Style & Approach
During the interview keep a conversational style and use open-ended questions to allow Elon to express himself further. Furthermore, focus on bringing out Elon’s professional and personal sides. Engage in meaningful conversations that focus on the topics, while remaining friendly and amiable.
Additionally, use active language and avoid passive, dull questions. Ask detailed questions that give Elon room to grow and explore his passions and experiences. Keep in mind that Elon enjoys talking about his work and accomplishments, so don’t be afraid to give him room to discuss these topics at length.
Cultural Humility
When interviewing Elon, it’s important to be mindful of his various cultural and social backgrounds. Although Elon is largely known as a tech mogul, he has also spent a lot of time working in other areas, so understanding and appreciating this is key.
In addition, instead of asking about his successes and accomplishments, ask Elon about his feedback, philosophies, and lessons learned throughout his career. Doing so will allow you to gain an understanding of Elon’s broader experience and how these experiences might influence his decisions now and in the future.
Presentation of Questions
It’s important to consider how you present your questions during the interview. Elon has a passion for data and evidence-based conversations and tends to respond better to this type of questioning. Therefore, when constructing questions, cite sources and evidence to back up your claims, rather than simply asking generic questions.
When it comes to asking questions, it’s important to employ some level of organisation. Begin by establishing background information and identifying the topic at hand, outlining the reasons why the topic is important. Once this has been established, deepen the conversation with questions related to the topic, which seek to delve deeper into Elon’s views.
Monitor Body Language
During the interview, it’s important to be aware of Elon’s body language. This can provide you with important clues about his mood and how he perceives the conversation. For instance, if Elon appears tense or reluctant to answer questions, you may want to change the topic or explore different angles of the conversation.
Keep in mind that Elon is a highly engaging individual and has been known to initiate conversation on his own. You may want to pause for a bit before asking questions to give him the opportunity to open the conversation with his own ideas and experiences.
Organise After the Interview
Once the interview has ended, it’s important to take some time to organise your notes and ideas. Make sure to review your notes and create an outline of the main points and topics discussed. This can be difficult, since Elon tends to discuss different topics in great detail, so make sure to jot down the essentials.
You should also consider writing down any follow-up questions you may have. If any sections of the discussion failed to hit their objective, you may want to research further to get a better understanding of those topics. Furthermore, you may deem some questions more pertinent than others and decide to focus more closely on these areas.
Record the Conversation
Although it’s not essential in most cases, it’s also a good idea to record the conversation. This can be done using simple recording equipment or just your smartphone. You can use the recording to transcribe important snippets of the conversation, such as a particularly insightful comment or quote.
It’s also useful to have a recording of the interview, as it allows you to revisit the conversation after the fact. This can be useful if you have additional questions or if you simply want to analyse Elon’s answers further.
Online Behaviour
When conducting an in-person interview, there is typically less need for online behaviour, however when interviewing Elon, it’s important to be aware of your online presence. This is especially pertinent in the event that part of the conversation is recorded and shared online.
Be mindful of what you’re sharing online and consider the repercussions of your words. Although you want to be honest and direct in your assessments, ensure that what you share is respectful and appropriate. Furthermore, it’s also important to be aware of any trolls or haters that may be tweeting during the interview, as they can shape the flavour of the conversation.
Stand Out
When interviewing Elon, the key is to stand out and make an impression. Elon is a person of action – he likes results and he appreciates hard work. Thus, it’s important to show commitment and enthusiasm, as well as a willingness to learn.
In addition, it’s also useful to make your interview memorable. Try to insert references to other conversations you’ve had with him or previous conversations he has had with members of the public. This can help to bridge the gap between you and make Elon feel more comfortable in the conversation.
Wrap Up
Interviewing Elon Musk is an incredible opportunity and one which should be approached with the utmost respect and preparation. It’s important to come prepared with questions, display cultural humility and ensure your online presence is appropriate. Furthermore, you should aim to stand out, connect personally with Elon and present questions with evidence-based arguments. If done properly, you can craft an interview with Elon that is memorable and insightful.
