Genes
Scientist have identified a number of genes that are associated with higher intelligence including genes linked to cognitive and language processing. These genes help the individual to problem solve, analyze and plan. People with higher levels of these genes tend to be more successful in understanding and controlling the environment. The existing studies suggest that these genes could be inherited to some extent which suggests that future Elon Musk’s may have similar abilities.
Education
Education plays a critical role in an individual’s success. People with access to high-quality education are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to grow their careers. Elon Musk was fortunate to have a good education and he put it to work in the tech industry. A person without access to a good education may have difficulties competing in the positions created by Musk. As such, it is important for the next Musk to come from a background where good education is easily accessible.
Opportunity
Opportunity is another significant factor in an individual’s success. Musk was able to build his business empire due to the opportunity provided by the tech industry in the early 2000s. Without the same level of opportunity, it would have been very difficult for him to become the success he is today. As such, the future Musk should come from a background where they have access to the same level of opportunity which allowed Musk to reach his current position.
Personality
In addition to genes and education, individuals also require the right personality characteristics to be successful. Elon Musk is described as a driven and determined person, characteristics necessary to achieve such a high level of success. The next Musk should also embody these traits if they are to achieve such a feat. Individuals with the right combination of drive and determination tend to work hard and make remarkable achievements in their endeavours.
Persuasiveness
In addition to having a good education and personality, the future Musk must also be persuasive. Innovators need to be able to convince potential investors and partners of their project in order for them to succeed. Elon Musk was able to use his networks and charisma to convince banks and venture capital firms to invest in him and his projects. The next Musk should also possess this ability to gain the confidence of investors and partners.
Risk Taking
Risk taking is an important trait to have in order to be successful in the world of business. Elon Musk has made a number of bold moves throughout his career and these have often paid off. The next Musk should also be willing and able to take calculated risks in order to achieve success. Successful individuals often understand the importance of taking risks and they tend to make the right decisions when faced with them.
Skills
In addition to the traits mentioned above, future Elon Musks should have a number of skills in order to be successful. Firstly, they should be tech-savvy and familiar with new and emerging technologies. Secondly, they should have the ability to analyse and comprehend complex information quickly. Lastly, they should be able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
Mentorship
The right mentorship can be an important factor in an individual’s success. Elon Musk had a number of mentors in his life who showed him the way. People like Larry Page and Jeff Bezos taught him the importance of understanding his market and making bold decisions. A good mentor for the next Musk could teach them the same principles and help guide them to success.
Entrepreneurship
Business leaders need to be able to think strategically and act quickly to succeed, a trait that Elon Musk has been able to master. The next Musk should also look to become a good entrepreneur, creating and managing projects from scratch. Individuals who have been successful in this area have been able to develop new business opportunities and identify unexplored markets. Such traits would benefit the future Musk in the same way they benefitted Musk.
Network
Building strong networks can be of critical importance in the business world. People with strong connections are often able to acquire resources, access opportunities and gain capital easier than those with less connected networks. Networking is a skill that Elon Musk was able to develop throughout his career which helped him find success. As such, the next Musk should work to build strong networks in their respective field to gain the same advantages.
Innovation
Innovators are able to develop and implement ideas that no one else has thought of, a trait that Elon Musk is renowned for. People who possess such a trait can make dramatic changes to an industry in a relatively short period of time. As such, another key ingredient the next Musk must possess is the ability to think innovatively and develop ideas that others have not thought.
Leadership
Being able to lead is vital in business. Leaders understand the importance of delegation and they are able to motivate people to pursue a specific goal. Elon Musk was able to develop his leadership skills throughout his career and this enabled him to succeed. As such, the future Musk should possess such traits if they are to achieve any level of success in the industry.