You’ve got the heritage, the engineering prowess, and the brand loyalty. But to catch up with Tesla, you need to think differently—radically differently.
First, poach Tesla talent. Bring their best minds into your fold, and let them inject that startup DNA into your company.
Next, split your EV division from the old guard. Let them move fast and obsess over the customer experience. Create a new entity if you must, and give these people stock options. Make them rich. Incentivize them to push the boundaries, just like Tesla did.
Create a hybrid board—new tech visionaries alongside your legacy experts. Tesla doesn’t have what you have: decades of experience. Use it, but don’t let it slow you down. Your legacy management? Upskill them, rebirth them. They must learn to love this new world, find new roles, and apply their old skills in innovative ways. That’s your edge.
Partner with startups. Invest in them, acquire them, but don’t smother them. Let them keep their culture. You need that fresh energy, that raw creativity.
Forget traditional German engineering thinking. It’s no longer about perfection; it’s about being ruthlessly customer-focused. Go out there, talk to your customers, hire world-class product managers from the U.S. and China who know how to innovate for the customer. I fell in love with Tesla when I found a simple dog mode that kept the interior comfortable for my pet. That’s the kind of thinking you need—small details that win big loyalty.
Think ahead. Don’t just chase what’s hot now. Be the ones who define what’s hot in 2-5 years. And make your communication as sexy as your cars. Elon’s style might not be European, but your communication and branding experts can craft something uniquely compelling.
Finally, revive your classic designs with a high-tech twist. Don’t be afraid to blend the old with the new. And remember, test new ideas fast, and kill them faster if they don’t work. Speed is your friend; hesitation is your enemy.
The future isn’t just coming—it’s here. Be bold, be brave, and remember: the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
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