Sequoia Capital partner Shaun Maguire shares 3 ways to succeed at one of Elon Musk’s companies
In a recent episode of the podcast “Relentless,” Shaun Maguire, a partner at Sequoia Capital, shared invaluable insights into what it takes to thrive at one of Elon Musk’s companies, such as SpaceX, The Boring Company, and xAI. Maguire, often referred to as the “Musk Whisperer” due to his close ties to Musk’s ventures, outlined three essential traits that employees should embody to succeed in Musk’s demanding environment. First and foremost, he emphasized the importance of competence and the willingness to take risks on one’s own abilities. Employees are encouraged to proactively volunteer for tasks while also recognizing their limits and knowing when to seek assistance from others. This balance of confidence and humility is crucial in a fast-paced and innovative setting.
Maguire also highlighted the necessity of deep knowledge and adaptability, urging employees to be prepared to answer complex questions that delve five levels deep into any topic. This depth of understanding allows individuals to navigate the intricate challenges that arise in Musk’s companies. Furthermore, loyalty is a significant factor, although Maguire clarified that it should not be blind loyalty. Instead, he stressed the importance of trusting the system and recognizing Musk’s unique vision, which often sets him apart from others in the industry. Maguire noted that Musk’s success is bolstered by a tight-knit group of about 20 long-term employees who have built a strong rapport with him, enabling them to anticipate his needs and preferences effectively.
Beyond employee traits, Maguire also discussed what Musk looks for in capital investors. He noted that investors should demonstrate a robust work ethic, maintain confidentiality, and remain committed through both prosperous and challenging times. Musk’s reputation for relentless work was underscored by his famous warning to Tesla engineers about the possibility of sleeping on the manufacturing line. Maguire also pointed out that Musk excels at attracting investors through high-profile events, such as the recent showcase of Optimus robots. Interestingly, Maguire drew parallels between Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, acknowledging Huang’s aggressive strategies and innovation in the tech space. This comparison came just before Nvidia reported impressive earnings, further highlighting the relevance of strategic leadership in today’s tech landscape.
Maguire revealed what Musk looks for in capital investors.
Win McNamee/Getty Images; BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
VC partner Shaun Maguire outlined key traits that help people succeed at an Elon Musk company.
He also named another tech CEO who has a lot in common with Musk.
Maguire has led investments in several Musk companies, including SpaceX.
If you want to succeed at one of
Elon Musk’s
companies, you might try listening to
Shaun Maguire
.
As a partner at Sequoia Capital, Maguire has led investments in several of Musk’s companies, including The Boring Company, xAI, and SpaceX. He said that three
key traits help people excel
at Musk’s businesses on an episode of “Relentless,” which aired on November 17.
Anyone who works for Musk can volunteer to take on a task, said Maguire, who
The Information
has dubbed the “Musk Whisperer.”
Continuously raising your hand and delivering will help you move up.
“Being extremely competent and being willing to bet on your own competence, and always delivering,” Maguire said on the podcast. “And knowing your limit.”
It’s OK, he said, to admit when you can’t do something, or when someone else might be better for the task.
“The next thing is very, very quickly learning that you need to go five levels deep,” Maguire said. “You need to be able to handle five levels of questions or so in anything.”
Lastly, Maguire said that loyalty is crucial — but that doesn’t mean ”
blind loyalty.
” Instead, he said it’s about trusting the system and that Musk “sees things other people don’t see.”
Though Maguire said Musk as an individual is hugely impressive, he added that part of the billionaire’s strength lies in “Elon the collective.” He didn’t name the group, but said it includes around 20 people who have worked for Musk for years and built tremendous trust.
“They can almost read his mind, and they know what he would want to have done in some situation,” Maguire said of the group.
Beyond that inner circle, Maguire said Musk looks for certain traits in capital investors: being willing to work hard, not letting information slip, and being there
through good and bad
.
“Most investors are leaky,” Maguire said. “This is a very low bar, but just
not leaking things
.”
Musk is famous for his
work ethic
and warned Tesla engineers last year that they might have to
sleep on the manufacturing line
at the Texas factory.
In turn, Maguire said Musk is good at attracting investors through marquee events, like when
Optimus robots
took center stage at an
event last year
.
For all that sets him apart, Maguire said Musk has “a lot in common” with another tech leader: Nvidia CEO
Jensen Huang
. Maguire said that he bought Nvidia stock in 1999 as a 13-year-old, but “underestimated” Huang at first.
“He’s really pushed his advantage in an incredible way, and he’s been so aggressive,” Maguire said. The podcast aired just one day before Nvidia reported
blowout earnings
.
Maguire
came under fire
earlier this year for comments he made calling New York City mayoral elect
Zohran Mamdani
an “Islamist.” Musk was among those who came to Maguire’s
defense
as other tech leaders criticized him.
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