'No-Nonsense Attitude': Former Tesla Employee Reveals What It's Like To Work For Elon Musk

Saiman Shetty recounted his time at Tesla, sharing rare insights into Elon Musk's leadership style and the transformative impact of his visionary approach to electric vehicles

What’s it like to work for the world’s richest person? For Saiman Shetty, a former Tesla employee who joined the company in 2016, the experience meant late-night emails, high-stakes expectations, and a deep sense of purpose instilled by none other than Elon Musk himself. In a recent Instagram post, Shetty recounted his time at Tesla, sharing rare insights into Musk's leadership style and the transformative impact of his visionary approach to electric vehicles.

Shetty described Musk's approach as both demanding and inspiring, attributing Musk’s dedication to sustainability as a driving force for employees. "I joined Tesla when it was Tesla Motors, and there were only a few people. We got hands-on experience and front-row seats to how Elon Musk turned his company into what it is today,” Shetty shared, highlighting the company's early days and the rapid pace of development under Musk's leadership.

Shetty outlined several leadership lessons he learned from Musk. In one instance, he highlighted Musk's "no-nonsense attitude," describing how Musk would often send direct, concise emails to prevent miscommunication. "Most of the time, especially when you're the boss, you need to cut through the nonsense and talk openly," Shetty wrote. "Elon addressed everyone directly in his emails, respecting everyone’s time and focusing on what mattered most."

Despite Musk's demanding expectations, Shetty noted how the CEO consistently expressed appreciation for his employees. "During my time at Tesla, Elon didn't make any employee feel unappreciated," Shetty recalled. "I still remember his emails at odd hours, expressing gratitude and pride in each and every one of us."

Beyond Musk's interpersonal style, Shetty highlighted Musk's ambitious vision for Tesla and the electric vehicle industry as a whole. "The guy worked nonstop and always strove for more. That passion and ambition make you a visionary, and Elon was definitely one," Shetty remarked, recounting how Musk’s drive to push sustainability forward permeated all levels of the company.

Shetty, who left Tesla in 2018 to start his own venture, Smart Green Card, concluded his post with a nod to Musk's influence: "Love or hate the guy, you have to admit he's doing something right.”

Shetty's reflections offer a rare, first-hand perspective on working under Musk and shed light on the culture of a company that has grown from a niche start-up to a major player in the automotive world.