Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk is known for his controversial social media posts, and even the company’s chair, Robyn Denholm, has had her fair share of surprises. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Denholm admitted to having “tough conversations” with Musk about his unexpected tweets. “If I had a magic wand, Twitter wouldn’t exist,” she quipped, highlighting the challenges she faces in managing the fallout from Musk’s online activity.
Handling a Contrarian Leader
Musk’s unpredictable social media behavior has long been a point of contention. Since acquiring Twitter (now X) in 2022, his posts have continued to stir controversy. Despite this, Denholm defends Musk, acknowledging his nature as a contrarian. “He’s a contrarian, and you can’t be a contrarian part of the time, so you’ve got to work with that as a board,” she explained. This perspective underscores the balancing act required to manage a visionary yet provocative leader.
The Impact of Musk’s Tweets
Denholm’s role as Tesla’s chair began in 2018, following Musk’s settlement with the SEC over his infamous “funding secured” tweet. This incident not only cost Musk $20 million in fines but also mandated a company lawyer to vet his posts about Tesla.
Despite these measures, Musk’s tweets continue to generate headlines and sometimes backlash, as seen last year when he supported an antisemitic post, calling it the “actual truth.” This action drew criticism from some of its investors, illustrating the ongoing challenges Denholm faces.
Navigating Tesla’s Future
Currently, Company is working to secure shareholder approval for Musk’s $55 billion pay package, which was recently struck down by a Delaware judge. Denholm is playing a crucial role in this effort, traveling globally to persuade shareholders. She acknowledges the difficulty ahead, describing the task as a “huge hill to climb.” Nonetheless, Denholm remains committed, having previously called Musk’s compensation “critical to the future success of Tesla.”
The Road Ahead
As Denholm continues to navigate the complexities of Musk’s leadership and the company’s ambitious goals, she remains a steadfast figure in company’s journey. Despite the controversies and challenges, her dedication to Tesla’s success is unwavering. The future promises further developments as Tesla seeks to balance innovation with responsible leadership.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment made outside normal working hours.
