In a recent discussion, journalist Andrew Sorkin expressed his intention to unveil the genuine side of Tesla CEO Elon Musk during their interview at the 2023 DealBook Summit. This interaction gained notable attention, especially when Musk shared candid remarks directed at advertisers contemplating withdrawing their support from his social media platform, X.
In an appearance on Boardroom’s Cover Story on November 3, Sorkin emphasized the goal of “showing the true Elon” by exploring various facets of Musk’s personality. He remarked that it was essential to present different versions of the billionaire during the conversation to provide a comprehensive portrayal.
Reflecting on Musk’s comments about advertisers, Sorkin indicated that he was not taken aback by the CEO’s remarks, acknowledging that Musk was speaking from a place of difficulty. Sorkin noted, “I wanted to show the true Elon. I wanted to showcase different versions of the CEO during the interview.”
To prepare for the interview, Sorkin recollected reading Musk’s description of his thought process, where he likened his mind to a “storm.” This insight prompted Sorkin to incorporate it into their dialogue, leading to a compelling conversation.
Sorkin further articulated his views on the media landscape, stating, “I think the news business, across the board, oftentimes everybody feels like a character – they feel like it’s black or it’s white… everything’s gray.”
During the interview, Musk also revealed advancements in ad targeting technology for X, which aims to enhance user personalization. He highlighted the innovative use of xAI’s Grok for AI-driven matching, which aligns users’ interests with relevant products and services, promising a more efficient advertising experience.
Despite these technological strides, X faced internal challenges, with John Nitti, the global head of revenue operations and advertising innovation, resigning from his position after less than a year. This departure added to a growing list of executive exits from Musk’s various enterprises.
In related news, SpaceX’s Starlink has made waves by launching a new, economical internet plan priced at $40 per month in the United States. This offering guarantees unlimited data with speeds capped at 100 Mbps, although it is currently rolled out in select areas.
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As Musk continues to navigate the complexities of running multiple high-profile companies, he remains a polarizing figure, bringing both technological advancements and controversies to the forefront of public discourse. The 2023 DealBook Summit interview stands as a reflection of Musk’s multifaceted personality, as unveiled by Sorkin’s probing questions and desire to depict a more rounded version of the entrepreneur.
With the ongoing shifts in his companies, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect Musk’s standing in the business world and the evolving landscape of technology and advertising.
