Trump Will Be Bad for EVs But Could Be Good for Tesla, Analyst Says. Plus, Exxon Mobil, AppLovin, and More Stocks. — Barrons.com

Consumer stocks rose in late morning trading with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) up 0.2% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) adding 0.6%.

In sector news, online spending on Thanksgiving rose in line with expectations, reaching $6.1 billion, according to Adobe Analytics' holiday shopping data.

In corporate news, Tesla is likely to unlock $1 trillion worth of artificial intelligence and autonomous opportunity on prospects during President-elect Donald Trump's administration, Wedbush said. Tesla shares rose 1.8%.

Elon Musk, the entrepreneur behind Tesla , SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, once shared a piece of advice that offers a window into his relentless pursuit of improvement: “Pay attention to negative feedback and solicit it, particularly from friends. Hardly anyone does that, and it’s incredibly helpful.” This simple yet profound philosophy highlights how constructive criticism can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth—one that Musk has embraced throughout his career.

Feedback as a Catalyst for Success

In a world where praise often takes center stage, Musk’s insistence on seeking out negative feedback sets him apart. Rather than viewing criticism as a threat, Musk treats it as an opportunity to identify weaknesses and improve. This mindset has been integral to the success of his ventures, which often operate at the cutting edge of technology.

At Tesla, for example, feedback from customers and employees has played a pivotal role in refining the company’s electric vehicles. Musk has been known to personally respond to customer concerns, whether they involve issues with software updates, charging infrastructure, or vehicle performance. By actively listening to criticism, Tesla has been able to address pain points and deliver products that continue to set new standards in the automotive industry.

SpaceX: Learning Through Failure

Musk’s approach to feedback is perhaps most evident at SpaceX, where failure is treated as a learning experience. The company’s early rocket launches were plagued with setbacks, including multiple failed attempts to reach orbit. However, rather than being discouraged, Musk and his team analyzed the feedback from each failure to refine their designs and processes.

This iterative approach to problem-solving has led to groundbreaking achievements, such as the development of reusable rockets and the successful launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft. By paying close attention to what went wrong, SpaceX has been able to push the boundaries of space exploration and set the stage for missions to Mars.

A Culture of Open Communication

Musk’s emphasis on soliciting feedback extends to the internal culture of his companies. He encourages employees to speak up, challenge ideas, and share their perspectives—even if it means pointing out flaws in his own plans. This openness fosters an environment of innovation and accountability, where problems are addressed head-on rather than ignored.

At Neuralink, for instance, Musk has emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration as the team tackles the complex challenge of brain-machine interfaces. By encouraging honest feedback, Neuralink is able to refine its technology and move closer to its goal of revolutionizing how humans interact with machines.

Why Negative Feedback Matters

Musk’s advice to solicit negative feedback, particularly from friends, is rooted in the idea that honest critique is often more valuable than praise. While compliments can boost confidence, criticism highlights areas for improvement. Seeking feedback from trusted friends and colleagues adds another layer of insight, as they are more likely to provide candid and thoughtful responses.

This practice is rare because many people shy away from criticism, fearing that it will hurt their confidence or reputation. Musk’s willingness to embrace it demonstrates a unique resilience and a focus on long-term growth over short-term comfort.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Musk’s feedback philosophy offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to improve:

• Seek Out Criticism: Don’t wait for feedback to come to you—actively ask for it, especially from people whose opinions you trust.
• Separate Ego from Improvement: View criticism as an opportunity, not a personal attack.
• Act on Feedback: Use the insights you gain to make tangible changes and improvements.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a culture where constructive criticism is welcomed and valued.

Building a Legacy of Excellence

Musk’s focus on feedback has not only shaped his companies but also set an example for how leaders can foster continuous improvement. By paying attention to negative feedback and acting on it, Musk has demonstrated that no idea, product, or individual is ever truly finished—they can always be better.

The Power of Listening

Ultimately, Musk’s philosophy underscores the importance of listening. Whether it’s feedback from customers, employees, or friends, the willingness to hear and act on criticism is what separates those who stagnate from those who grow. For Musk, every piece of negative feedback is a stepping stone toward excellence—a reminder that innovation thrives not on perfection, but on the constant pursuit of improvement.

On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policyhere.

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Elon Musk, the trailblazer behind Tesla , SpaceX, and other groundbreaking ventures, once reflected on a pivotal moment in history: “When Henry Ford made cheap, reliable cars, people said, ‘Nah, what’s wrong with a horse?’ That was a huge bet he made, and it worked.” The comparison is more than just an observation—it’s a window into Musk’s own philosophy of innovation and risk-taking.

Henry Ford’s Legacy: A Blueprint for Transformation

Henry Ford’s introduction of the Model T in 1908 revolutionized transportation. Before the advent of affordable cars, horses and carriages were the norm, and the idea of replacing them seemed unfathomable to many. Ford’s innovation wasn’t just about creating a new product; it was about making that product accessible to the masses. By streamlining production with the assembly line, he slashed costs, made cars affordable for the average American, and transformed society.

Musk’s admiration for Ford stems from the parallels in their bold, visionary approaches. Both entrepreneurs have faced skepticism and significant risk, yet their willingness to bet on transformative ideas has reshaped industries.

Tesla: The Electric Vehicle Revolution

Much like Ford challenged the dominance of horses, Musk has taken on the entrenched automotive industry. When Tesla began producing electric vehicles (EVs), the idea of widespread adoption seemed far-fetched. Skeptics doubted whether EVs could compete with traditional gas-powered cars in terms of performance, range, and cost.

Tesla’s Model S, introduced in 2012, shattered those doubts, proving that EVs could be both high-performance and desirable. The subsequent launch of the more affordable Model 3 in 2017 mirrored Ford’s vision of making cars accessible to the average consumer. Today, Tesla has become synonymous with the EV revolution, leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.

Musk’s approach to EVs, however, didn’t stop at the vehicles themselves. Like Ford’s assembly line, Tesla’s Gigafactories are designed to make EV production scalable and cost-efficient, helping the company meet growing demand while driving down costs.

SpaceX: Redefining Space Exploration

Musk’s nod to Ford also reflects his work at SpaceX, where he has redefined the economics of space travel. When Musk proposed the idea of reusable rockets, many in the aerospace industry dismissed it as impractical. However, much like Ford bet on cars replacing horses, Musk bet on reusability as the key to making space travel more affordable and sustainable.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets, which can return to Earth and be reused for subsequent launches, have proven Musk’s gamble right. The company’s achievements—ranging from resupplying the International Space Station to planning missions to Mars—are laying the groundwork for a future where space exploration is no longer limited to governments and billion-dollar budgets.

The Common Thread: Betting on the Future

Musk’s comparison to Ford underscores the courage required to challenge the status quo. Both men faced critics who couldn’t envision the change they proposed. Ford had to convince a world accustomed to horses to embrace cars. Musk has had to persuade a fossil fuel-dependent society to adopt EVs and a skeptical aerospace community to embrace reusability.

Both Ford and Musk succeeded not just because of their innovations, but because they understood the transformative potential of accessibility. Ford made cars affordable to every household, while Musk is working to make EVs, renewable energy, and even space travel attainable for broader audiences.

Inspiring the Next Wave of Innovators

The parallels between Musk and Ford also serve as an inspiration to future entrepreneurs. The lesson is clear: transformative innovation requires bold bets, a willingness to take risks, and a belief in the long-term vision. Whether it’s developing technologies that redefine transportation, energy, or space exploration, the greatest innovations often start as ideas that seem improbable or even impossible.

From Horses to Rockets

Elon Musk’s reflection on Henry Ford is more than just a historical anecdote—it’s a rallying cry for those who dream of reshaping the world. By betting big on electric vehicles, sustainable energy, and interplanetary exploration, Musk is carrying forward Ford’s legacy of bold, visionary entrepreneurship. Both men remind us that the greatest advancements often begin with the simplest question: “What’s next?”

On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policyhere.

• Tesla is Disrupting The Automobile like Cars Disrupted Horses, Says Elon Musk, "When Henry Ford Made Cheap, Reliable Cars, People Said, ‘Nah, What’s Wrong With a Horse?"
• Elon Musk Says To Find a Reason To Look Forward to Tomorrow, "There Have to Be Reasons That You Get Up in the Morning and You Want to Live, What Do You Love About the Future?"
• Elon Musk: "If Things are Not Failing, You are Not Innovating Enough"
• Elon Musk Says To Do Stuff Even If You're Going to Fail, "When Something is Important Enough, You Do It Even If The Odds Are Not in Your Favor"

Elon Musk, a figure often synonymous with relentless innovation and boundary-pushing ideas, once posed a deeply personal question: “There have to be reasons that you get up in the morning and you want to live. Why do you want to live? What’s the point? What inspires you? What do you love about the future?” This introspective inquiry offers a glimpse into the mindset of one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs and the driving force behind his boldest ventures.

A Life Beyond Survival: Musk’s Vision for Humanity

Musk’s question challenges the notion of mere survival as a sufficient reason to live. For him, life’s meaning is found in striving for something greater—advancing humanity toward a brighter and more inspiring future. This philosophy is evident in the missions of his companies, which aim to solve existential problems and expand the boundaries of human possibility.

At SpaceX, Musk envisions a future where humanity is a multi-planetary species, no longer confined to Earth. Colonizing Mars is not just an ambitious dream but a way to secure the survival of humanity in the face of potential global catastrophes. For Musk, the prospect of interplanetary life is a source of inspiration—a reason to wake up each day and push forward against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Tesla: A Sustainable Future Worth Living For

At Tesla , Musk’s focus is on creating a sustainable future. The company’s electric vehicles (EVs), solar energy solutions, and battery technology are designed to reduce humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. Musk’s commitment to this cause goes beyond profit; it’s about ensuring that future generations inherit a planet capable of supporting life.

The innovations Tesla has introduced—such as long-range EVs, autonomous driving technology, and scalable energy storage—are not just products but stepping stones toward a world where sustainable living is the norm. Musk’s work is guided by a profound sense of responsibility and a belief that the future should be something we actively design, not passively accept.

The Future as an Endless Frontier

Musk’s question about what inspires people to live also touches on the role of curiosity and exploration. Projects like Neuralink, which aims to bridge the gap between humans and artificial intelligence, and The Boring Company, which seeks to revolutionize urban transportation, are testaments to his belief in the power of human ingenuity to shape the future.

For Musk, the unknown is a source of excitement rather than fear. His ventures consistently focus on answering big questions: How can we transcend our biological limitations? How can we solve the growing challenges of urbanization? These questions drive him to innovate, learn, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Musk’s vision extends beyond his own ambitions. By asking questions like “What do you love about the future?” he encourages others to find their own sources of inspiration and purpose. Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, science, or the arts, Musk believes everyone has the capacity to contribute to a better world.

This message resonates particularly with younger generations, who see in Musk a role model for challenging the status quo and pursuing audacious goals. His work serves as a reminder that the future is not predetermined—it’s something we create through vision, effort, and persistence.

The Answer Lies in Purpose

Elon Musk’s legacy is built not only on groundbreaking technologies but on his ability to ask fundamental questions about life and purpose. His inquiry into what makes life worth living is not just rhetorical; it’s a guiding principle that shapes his decisions and inspires his actions.

For Musk, the answer lies in creating a future that excites and inspires. Whether it’s exploring the cosmos, solving climate change, or enhancing human potential, Musk’s work is driven by a deep-seated belief that life’s meaning is found in the pursuit of something greater than oneself. In a world often consumed by short-term goals and incremental progress, Musk’s vision is a call to think bigger, dream bolder, and strive for a future we can all look forward to.

On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policyhere.

• Tesla is Disrupting The Automobile like Cars Disrupted Horses, Says Elon Musk, "When Henry Ford Made Cheap, Reliable Cars, People Said, ‘Nah, What’s Wrong With a Horse?"
• Elon Musk Says To Find a Reason To Look Forward to Tomorrow, "There Have to Be Reasons That You Get Up in the Morning and You Want to Live, What Do You Love About the Future?"
• Elon Musk: "If Things are Not Failing, You are Not Innovating Enough"
• Elon Musk Says To Do Stuff Even If You're Going to Fail, "When Something is Important Enough, You Do It Even If The Odds Are Not in Your Favor"