In a dramatic revelation from Tesla's turbulent past, a recently surfaced video exposes a moment in 2008 when the electric vehicle pioneer teetered on the edge of financial ruin. The crisis unfolded as CEO Elon Musk, simultaneously navigating a painful personal divorce, confronted his team over a critical flaw in the company's first car, the Tesla Roadster.
The "Screwed" Ultimatum: A Company on the Brink
The tense internal meeting, which included marketing executive Colette Niazmand, laid bare a terrifying reality. Niazmand informed Musk that customers had identified faults with the Roadster, and internal investigations confirmed the car was built with substandard parts. The situation was dire. Another executive delivered a chilling message: if the Roadster could not sustain the company by March, it would be the end.
Musk's response was a mix of stark fear and furious resolve. "We need to get the company to cash flow positive in six to nine months. Well, we're screwed," he declared, capturing the immense pressure. He emphasized the devastating cost of delay, stating each passing month was literally costing tens of millions of dollars. The mantra became "pedal to the metal" for survival.
Musk's Personal Storm: Divorce and Corporate Collapse
The professional crisis was deeply intertwined with Musk's personal life. His anger during the meeting was palpable when he demanded accountability. "I want names named," he insisted, warning that anyone consistently causing problems would not be part of the organization long-term. He bluntly added, "It's not okay to be a part of this company."
In a raw moment, Musk drew a parallel to his crumbling marriage, advising, "If somebody can't get happy, get divorced," and noting he was speaking from personal experience. This was a direct reference to his ongoing divorce from his first wife, Justine Musk. The couple, who married in 2000 and had six children together, finalized their divorce in 2008—the exact year both Tesla and his other venture, SpaceX, faced near-bankruptcy.
A History of High-Profile Splits and Moving Forward
Elon Musk's marital history is marked by multiple high-profile splits. After divorcing Justine, he married British actress Talulah Riley in 2010. Their first divorce came in 2012, but they remarried in 2013, only to divorce again in 2016. Musk has not married since but was later in a long-term relationship with musician Grimes, with whom he shares children.
The leaked 2008 meeting footage serves as a stark reminder of the perilous journey behind today's tech and automotive giant. It highlights a period where personal turmoil and corporate catastrophe collided, forcing Musk into a ruthless leadership stance to save his companies. The relentless drive displayed in that crisis meeting ultimately paved the way for Tesla's eventual turnaround, transforming it from a struggling startup into a global industry leader.
