Can Tesla overcome its recent internal and external challenges? The recent and unexpected departure of Omid Afshar, a key figure in Tesla's Model 3 ramp-up and a long-standing executive, has sent shockwaves through the automotive world. His sudden exit has left many in the industry not just curious, but also deeply intrigued and eager for more details about the implications of his departure. While we don't have many details, a report from Automotive News says, "News of the exit has circulated internally among some employees in recent days, said the people, who asked not to be identified, discussing internal information. Afshar's name no longer appeared in an internal directory, two of the people said. The reason for the change and his plans weren't immediately clear." Afshar, a name synonymous with Tesla's tumultuous yet ultimately triumphant Model 3 ramp-up, is out. And it was a quiet firing that tells a story that things may not be rainbows and lollipops at Tesla. In this report, I'll speculate about the culture at Tesla, discussing how success is fleeting and revealing what I've discovered about the high price one pays to achieve it. Omid Afshar reveals what it was like inside Tesla. For those who have tracked Tesla's meteoric rise, Afshar wasn't just another name on an organizational chart; he was a visible, often vocal presence, particularly during what Omead Afshar describes in his X post as "Model 3 hell." Afshar's own social media posts painted a vivid picture of unwavering dedication, frequently placing him alongside Musk during critical moments. His commitment, chronicled through spending holidays and countless late nights pushing the boundaries of what seemed possible, particularly in 2018 when the Model 3 was the do-or-die mission, is a testament to his unwavering dedication. Omead says on X post, I was with Elon nearly every single day during the Model 3 development phase. This included Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, his birthday, and almost missing his brother's wedding. He left the factory to fly straight there, barely making it as he was helping resolve production challenges and being present with the associates and the whole team. From countless firsthand experiences, I cannot begin to describe the immense personal sacrifice and commitment made by Elon directly from the front line. I took the photo below on the day of his birthday, close to midnight. We were stationed at Paint Ingress, Station 1911, resolving a constraint that affected the entire production system. The tenacity and willingness to perform any job, driving us to excel, are unwavering. When I started Giga Texas, Elon slept on-site for some time. His direct ask, which people on the team didn't even believe at first: "Your goal is not to let me sleep. The machines must run continuously, 24/7. It was an awesome fire to have lit and drove us all. From the initial site, you see below with mining pits that were 30' deep to producing 1,000 cars a week in less than 2 years. It was an intense, almost cult-like commitment to be high on the Tesla chain. Omead Afshar's recounting of being "with Elon nearly every single day during Model 3 hell," sacrificing personal milestones like holidays and even nearly missing a family wedding, speaks volumes about the intense, almost cult-like commitment often demanded within Tesla's inner circle. This wasn't just a job for Afshar. By his own account, it was his all-consuming life. However, there is a price to be paid for achieving such success. Let's break from Omead Afshar for a minute, but it will give a glimpse of what life at Tesla was like. The Cost of the Climb It's a seductive trap for the driven: your job isn't just what you do; it becomes who you are. The lines blur, and suddenly, success isn't a goal; it's your entire identity. This all-consuming pursuit, while shiny on the surface, exacts a brutal toll on the very foundations of a fulfilling life, highlighting the need for a healthy work-life balance. The Erosion of Connection Personal relationships are often the first casualty of an all-consuming professional life. Friends and family, the bedrock of our support system, bear the brunt of this imbalance. Time, energy, and emotional availability—finite resources that should nourish these bonds—are relentlessly siphoned off by work. What's left for loved ones is often a depleted shell, leading to strained connections, growing distance, and, ultimately, a chilling sense of isolation. The Body Keeps the Score Equally imperiled is our health. The relentless grind of long hours, chronic stress, and unyielding pressure to perform inevitably manifests in both physical and mental ailments. Sleep deprivation, hurried and unhealthy eating habits, a glaring absence of exercise, and the insidious creep of anxiety and depression become constant companions in an all-consuming professional life. Advertising