Change Laws If They Hinder the Goal

When regulations block progress toward important goals, Musk works to change them rather than accepting them as immutable constraints.

• Identify regulatory barriers. Pinpoint the specific regulations blocking progress toward mission-critical goals.
• Build a compelling case. Develop evidence-based arguments for why the regulations should change.
• Engage policymakers. Work directly with regulators and legislators to advocate for change.
• Mobilize public support. Generate public backing for regulatory changes that serve broader interests.

Tesla. Tesla fought China’s joint-venture requirements for foreign automakers, eventually securing permission to build Gigafactory Shanghai as a wholly-owned facility — the first of its kind in China.

This enabled Gigafactory Shanghai to be built and operated according to Tesla’s standards, becoming one of the company’s most productive facilities.

Apply it. Engage policymakers directly when regulations hinder innovation rather than accepting them as fixed constraints.