Former Tesla Manager on Brand Damage and Internal Struggles Under Elon Musk

Departure from Tesla

• 💡 Matthew LaBrot, a former Tesla sales manager, details his departure after publishing an anonymous letter titled "Tesla Employees Against Elon."
• 📌 LaBrot explains that the letter, compiled from conversations with numerous employees, highlighted brand destruction as the primary issue, not the products or teams.
• 🚀 Despite efforts to remain anonymous, LaBrot was terminated within 48 hours, reportedly for using company resources, though he disputes this.

Impact of Elon Musk's Political Stance

• 🎯 LaBrot discusses how Elon Musk's increasing political activity and endorsement of Donald Trump have alienated a significant portion of Tesla's customer base.
• ⚠️ He notes a shift in customer sentiment, particularly among first-time EV buyers and those who align with environmental missions but not extreme political views.
• 📉 Sales data, including a lack of backlog and the need for promotional APRs and FSD transfers, indicated a slowdown that LaBrot attributes, in part, to these brand issues.

Internal Culture and Communication

• 💬 Employees privately acknowledged concerns about Musk's behavior, often through side messages on Teams or small group conversations, but these issues were not openly discussed in larger meetings.
• 🧠 LaBrot highlights the internal unease of employees who recognize Musk's achievements but also see his identity as potentially harming Tesla's future.
• 🗣️ He describes feeling empowered to speak up in smaller settings, receiving supportive private messages from senior employees who felt unable to voice their concerns publicly.

Cybertruck and Brand Messaging

• 🚚 LaBrot used his Cybertruck as a billboard, spray-painting it with messages supporting clean energy and EVs while being anti-Elon.
• 🚗 He parked the Cybertruck near the demo fleet to ensure visibility, aiming to communicate that supporting clean energy and Tesla's mission is possible independently of Musk's personal conduct.
• 🧩 The Cybertruck's polarizing design, combined with Musk's public persona, has made it a symbol of these internal conflicts for some customers.

Future of Tesla

• ❓ LaBrot believes Tesla could be turned around if the company publicly apologizes and separates from Elon Musk, focusing solely on clean energy to win back customers.
• 😔 However, he acknowledges the unlikelihood of Musk agreeing to such a separation, suggesting a challenging future for the company as currently structured.
• 🤝 He has received support from former and current colleagues, some of whom have left Tesla due to dissatisfaction, and others who are struggling with whether to stay and fight internally or depart.