Tesla’s approach to innovation: Why reviewing real products matters more than mockups

Jon McNeil, a former Tesla executive and now a board member at GM, shared insights into how product reviews were key to Tesla’s innovation. He credits the practice of reviewing real products, not mockups, as a core part of the company’s success. Weekly product meetings with Elon Musk and the leadership team were pivotal for Tesla, focusing on tangible products and direct feedback rather than slides or presentations. McNeil reflects on how Elon Musk’s approach to product development was influenced by advice from Steve Jobs, emphasizing the importance of creating a perfect, visually appealing product that stands out. This culture of reviewing real products not only pushed innovation but also kept the company on a weekly cadence of progress. McNeil further highlights how GM, under CEO Mary Barra, adopted a similar approach, reviewing real products every week, which contributed to their strong EV lineup and success in the market. This strategy has played a crucial role in GM’s rise to second place in the U.S. EV market, behind Tesla.