Not Elon Musk is the person really running Tesla

According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, Tesla's chief financial officer, Zach Kirkhorn, is the real driving force behind the company's success, despite CEO Elon Musk's public image.

Kirkhorn, who has been CFO for roughly four years, has been credited with implementing manufacturing efficiencies that have helped Tesla 'deliver 15 consecutive profitable quarters and amass a $22 billion war chest'.

The report suggests that Kirkhorn has a winning strategy of connecting with Musk without stealing his thunder, acting as a mediator between Musk and other staffers, and breaking down any seemingly unattainable demands into achievable steps.

Despite Kirkhorn's significant contributions, Musk is still widely considered to be the face of Tesla, and the company's successes are still largely attributed to him. However, Kirkhorn's ability to navigate Musk's management style and balance his grandiose requests has helped propel Tesla's value from $50 billion to over $500 billion.