The Only Reason SpaceX Works (Gwynne Shotwell)

A few years ago I was talking with a venture capitalist and asked him “how does Elon manage to run two companies?” He straight up told me “Elon doesn’t run SpaceX, Gwynne Shotwell runs SpaceX.” It was kind of a funny moment and I thought I would share the story in more detail here. To be clear, Elon still plays a really critical role at SpaceX, but his most impactful move was probably empowering Gwynne to make SpaceX actually deliver all of these crazy goals.

ABOUT JOHN COOGAN:

I've been an entrepreneur for nearly a decade across multiple companies. I've done a lot of work in silicon valley, so that's mostly what I talk about. I've raised over 10 rounds of venture capital totaling over $100m in total funding.

I work mostly in tech-enabled consumer packaged goods, meaning I use software to make the best products possible and then deliver them to the widest possible audience. I'm a big fan of machine learning, python programming, and motion graphics.

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Disclaimer: This video is purely my opinion and should not be regarded as a primary source. I am not a financial advisor and this is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Always do your own due diligence.

[miltonmiller]

Gwynne Shotwell is a force of nature! Just watching some of her interviews makes it evident that she is an intellectual titan, and a tremendously effective President for SpaceX.

[billferner]

Elon managed to gather some of the best engineering people who can realize his dreams. They also get some new ideas from the internet community, they consider. Amazing.

[gregzc]

I don't know how long it's going to take for people to realize Elons a really smart person who hires really smart people and one day these collectively smart people will change the world.

[queuebit]

Elon / Gwynne sound like a great Visionary / Integrator pair; I learned about this pairing from Traction book by Gino Wickman.

[WorkingKNeun]

Gwynne is amazing and always has been. I’ve known her since grade school. Her best attribute has always been her ability to connect with others. I’m so proud of her!

[wwrussell]

"The only reason SpaceX works"? That's a bit of a stretch, isn't it? Not to diminish any of Gwynne's accomplishments for they are remarkable. But, without Elon, there is no SpaceX and, without SpaceX, no one would know who Gwynn Shot well is.

[g.f.martianshipyards]

I think it's fit to call her the Mother of Dragons. She might be overshadowed by Musk (not surprising, Elon is a giant attention-magnet), but space nerds definitely now about her and how valuable she is to modern spaceflight. Great video!

[CharlesWeill]

Whoa, another excellent video. "Residual Capability" is my new favorite term. Indeed, with any high-tech R&D project it's so key to find ways to money with key milestones (making "cash cows"). But it's so important to maintain the original vision as to not get too carried away by short-term revenue.

[williamsantos]

Nice to see a video about about Gwynne. She is doing an amazing work at SpaceX and forms a great duo with Elon.

[planetmuskvlog]

“Unlike Elon, She has a financially viable plan to get there [Mars]”. I suggest you listen to the interview/talk with Elon when he spoke of his “existential crisis” in solving how to afford Mars. Solving for this has lead to the entire Raptor / Starship program. Gwen’s contribution is invaluable, but do not under-appreciate Elon’s contribution either 👊

[jeremyraygor]

I'm glad other people recognize Shotwell for her incredible work at SpaceX.

[EmekaI]

"When opportunity knocks, you need to open the door" - love the emphasis. This channel never disappoints. I think with the video and storytelling quality you could probably talk about any business and I'd still like it.

[prakash_]

Awesome video! I watched that Ted interview with Chris Anderson long time ago and didn't absorb anything useful. It seemed out of context. Now it makes sense. It surprises me even at 57 how much drive she has left within her to keep going. Even as a mother of two children. These are really people with a purpose! Thomas Mueller, SpaceX's chief rocket engine designer and founding member also retired last year at age 60.

[EdwinCantuOfficial]

John, solid video! You are a research machine! Wishing you continued success and man... the amount of time you put into these videos does not go unnoticed!

[schrodingerscat]

Gwynne Shotwell runs the commercial side of the company and Elon looks after all the R&D and direction the company is going in. It's a great match as it plays to both their strengths to push the company forward.

[radamus]

It's awesome to see Gwynn get some exposure. She truly is the magic behind X

[wenslo]

Hey John Coogan! I just want to say thank you for doing this... again😅. I hope that you understand the impact you are having on your viewers. Hopefully someday I can meet you in person to express gratitude toward you.

[fractalelf]

This explains a lot - I knew she had to be doing a hell of a lot no one talks about.

[shonen]

Great video! Surprised your channel doesn’t have more subs. Nicely crafted, thoroughly researched, and well narrated. Love it!

[ejthorson]

Hey man, you've got great production quality! Much better than many channels I see with 10x your subscribers. Keep it up, you'll get there