Billed as the
“safest, fastest and most capable sport utility vehicle in history”
– you likely already know about Tesla’s MODEL X.
But have you actually driven one?
I have. And it was a game-changer!
Now, I wish I could say I am the proud owner, but it’s my sister’s husband who holds that distinction. Tony ordered one of the touch-screen paneled, falcon-winged doored, electric vehicles three years ago and it recently arrived to their Ohio home.
So! Last month visiting my family in the US, my gracious brother-in-law invited me to give the luxury car a test drive and of course I said,”Yes!”
I’m honestly not one to pay attention to the kind of car a person drives. I usually don’t remember if it was a black Jeep or a dark blue Ford that you picked me up in. I care more about the person inside than the metal transporting us.
But my Tesla experience was transformative.
From the outside, it didn’t grab me. While the wrap-around windshield might say, “modern,” my first glance at Tony’s white Model X exterior didn’t really make me do a double take. And even though the self-opening falcon doors are “Back to the Future” awesome, I was really blown away once I was inside the cock-pit, I mean, behind the wheel.
The large computer screen dash-board is comprehensive. The autopilot feature – keep your hands on the wheel! – was very user friendly.
And the acceleration mode: “Ludicrous” – which tilts you from 0-60 in under 3 seconds is well, you know!
I felt my stomach lurch. Not quite the Ludicrous Speed effect it had on Rick Moranis in Space Balls, but pretty darn close!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygE01sOhzz0]
Speaking of ludicrous, Tesla founder and self-made billionaire Elon Musk has been described by observers as an “Inventor,” “Engineer,” “Explorer – and “Eccentric.” Business Insider lists a string of Musk quotes is says are either “Crazy or brilliant or in some cases both.”
However you describe him, there’s no mistaking that Musk’s Teslas are accelerating the way the auto industry considers electric mobility.
With more than 125,000 of the Tesla Model S sold since mid-2012, there’s high demand for the more expensive Model X released in November last year. The success has prompted the competition to step up. BMW is now expected to soon introduce its own all-electric version.
So remember that if you’re out there pursuing some dream at the moment that your colleagues or family are perhaps criticizing. It may seem ludicrous to others, but worthwhile to you.
I’m not here pretending that every and all ideas are positive, productive or even really worth pursuing. There are plenty of them that really are just crazy – not brilliant. Sorry.
But I am saying that sometimes being persistent against all the naysayers and odds may be, like a Tesla, what drives change in your organization, your industry, your world.
Not so ludicrous at all.
Here’s to driving change. And for me to save up for my first Tesla.
Cheers!
Kindly,
Gina
I’m so grateful you are reading my essays. I train, consult and speak about leadership, better communications, business and life empowerment. Please click ‘Follow’ (at the top of the page) and reach out to me directly to support you or your organization via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and at GinaLondon.com
