How do you build an amazing board that really serves the company well, the employees well, the investors well, the customers well. What's your advice on that. >> I mean, early on, I always told myself and my team that your first board is your investors, right.I would treat that relationship as a hire you can never fire and in fact they can fire you and have been on the other side of that. So it really puts pressure on finding the right person that you'd actually want to work with at the company knowing that ...

Core Viewpoint - A group of major Tesla shareholders is urging CEO Elon Musk to refocus on the company due to declining sales, reputational damage, and his increasing external commitments [1][4][9]. Group 1: Shareholder Concerns - Investors are demanding that Musk commit at least 40 hours per week to Tesla and implement new governance policies to limit external commitments of directors [2][4]. - The letter highlights serious concerns regarding Tesla's stock price volatility, declining sales, and negative reports about the company's human rights practices [4][9]. - Shareholders controlling 7.9 million Tesla shares signed the letter, criticizing the board for not acting in the best interest of all shareholders [9]. Group 2: Sales and Market Performance - Tesla's sales have significantly declined, with European deliveries in April down nearly 50% year-over-year, and first-quarter global EV sales also showing a year-over-year decline [7]. - The company's stock has fallen 12% in 2024, underperforming the Nasdaq, which is down about 1% during the same period [7]. Group 3: Reputational Issues - Tesla's public image has deteriorated, dropping from a top 10 admired US brand to 95th in the Axios Harris Poll, trailing behind six other automakers [8]. - The decline in reputation is partly attributed to Musk's political activities, including a nearly $300 million donation to pro-Trump efforts and a controversial endorsement of Germany's far-right AfD party [8]. Group 4: Governance and Board Independence - Investors are calling for a formal CEO succession plan and the addition of at least one independent board member with no ties to Musk or his allies [2][9]. - Concerns have been raised about the independence of the board following the announcement of Jack Hartung, a new board member who previously worked with Musk's brother [11][12].