Elon Musk Recalls Awkward First Meeting With Steve Jobs: "He Was Kind of a Jerk"

 

In a recent interview that sparked fresh buzz across tech circles, Elon Musk opened up about his first encounter with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs—an experience he remembers as surprisingly unpleasant. According to Musk, Jobs was “kind of a jerk” during their brief interaction at a party, a moment Musk described as “super rude.”

The comment emerged during a casual Q&A at a private event, where Musk was asked about memorable encounters with other iconic figures in the tech world. Naturally, the conversation veered toward Steve Jobs, a figure revered not only for his visionary leadership but also known for his sometimes abrasive personal style.

The Meeting That Didn't Go Well

Musk recounted the incident, which took place at a Silicon Valley party in the mid-2000s, when Tesla was still in its infancy and SpaceX was grappling with early rocket failures. “I went over to say hi—just a friendly introduction, nothing dramatic—and Jobs basically brushed me off,” Musk said. “He seemed annoyed I was even talking to him. It was one of those moments where you think, ‘Wow, okay, that was super rude.’”

While Musk didn’t linger on the specifics, he made it clear that the encounter left a lasting impression. “I admired his work, obviously. Apple under Jobs was a masterclass in product design and execution. But on a personal level, that first impression wasn’t great.”

Two Titans With Clashing Styles

It’s easy to understand why this story resonates with many. Jobs and Musk, though both regarded as revolutionary figures in tech and business, have starkly different public personas. Jobs was often portrayed as mercurial, intense, and sometimes harsh, demanding perfection from his teams with little patience for mediocrity. Musk, meanwhile, blends a more unfiltered, sometimes chaotic style, known for late-night tweets, bold promises, and a kind of rugged persistence in the face of setbacks.

Both men are united by an unrelenting vision: Jobs with his pursuit of beautifully crafted, user-focused devices, and Musk with his ambitions to transform industries ranging from automotive to space exploration. Yet their personal approaches to leadership and public engagement diverged sharply.

Not the First Time Jobs' Demeanor Raised Eyebrows

Jobs’ difficult personality is well-documented. Former colleagues and biographers have described his polarizing management style, which oscillated between inspiring brilliance and leaving a trail of bruised egos. Walter Isaacson’s biography of Jobs detailed numerous incidents of public dressing-downs and capricious decision-making that, while often yielding extraordinary results, also created a challenging environment for those who worked with him.

What’s interesting is that Musk’s comment aligns with many past accounts while adding a personal twist. Despite Jobs’ reputation, Musk’s story reminds us that even the world's most accomplished figures are still human—and sometimes, not at their best.

Reflections on Ego and Legacy

The anecdote also prompts reflection on ego and legacy in Silicon Valley. Both Jobs and Musk have pushed humanity toward new technological frontiers, yet their personal styles evoke strong reactions. For every story of Jobs’ brusqueness, there’s a counter-narrative of someone profoundly inspired by his clarity of vision. Similarly, Musk has his share of detractors and diehard fans.

In many ways, their legacies highlight a key tension in leadership: can—or should—greatness excuse abrasive behavior? It's a question that continues to surface as society becomes more attuned to workplace culture and the well-being of employees.

Has Musk Softened Toward Jobs Over Time?

Interestingly, despite the rocky start, Musk has often spoken about Jobs in a nuanced way. In previous interviews, he’s praised Apple's product standards and admitted admiration for how Jobs transformed multiple industries. Even in his recent remarks, Musk was quick to emphasize his respect for Jobs' achievements, framing the unpleasant meeting as a personal disappointment rather than a blanket judgment.

“He was a phenomenal leader in terms of product,” Musk noted. “Whatever my personal experience was, you can’t argue with what he built.”

This level of self-awareness is perhaps telling. While Musk’s candor can sometimes spark controversy, his ability to separate personal slights from professional respect suggests a deeper understanding of the complexities of leadership and legacy.

A Lesson in Humanizing Icons

Musk’s story serves as a reminder that our idols are rarely flawless. The tech world is often quick to mythologize its leaders, turning them into near-mythic figures who embody innovation and genius. But stories like this one peel back the curtain, revealing the messy, human side of these titans.

For aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, it's a valuable lesson. Admiring greatness doesn’t mean ignoring flaws, and sometimes even a brief interaction can reshape your understanding of someone you once placed on a pedestal.

Moving Forward

In the end, the Musk-Jobs meeting is just one small footnote in the sprawling narratives of both men. Jobs passed away in 2011, leaving a lasting imprint on technology and culture. Musk continues to chart new territory, with SpaceX’s Mars ambitions, Tesla’s push for sustainable energy, and ventures like Neuralink and The Boring Company.

What remains clear is that both figures—despite, or perhaps because of, their complexities—have profoundly shaped the modern world. And if Musk’s story is any indication, even fleeting moments between giants can reveal much about the people behind the legends.