Here’s What It Is Really Like to Report to Elon Musk, According to X’s Head of Product

Entrepreneur

by Sherin Shibu

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Working under Elon Musk at X is both challenging and rewarding, according to Nikita Bier, X’s head of product. In a recent podcast appearance, Bier described X as a lean, startup-style operation with only 30 core engineers, minimal management layers, and a flat hierarchy where most individual contributors report directly to Musk. This structure contrasts sharply with traditional corporate environments, offering a unique glimpse into high-stakes innovation. The company’s operations are centered around weekly reviews led by Musk, where engineers present their work in one or two slides and receive direct feedback from the CEO. Bier compared this hands-on approach to his previous roles at larger companies like Facebook and Meta, emphasizing how X’s small team size fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among employees. Despite the pressure, Bier finds the experience exhilarating, highlighting the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. For startups and aspiring entrepreneurs, insights into X’s management style offer valuable lessons. The company’s emphasis on transparency, direct feedback, and minimal bureaucracy provides a blueprint for building agile, efficient teams. Bier’s perspective underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in high-stakes environments, where every team member feels the weight of their contributions. Ultimately, Bier’s experience at X serves as a reminder that while startup life is demanding, it can also be deeply fulfilling. The chance to innovate alongside visionary leaders like Musk makes the challenges worthwhile for those willing to embrace the chaos and thrive in a fast-moving world.

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Originally published on Entrepreneur on 2/19/2026