☕️ Bossy

Why is Musk opposed to EV subsidies? Together with [Mizzen+Main]( [December 12, 2021]( | [View Online]( | [Sign Up]( | [Shop]( [Daily activities on the Moon] Liam Eisenberg IN THIS ISSUE Tips on career pivots Elon Musk vs. Build Back Better Escaping to a shorter workweek   Editor's Note   Good morning. How are great works of art produced? What sparks creative genius? We don’t really know. After all, Michelangelo didn’t exactly tweet out a play-by-play as he was painting the Sistine Chapel. Thoreau wasn’t livestreaming from Walden Pond. But recently we were handed a gift: a fly-on-the-wall documentary of the Beatles as they crafted the 1970 album Let It Be. And [one scene]( in particular gives us a rare glimpse into the creation of a timeless piece of art. In this scene, Paul McCartney sits down across from George Harrison and Ringo Starr and starts strumming a blues progression on his guitar. He begins singing a melody using gibberish words and other random sounds. He repeats the verse, again and again and again and again, making adjustments each time and testing out actual words. Two minutes later, he’s landed on the hook to the band’s classic, “Get Back.” While not everyone has the same creative process (or genius) as Sir Paul, it’s a powerful argument against waiting around until inspiration strikes—if you’ve got a task ahead of you, just sit down and create something. Often, your first go won’t be the best, but it gives you a foundation to build upon. You’ll never get anywhere if you don’t start somewhere. —Neal Freyman  CULTURE  [Stock Watch]( [Stock watch for Dec. 12]( � � � mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Morning%20Brew%21&body=Stock%20Watch%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fstories%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Fstock-watch-december-12%3Futm_campaign%3Dmb%26utm_medium%3Dnewsletter%26utm_source%3Dmorning_brew%26mid%3D{{md5%28profile.email%29}}%26uid%3DzARWwifVAHAEdT1ypp39crta%0A%0AWant%20more%20great%20content%3F%20Subscribe%20to%20Daily%20Brew%20%E2%80%94%20Delivering%20the%20latest%20business%20news%20from%20Wall%20St.%20to%20Silicon%20Valley%2C%20daily.%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fr%2F%3Fkid%3D4904f90a%26utm_source%3Demail_share%0A  Q&A  [Icebreakers with...Mathematician and Former NFL Player John Urschel]( [[John Urschel headshot]Kimberly White/Getty Images]( John Urschel isn’t exactly someone you want to compare your stats against. The former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman retired from the NFL in 2017, [authored a book]( in 2019, and received his PhD in mathematics from MIT this year. He’s also very funny. We got on the phone and talked about goals, math, and pursuing wildly different disciplines. Your career jump was a bit more public than most. Any tips for someone looking to pivot? I was a serious mathematician and also a serious football player, for about seven or eight years, concurrently. So it was less stopping something and starting something else than doing two things and dropping one. But for people who are trying to make a switch, the biggest piece of advice I can give is: Make sure you're prepared for that switch. I think it's important to have a plan about what you will do if what you're currently doing is not going to work out. One of the things that makes it really hard for people to make a switch in sports or in anything is that, when you have a job, you start to think that your job is who you are. Your job is something that defines you in some way to family, friends, and other people. I think that actually limits a lot of people because they have a hard time imagining themselves outside of a certain thing. I think it's really important to disassociate yourself with what it is that you do. In my mind that empowers you to do different things. Any suggestions for a parent looking to get their child interested in math? The best thing you can do is, first of all, create a positive environment around learning. The thing that you should be stressing to them is the idea of creativity, the sense of wonder, the sense of discovery. I would recommend buying your kids fun math books to read, encouraging them to ask interesting, tough questions that you might not have the answer to, and just really pushing their creativity. More so than focusing on results or scores or grades. What are your hobbies? I’m not any good at it, but I do really like playing chess for some reason. But if I’m being 100% realistic, I more or less have no hobbies, because I have a three year old. Are you very organized? I think most people—my wife, friends of mine who’ve seen my office—would say no. But I think I’m organized. I’m quite organized with my time, when I was doing [math and football], I always did the most important thing first. Although, I think organization with time and organization with space, these are perhaps two different variables. Favorite movie about academics? Favorite movie about sports? Good Will Hunting—I don’t think there should even be a question there, it’s gotta be—and Friday Night Lights. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. � � � mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Morning%20Brew%21&body=Icebreakers%20with...Mathematician%20and%20Former%20NFL%20Player%20John%20Urschel%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fstories%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Ficebreakers-with-mathematician-and-former-nfl-player-john-urschel%3Futm_campaign%3Dmb%26utm_medium%3Dnewsletter%26utm_source%3Dmorning_brew%26mid%3D{{md5%28profile.email%29}}%26uid%3DzARWwifVAHAEdT1ypp39crta%0A%0AWant%20more%20great%20content%3F%20Subscribe%20to%20Daily%20Brew%20%E2%80%94%20Delivering%20the%20latest%20business%20news%20from%20Wall%20St.%20to%20Silicon%20Valley%2C%20daily.%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fr%2F%3Fkid%3D4904f90a%26utm_source%3Demail_share%0A  TOGETHER WITH MIZZEN+MAIN All Eyes on You(r Shirt) [Mizzen+Main]( Want to look great in family photos while still feeling comfortable lounging around after the big meal? This holiday miracle is brought to you by [Mizzen+Main](. Mizzen+Main’s dress shirts are [lightweight, breathable, sweat-resistant, wrinkle-proof, and machine washable](. That means you can look fresh no matter how much your mother-in-law makes you sweat. Feel that gift-giving inspo coming on? Good timing, because Mizzen+Main is currently having their 2 for $200 dress shirt event with free 3-day shipping. Translation: one for you, one for someone you love (or just two for you, no judgment here). [Use promo code TANGO and get 2 Mizzen+Main dress shirts for $200, plus free 3-day shipping here](.  WORK LIFE  [How to Deal With a Bossy Coworker]( [Make it work image ]( Each week, our workplace whisperer Shane Loughnane answers a reader-submitted question about work in 2021. Anything bothering you at work? [Ask Shane here](. I recently left my job for a new role that checks all the boxes, except for one: I have an extremely bossy coworker. We have the same title and report to the same manager, but she delegates tasks to me, leaves me out of certain meetings, and makes me feel inferior, even though we are supposed to be equals. How would you suggest I approach this situation?—Anonymous Just when I thought I’d wrapped up my holiday shopping, I’m reminded that I haven’t gotten anything for that bossy coworker in my life. Etsy, [you always come through in the clutch](. Before you follow my lead, it’s worth bringing your manager up to speed on what you’re experiencing with your coworker. This is partly for awareness, as well as to confirm that there wasn’t any miscommunication of reporting lines or expectations on their end. It’s also a bit of CYA if your boss isn’t aware of why you’ve been absent from certain meetings, for example. While we’re embracing the awkward, I’d also schedule some time with your colleague. Let her know that you’re looking to solicit some peer feedback (emphasis on peer). Focus on asking questions that draw out the issues you’ve identified, for example: “I’ve noticed you’ve been delegating tasks to me, and it makes me feel like you don’t think I’m pulling my weight. Is that the case?” Consider her response in each instance, but then be clear and firm about your expectations going forward. In the excitement of bringing on a new hire like yourself, teams sometimes overlook their potential to create insecurities among their existing members. While you’re likely dealing with the manifestation of those insecurities in this case, it’s possible you’ve simply found someone who enjoys the illusion of being in charge. Either way, your ability to be assertive (as opposed to finding the most passive aggressive holiday gift) is ultimately going to be the key to checking that final box. Something bothering you at work? [Ask Shane here](. And if you want to read more analysis about the workplace, make sure you [subscribe to HR Brew](. � � � mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Morning%20Brew%21&body=How%20to%20Deal%20With%20a%20Bossy%20Coworker%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fstories%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Fmake-it-work-how-to-deal-with-a-bossy-coworker%3Futm_campaign%3Dmb%26utm_medium%3Dnewsletter%26utm_source%3Dmorning_brew%26mid%3D{{md5%28profile.email%29}}%26uid%3DzARWwifVAHAEdT1ypp39crta%0A%0AWant%20more%20great%20content%3F%20Subscribe%20to%20Daily%20Brew%20%E2%80%94%20Delivering%20the%20latest%20business%20news%20from%20Wall%20St.%20to%20Silicon%20Valley%2C%20daily.%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fr%2F%3Fkid%3D4904f90a%26utm_source%3Demail_share%0A  ANALYSIS  [Musk's War Against Build Back Better]( Elon Musk has some big ideas on how to revamp Biden’s $2 trillion Build Back Better bill: killlllllllll it. Tesla’s Technoking [said]( in an interview at the WSJ’s CEO Council Summit this week that the social spending package would just add to the already sky-high federal deficit. And, curiously, he took issue with one particular measure in the bill: expanded federal subsidies for electric vehicles. Musk says how about you subsi-don’t To fight climate change and spur adoption of electric vehicles, the spending bill expands a $7,500 tax credit created in 2010 for consumers who buy plug-in EVs. Under the current framework, the credit expires when a car manufacturer sells 200k vehicles—Tesla hit that in 2018—but the bill lifts the cap and adds an additional $4,500 for cars built by union workforces and $500 for EVs with American-made parts. Musk also dismissed the infrastructure bill’s $7.5 billion investment into plastering the country with EV charging stations. “Do we need support for gas stations? We don’t,” Musk said. “I would delete it. Delete.” But as much as Musk wants to paint himself as Mr. Bootstrap, he’s benefited plenty from Uncle Sam before. - Tesla received a $465 million loan from the Department of Energy in 2010 before it went public, and the state of Nevada gave Tesla $1.3 billion in subsidies to build its battery factory in Sparks. - By 2015, Elon Musk’s suite of companies had received a total of $4.9 billion in government support, per an [LA Times analysis](. So why is he anti-subsidy now? Well, more federal EV investment would likely benefit Musk’s competition more than Tesla, given its strong leadership position in the market. Of the expanded credits in the bill, Musk tweeted, “This is written by Ford/UAW lobbyists” (UAW = United Auto Workers union.) The rebuttal After Musk roasted the EV subsidies, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said of the capital-intensive transition to EVs, “These are things that don’t just happen on their own,” at the same WSJ summit this week. Buttigieg and the rest of the Biden admin believe that in order to accelerate adoption of EVs the auto industry must 1) lower the cost barriers—Tesla’s prices still primarily hover in the luxury range—and 2) make it easier to charge up. They argue that won’t happen quickly enough without the government greasing the wheels, and they need it to happen fast: Biden pledged to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030.—MM � � � mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Morning%20Brew%21&body=Musk%27s%20War%20Against%20Build%20Back%20Better%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fstories%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Felon-musk-doesn-t-want-anymore-government-subsidies-for-electric-vehicles%3Futm_campaign%3Dmb%26utm_medium%3Dnewsletter%26utm_source%3Dmorning_brew%26mid%3D{{md5%28profile.email%29}}%26uid%3DzARWwifVAHAEdT1ypp39crta%0A%0AWant%20more%20great%20content%3F%20Subscribe%20to%20Daily%20Brew%20%E2%80%94%20Delivering%20the%20latest%20business%20news%20from%20Wall%20St.%20to%20Silicon%20Valley%2C%20daily.%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fr%2F%3Fkid%3D4904f90a%26utm_source%3Demail_share%0A  TOGETHER WITH GE [GE]( Taking aviation to new heights. That’s what we recently discussed with our partners at General Electric, who we teamed up with for a [high-flying Twitter Spaces discussion]( on all things aviation. With focuses on sustainability, innovation, and more, it was an event that really took off. [Check out our recap article about the future of aviation right here](.  REAL ESTATE  [Open House]( Welcome to Open House, the only newsletter section that wants to know if peak luxury is simply taking a bath in a big rock? We’ll give you a few facts about a listing and you try to guess the price. [9,305 mansion in Dubai. bathroom with giant rock bathtub, backyard pool area, front drive, living room with grand staircase, marble kitchen, master bedroom with deck, second bedroom.]JamesEdition Today’s home [fully customizable mansion/villa]( is in Dubai. The UAE announced this week that it’s moving to a 4.5-day workweek to attract more workers and global investment. If you’ve been sitting on some cash (or crypto!) and want your Friday afternoons off, this 9,305 square-foot beach house on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island could be perf. Amenities include: - 7 beds, 8 baths - Unobstructed, 360-degree views - Private restaurant and spa access - Chandeliers above every bed so you can fall asleep fearing for your life How much to trim your 40-hour workweek? � � � mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Morning%20Brew%21&body=Open%20House%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fstories%2F2021%2F12%2F10%2Fopen-house-customizable-villa-in-dubai%3Futm_campaign%3Dmb%26utm_medium%3Dnewsletter%26utm_source%3Dmorning_brew%26mid%3D{{md5%28profile.email%29}}%26uid%3DzARWwifVAHAEdT1ypp39crta%0A%0AWant%20more%20great%20content%3F%20Subscribe%20to%20Daily%20Brew%20%E2%80%94%20Delivering%20the%20latest%20business%20news%20from%20Wall%20St.%20to%20Silicon%20Valley%2C%20daily.%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningbrew.com%2Fdaily%2Fr%2F%3Fkid%3D4904f90a%26utm_source%3Demail_share%0A  RECS  [Just Click It](#) 1. Birds aren’t real, or are they? Inside a Gen Z conspiracy theory. ([New York Times]() 2. The scholarly pursuit of Shrek: 20 years of Ogres and irony. ([Paste Magazine]() 3. Brilliance and blunders have defined the World Chess Championship. ([FiveThirtyEight]() 4. What tech you should be excited about for 2022. ([Noahpinion]() 5. A short story about what's happened to the US economy since World War II. ([Collaborative Fund]() 6. How Ricky Gervais became a pop sensation in the Philippines. ([Far Out Magazine]() 7. Where the despairing log on, and learn ways to die. ([New York Times]() 8. Timelapse: from seed to 600kg giant pumpkin. ([giantpumpkin.nl]() 9. Half a billion in bitcoin, lost in the dump. ([The New Yorker]() 10. Where is the comma in “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” supposed to go? ([RamsesThePigeon]() *We propose a toast. To life, and to taking the time to celebrate it in luxurious places like The Venetian Resort. Take some time for yourself—or for yourself and a few friends—with world-class restaurants on the Strip. [Book your next trip right here](. *This is sponsored advertising content  CONTEST  [Meme Battle](#) Welcome back to Morning Brew's Meme Battle, where we crown a single memelord every Sunday. Today's winner: Josh in Fargo, ND [A meme of someone not knowing what to get people for Christmas] This week's challenge: You can find the [new meme template here]( for next Sunday. Once you're done making your meme, [submit it at this link]( for consideration.  ANSWER  # $16 million � � � � � Written by [Matty Merritt](, [Max Knoblauch](, [Neal Freyman](, and Shane Loughnane Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up [here]( WANT MORE BREW? 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