Ex-Tesla president shares the ‘most crucial’ career habit, also practiced by Elon Musk and Warren Buffett

(SeaPRwire) –   Jon McNeill has observed the operational styles of the world’s top leaders firsthand. Having served as Tesla’s former president, reporting directly to Elon Musk, and later as Lyft’s COO, he has accumulated years of experience collaborating with senior executives.

Throughout these roles, he identified one consistent habit that distinguishes top performers, a practice that appears to be declining among younger generations: reading books.

“Reading is likely the most crucial activity you can undertake,” McNeill stated. “I’ve observed that a great number of the planet’s most accomplished individuals are voracious readers.”

He cited figures such as former Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, who claims to devote up to 80% of his day to reading, and Musk, who has frequently attributed his learning to books. Witnessing this trend directly inspired McNeill to incorporate a daily 90-minute reading session into his own schedule—a practice he deems essential to his professional journey.

“The daily ritual of reading genuinely clears my mind each morning and maintains a level of engagement I previously lacked,” McNeill further noted.

During an interview earlier this year, McNeill mentioned he was reading “1929” by Andrew Ross Sorkin and “The Sales Acceleration Formula” by Harvard Business School professor Mark Roberge, which focuses on company growth. McNeill has also recently published his debut book, “The Algorithm,” which explores the leadership principles he acquired while working with Musk.

For McNeill, however, reading extends beyond mere knowledge acquisition—it cultivates curiosity. This drive, he explained, has influenced almost every career opportunity, contributing to his current positions on the boards of General Motors, Lululemon, and CrossFit, as well as the expansion of his venture capital firm, DVx.

Reading, a Common Practice Among Elite Executives, Is Losing Favor with Gen Z

Reading is a widespread habit among numerous leading business figures. A 2025 JPMorgan study of over 100 billionaires even identified it as their most shared common practice.

Conversely, reading is growing increasingly uncommon among the general population. A YouGov poll found that two-fifths of Americans did not finish a book last year. Additionally, research from the University of Florida and University College London indicates that daily recreational reading fell by approximately 40% from 2003 to 2023. Factors such as the proliferation of digital media, heightened economic stress, reduced free time, and even availability of books and libraries are considered probable causes for this change.

This downturn is particularly stark among youth. YouGov data shows Americans aged 18 to 29 read an average of only 5.8 books in 2025, the lowest figure across all age groups. Another 2025 survey by the Walton Family Foundation revealed 35% of Gen Z students have a dislike for reading, with 42% seldom or never reading for enjoyment.

This decline may carry significant implications. Students who report enjoying reading and do so frequently are more prone to cite strong academic results. Reading also develops vital soft skills such as problem-solving and analytical thought, which are increasingly prized by employers.

A Straightforward Tactic Enabled McNeill to Forge Connections with Elon Musk and Mary Barra

According to McNeill, the advantages of reading transcend the classroom. He asserts that reading improves one’s ability to ask insightful questions—a habit that can offer a substantial edge in one’s career.

“I’ve never focused on networking,” he remarked. “I simply have a genuine fondness for people.”

He characterized his younger self as an introvert from a small farming town in rural Nebraska. Yet, he discovered early that posing questions was an effective way to create opportunities.

“People enjoy discussing their own experiences. By asking them about themselves, you can initiate a dialogue,” he added.

This method was foundational to key relationships in his professional life. When former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg introduced him to Musk in 2015, McNeill avoided self-promotion and instead posed a question.

“I asked, ‘What’s the most significant problem troubling you right now?’,” he recalled. This inquiry ignited a two-hour discussion that ultimately led to McNeill’s executive role at Tesla from 2015 to 2018.

A comparable encounter occurred when he met General Motors CEO Mary Barra. Inquiring about the company’s primary challenge—which turned out to be battery cell production—helped establish a rapport that later resulted in an appointment to the board of the Fortune 500 automaker.

“I don’t concentrate on self-promotion or constructing a network,” McNeill said. “I truly take pleasure in interacting with people, and ultimately, I also enjoy resolving problems. Frequently, these two aspects combine to make you quite valuable to others.”

For young professionals grappling with the challenges of entering an AI-influenced job market, McNeill offers straightforward counsel: maintain focus on habits that generate enduring worth.

“Don’t panic,” McNeill advised. “Navigate through this period for a bit, because you will be alright. You will undoubtedly be fine.”