The Leadership Letter

Real correspondence from the people running real companies — and what it reveals about leadership.

Warn a rival first, then ask for the meeting

The most valuable currency between competitors isn't money — it's a heads-up before the news breaks.

MZ (4:09 PM): Quick heads up that Meta sent a letter to the California AG supporting your lawsuit against OpenAI. Someone (not us) leaked the letter and it will be public in the next hour. Wanted to make sure you heard this from me.

EM (4:20 PM): Ok

MZ (6:24 PM): I have an idea to run by you. Not urgent, but let me know if there's a good time to call in the next few days.

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Court Exhibit
Musk v. Altman (OpenAI)
4:24-cv-04722 (CAND), Doc. 454-4, filed 2026-03-27
December 13, 2024
Public domain
View the primary source →