Elon Musk, the charismatic entrepreneur and CEO of companies such as SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, is well-known for his innovative ventures that push the boundaries of technology and exploration. However, he is also famous for his ability to captivate the public’s attention with his playful teases and product announcements that often feel straight out of a science fiction scenario. Two of his most memorable teases that delivered on their promise are The Boring Company’s flamethrowers and Tesla’s “unicorn” feature.

First up are the flamethrowers. In December 2017, Musk playfully teased the sale of flamethrowers from The Boring Company, a venture initially started to create underground transportation tunnels. By January 2018, the company had indeed started selling a device it termed “Not-A-Flamethrower” because it technically produced a large torch-like flame rather than a true flamethrower’s extensive range. Nevertheless, these devices captured the public’s imagination and sold out quickly—20,000 units were snapped up within a few days—despite their practical uses being questionable beyond novelty appeal.

But why would a tunneling company sell flamethrowers? It was an exercise in generating buzz and showcasing Musk’s unconventional approach to business and marketing. Beyond being a physical product, it highlighted Musk’s showmanship and ability to execute on even the most bizarre teases effectively.

The second notable tease is what Tesla owners know as “unicorn mode.” In response to an April Fools’ prank gone viral about Tesla going bankrupt, Musk joked about a “Teslaquilla” brand of tequila – which actually became a real product later – and featured a drawing of a sad unicorn. This meme was then materialized into an actual feature within Tesla vehicles: sketchpad Easter Eggs where occupants could draw on the touchscreen. One particular Easter Egg transforms drawings into a shining unicorn accompanied by rainbow effects when you draw something resembling it. It’s just one example of many whimsical software updates that remind us Elon Musk is at play somewhere behind the scenes.

Musk’s greatest teases remind us that in an age where CEOs are often seen as cautious and reserved, there is room for those who bring fun into their work. Whether it’s through flamboyrowers or fanciful Easter Eggs in car software, Musk shows time and again that his adventurous spirit doesn’t interfere with delivering actual products; it enhances them. They also serve as refreshing reminders that technology and playfulness can go hand-in-hand — an ethos at the core of what makes some of Musk’s companies so unique.