Maye Musk advised her son Elon to focus on a single company following the sale of PayPal. He chose to disregard her guidance, and those multiple ventures have grown into a fortune that Forbes estimates at $929 billion.
The 78-year-old model recounted the anecdote to Fox Business anchor Stuart Varney while discussing her new memoir, Timeless, released by publisher HarperCollins on September 15.
What Maye Musk Told Elon After PayPal
Following the PayPal exit, Elon consulted his mother on whether to pursue electric vehicles, space rockets, or solar power. Her advice stemmed from observing his intense work ethic.
“And I say, you work so hard you just do one,” she said.
He rejected her counsel and instead established multiple businesses concurrently, such as electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX. According to Maye, widespread expectations pointed toward the failure of all these enterprises.
Why Maye Musk Says the Fortune Is Not Cash
Forbes lists Musk as the richest individual globally. The publication notes that he achieved the status of the world’s first trillionaire on June 12, following the initial public offering of SpaceX.
Maye questioned the reported figure, clarifying that his wealth consists of company equity rather than liquid cash.
Figures from Forbes validate that distinction. Musk holds roughly a 38% stake in SpaceX alongside nearly 11% of Tesla, meaning his overall net worth fluctuates alongside changes in the valuation of SpaceX shares.
Grok, a Garage, and a Deep-Thinking 3-Year-Old
Maye mentioned that Elon wants her to utilize Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by his firm xAI, which she now employs frequently. When Varney inquired whether artificial intelligence development ought to decelerate, she suggested he pose the question to Elon directly on X (formerly Twitter).
Musk previously expressed support for a temporary industry-wide slowdown in AI development.
She recalled that Elon exhibited distinct traits starting at age three. While his brother Kimbal and sister Tosca engaged in typical exploration, he often retreated into profound contemplation and articulated concepts well beyond his years.
Despite his immense wealth, her travel routines remain unchanged. When visiting Starbase, the SpaceX launch facility in Texas, she sleeps on a compact bed located inside his garage rather than staying at a hotel suite situated a 45-minute drive away.
Maye also stated her confidence that Elon will eventually travel to space himself, though she confirmed she has no intention of accompanying him.