Elon Musk’s journey from a curious child to the world’s richest man began with his mother, Maye Musk. Speaking at the One Billion Summit in Dubai, Maye shared fascinating insights into Elon’s childhood. She also recounted anecdotes about her family’s inspiring journey.
As a child, Elon was more than just inquisitive. He served as his mother’s encyclopedia and tech support. Maye recalled, “He doesn’t challenge the status quo for its own sake. He’s driven by a desire to make a positive impact. For instance, Zip2 provided online door-to-door directions, solving a practical problem. With PayPal, he envisioned sending money through email, which was groundbreaking. Later, Tesla brought electric cars to the forefront.”
Maye Musk’s reflections shed light on Elon’s early ability to identify unmet needs and address them with innovative solutions. Furthermore, her insights highlight his passion for creating meaningful change.
Glimpses from the Summit
During her talk at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Maye offered a glimpse into her children’s upbringing. She raised Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca Musk as a single mother after divorcing her husband, Errol Musk, in 1979.
Elon Musk, currently the CEO of Tesla, social media platform X, and space exploration company SpaceX, has consistently showcased his foresight. As of January 2025, he holds the title of the world’s richest man. He was recently selected by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to lead the proposed advisory commission, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Maye highlighted Elon’s uncanny ability to anticipate future needs. She shared, “When he launched the Cybertruck, he said it would save lives in remote locations like forests, mountains, or oceans. Today, Cybertrucks are actively used in firefighting efforts in Los Angeles.”
Maye humorously recounted her initial reaction when Elon revealed his plans to launch rockets. “I thought it was cute but wondered why anyone would need rockets. Turns out, he was envisioning the future of space travel,” she said. The audience responded with laughter and applause.
Elon Musk Family’s Collaborative Spirit
Maye shared how her children’s resilience and support were instrumental during challenging times. “After my divorce, I quickly started my own practice. I earned two Master of Science degrees while completing a hospital internship. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and my kids were incredibly supportive. Elon was my encyclopedia and tech expert, Kimbal cooked, and Tosca managed phone calls and reports,” she said.
Today, Kimbal Musk is a successful chef and entrepreneur. Tosca Musk is a filmmaker and co-founder of the OTT platform Passionflix.
Encouraging Independence for Elon Musk
Maye emphasized the importance of letting her children make their own choices. “When we moved to Toronto, I wanted them to study for free at my workplace. However, they wanted to pursue their own paths. They took student loans, studied what they wanted, and managed their debts. That independence shaped their success,” she said.
Despite their immense wealth, Maye noted her children’s lack of interest in money. “They never focused on making money. They invested in doing good and creating meaningful companies, which eventually led to financial success,” she concluded.
Maye Musk’s candid recollections provided a heartwarming and inspiring narrative. Her speech left the audience in Dubai with a deeper understanding of the Musk family’s remarkable journey.