A genius child who stands on toes

Maye Musk describes her son Elon as a genius who wants to do good but inevitably upsets people. She believes he's been treated unfairly by critics and strangers.

“He just wants to do good in the world, but that means you stand on a lot of toes.”

DOGE and the public backlash

Elon Musk led the Department of Government Efficiency, overhauling agencies and cutting funding for programs including global aid. He later said he wouldn't do it again, citing negative public reaction.

Escaping an abusive marriage

Maye Musk left her husband with three young children and moved from South Africa to Canada. She started a dietitian practice while studying for her first master's degree.

“I didn't know it was possible. Until you just have enough, and you run away.”

Raising resilient kids on couches

Maye and her children lived in a one-bedroom apartment, sleeping on couches and floors. When she asked why they never complained, they said they knew she wouldn't listen anyway.

“If we complained, would you listen? And I said No.”

Modeling prime in her 70s

After her grown children bought her an apartment in New York, Maye reinvented herself as a model. She became the oldest woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2022.

Age as wisdom, not a barrier

In her memoir Timeless, Maye Musk says she views aging as gaining wisdom and the power to say no. She can now put herself forward for opportunities that feel right.

“You just get wiser and you can say no. When you feel like you are right for something, you can put yourself forward.”