The surname 'Musk' may bring up one name in your head, but unsurprisingly, the richest man in the world comes from a woman just as successful as him.
Maye Musk came from a family where they lived by the motto 'Live dangerously, carefully' and spent her childhood going on incredible trips with her adventurous parents. She had both a successful modelling career in her home of South Africa, and has received two Masters' Degrees in the world of nutritional science and dietetics.
After getting married young and having three children in three years, Maye left her abusive husband and raised the children on her own.
Speaking to Dermot and Dave, Maye explained her outlook on life:
“You can be fearless and not be successful, but we all had good goals. Whatever we wanted to do would be better for society and good for other people. If you’re going to do something that is better for the community then there is a chance that you will be successful and all of my kids do that.”
While all three of her children have had great success, the most famous is her eldest, tech entrepreneur Elon. But like all Mammy's Maye worries about the kids and how hard they're working
Elon asked, “should I do rockets or electric cars or solar?” And I said just “choose one you’ve been working so hard. Just choose one.” He doesn’t listen to me obviously.”
Worried or not, there's one thing Maye Musk isn't worried about and that is whether or not Elon will make it to Mars, in fact she believes 'he's the only man to make it to Mars'.
In a long chat with Dermot and Dave, Maye revealed how she balanced a successful career as a dietician, a modelling career spanning 50 years and raising 3 children on her own.
And of course, we had to ask her how to pronounce her grandson's name: 'X Æ A-12' (and it's easier than you think!)
Catch the extended chat with Maye Musk below, and read more of her story in her book 'A Woman Makes A Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty and Success'.
