Elon Musk's Ex-Wife Randomly Answered A Quora Question About What It Takes To Become A Billionaire: 'You're Determined. So What? You Haven't Been Racing Naked Through Shark-Infested Water Yet'

Justine Musk, formerly married to billionaire Elon Musk and mother to five of his children, offers a unique perspective on wealth and hard work, drawing from her experience with the world’s richest man. Surprisingly, the ex-wife of the Tesla Inc. and SpaceX CEO has been sharing advice on the internet, engaging with curious minds on platforms like Quora.

A few years ago, before her ex-husband became a household name, she addressed a query on Quora: "Will I become a billionaire if I am determined to be one and put in the necessary work required?" Her insights stem from observing Musk's journey up close, especially during the early stages of his career.

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During their time together, Elon Musk co-founded Zip2 Corp., a company that provided online city guide software to newspapers. This early venture into technology and entrepreneurship resulted in the sale of Zip2 to Compaq Computer Corp. for approximately $307 million in 1999, a significant achievement in Musk's career and a testament to the hard work and innovation that would characterize his future endeavors.

Justine Musk's response was a clear and direct "No." It may have sounded discouraging and blunt, but she was honest. The rest of her answer was well thought out and helpful, giving a glimpse into what it takes from someone who watched Elon Musk's net worth soar. 

Justine Musk emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions. "One of the many qualities that separate self-made billionaires from the rest of us is their ability to ask the right questions. This is not the right question." She challenges the notion that sheer determination and hard work are sufficient for achieving billionaire status.

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Highlighting the challenges that lie ahead, she said, "You haven't been racing naked through shark-infested waters yet." This metaphor underlines the intense and unpredictable nature of the journey to extreme wealth. She also mentions that "determination and hard work are necessary, yes, but they are the minimum requirements."

Her advice extends to developing a unique and compelling offer. "Shift your focus away from what you want (a billion dollars) and get deeply, intensely curious about what the world wants and needs." She suggests mastering multiple areas and combining them in innovative ways. "Choose one thing and become a master of it. Choose a second thing and become a master of that."

Justine Musk concluded her answer with, "Have courage. (You will need it.) And good luck. (You’ll need that too.)" Her response has received over 1 million reviews and 23,000 upvotes. Justine Musk no longer responds on Quora. She edited the post to thank everyone for the upvotes and comments, adding she was "blown away and appreciative." She no longer dishes out advice on the platform. 

Justine Musk is an accomplished writer, adding another layer to her multifaceted life. She has authored dark fantasy novels, including “BloodAngel” and its sequel “Lord of Bones,” published by Roc/Penguin, as well as the young adult supernatural thriller “Uninvited” by MTV Books from Simon & Schuster. Her writing journey reflects a deep engagement with themes of the supernatural and the fantastical, showcasing her talent and passion for storytelling. Beyond her novels, Justine Musk has contributed personal essays to publications like Marie Claire and shares her thoughts on creativity and writing on her blog Tribal Writer. 

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