Chapter 1: The Request for a Raise

In early 2014, Mary Beth Brown made a significant decision to request a salary increase from Elon Musk, her employer of over a decade. Little did she anticipate that this would mark the end of their long-standing professional relationship. According to Musk, the narrative surrounding this incident is largely exaggerated.

An intriguing piece published on Educator spurred further investigation into the facts.

Elon Musk remarked, "There are always two sides to every story. Understanding is a three-edged sword: their side, your side, and the truth in the middle."

Brown had been a dedicated employee, frequently commuting between Los Angeles and Silicon Valley, often working late and on weekends. Her responsibilities included managing Musk's schedule for both Tesla and SpaceX, public relations, and assisting in business decisions. Essentially, she was an extension of Musk's operations.

Ashlee Vance's biography, "Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future," highlights Brown's unwavering commitment to her role. Vance describes her as creating a dynamic akin to that of Iron Man's Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. If Musk worked long hours, so did Brown, who took care of everything from meals to press inquiries, effectively serving as a crucial link between Musk and his various commitments.

In the early months of 2014, Brown approached Musk with high expectations, seeking compensation comparable to SpaceX's top executives. Musk suggested she take a two-week vacation to allow him time to evaluate her contributions during her absence.

"I told her, 'Look, I think you're very valuable. Maybe that compensation is right. You need to take two weeks' vacation, and I'm going to assess whether that's true or not,'" Musk recounted.

After her two-week hiatus, Brown returned to find that Musk had assumed her duties and concluded that her position was no longer necessary. He offered her another role within the company, which she declined, leading to her termination.

From Musk's perspective, he stated, "When she got back, my conclusion was just that the relationship was not going to work anymore. Twelve years is a good run for any job. She'll do a great job for someone."

This turn of events was surprising to Brown, as it is unusual for someone to be dismissed for simply asking for a raise.

Vance's biography notes that this incident caused quite a stir among employees at SpaceX and Tesla, reinforcing the perception of Musk's cold demeanor and apparent lack of empathy.

Chapter 2: Reflections on the Incident

On August 25, 2015, Justine Musk, Elon Musk's ex-wife, shared her thoughts on Quora. She described Mary Beth Brown as an exceptional and devoted employee, noting her shock at the news of Brown's departure.

Justine recounted a similar experience, emphasizing how Musk had suggested that if someone were essential to a company, it should function smoothly in their absence. This sentiment echoed in various accounts surrounding Brown's dismissal.

Elon Musk himself has commented that the narrative of firing Brown over a pay raise is "total nonsense." He clarified, "Mary Beth was an amazing assistant for over ten years, but as company complexity grew, the role required several specialists versus one generalist."

He added that Brown received a generous severance package and left to pursue opportunities elsewhere, reiterating that the situation had been misrepresented in the media.

In conclusion, as the saying goes, there are always two sides to every story. It raises the question of what Mary Beth Brown is up to now, as she seems to have stepped back from public visibility. Musk mentioned that she left to join a smaller firm, once again taking on a generalist role.

The second video titled "Elon Musk Fired His Assistant In The Most Ruthless Way Possible" explores the circumstances surrounding Brown's termination and the broader implications for workplace dynamics.