Elon Musk Follows an Employee Working Double Shifts Who Asked for Food to Her Home. What He Saw...

Elon Musk follows an employee working double shifts who asked for food to her home what he saw there left him stunned the October wind whistled through the Tesla Factory's parking lot as Elon Musk stepped out of his morning meeting the clock had just struck 7 a. m. and already the facility was humming with activity he paused watching employees stream through the entrance each face telling its own story morning Mrmusk a young security guard called out his badge reading Tommy how's the new baby sleeping Elon asked remembering their brief chat from last week Tommy's tired smile said it all 3 hours at a time sir but worth every minute these morning interactions had become increasingly important to Elon after years of being painted as the calculating tech billionaire he'd made a conscious effort to know his people better not for PR the Press wasn't around for these Dawn conversations but because something had been nagging at him lately inside his office his assistant Sarah was already waiting with his schedule the board wants to discuss the new production targets she began but Elon held up his hand before that show me the employee satisfaction reports from last month Sarah blinked the summary or the raw data raw data all of it she pulled up the files on his massive screen any particular reason Elon leaned back in his chair his eyes scanning the numbers something feels off can't put my finger on it the morning melted into afternoon as meetings blurred together production quotas supply chain optimization investor calls the usual Symphony of running a revolutionary company but between each session Elon found himself watching his employees through the glass walls of his office sir his head of HR James patteron caught his attention during the lunch break is everything all right you seem distracted Elon gestured to the bustling cafeteria below how well do we really know them James our employees we run regular surveys conduct performance reviews no Elon cut in I mean really know them what their lives are like when they clock out James adjusted his tie uncomfortably with respect sir that's not typically within our purview maybe it should be Elon turned from the window Implement a new Communication System I want to monitor employee forums messages internal Communications sir that could be seen as invasive not to spy Elon clarified to understand set up alerts for keywords related to well-being hardship anything that might indicate someone needs help and I want direct access to the feed that's unusual for a CEO of your level to when have I ever cared about being usual James the system went live that afternoon as Elon sat through the board meeting his phone quietly collected data learning patterns analyzing conversations most messages were mundane complaints about the coffee machine discussions about project deadlines jokes about his latest tweets evening came and the Factory's Rhythm changed the day shift headed home while the night crew took their places Elon stayed something keeping him in his office even as his calendar cleared at 9:47 p.

m. his phone buzzed initially he ignored it focused on reviewing designs for the latest model S upgrade it buzzed again and again For Heaven's Sake he muttered finally picking it up the new monitoring system had flagged something multiple alerts actually all centered on a single message in the employee Forum does anyone have any leftover food from the cafe I can work an extra hour in exchange the timestamp showed it had been posted just moments ago by an employee named Maria Torres something about the message made him pause the desperation carefully hidden behind professional language the offer to trade time for food computer pullup employee file Maria Torres his screen filled with information engineering department level three clearance hired 18 months ago perfect attendance record multiple commendations from supervisors and then he saw her time logs this can't be right he muttered scrolling through the data Sarah he called out knowing his assistant was still at her desk she appeared in the doorway yes sir these time logs for Maria Torres are they accurate Sarah checked her tablet yes sir she's been working double shifts for looks like just over 3 months now double shifts every day according to the logs yes 6:00 a. m.

to 10: p. m. with minimal breaks Elon leaned back his mind racing pull up her project assignments more screens of data appeared Maria's work was exceptional innovative solutions to complex engineering problems consistently ahead of schedule despite the complexity and her pay rate standard for her level sir actually she was due for a raise review last month but didn't attend the meeting her supervisor noted she asked to postpone it Elon frowned an engineer working 16-hour days producing exceptional work asking for food in exchange for even more hours and she'd passed up a chance for a raise show me the security feeds for her workstation the cameras revealed a young woman hunched over her computer her dark hair pulled back in a messy ponytail even through the grainy footage her exhaustion was evident as he watched she rubbed her eyes checked her phone then quickly got back to work sir Sarah's voice was was hesitant should I forward this to HR Elon kept watching the screen Maria had just picked up her empty coffee cup stared into it sadly then set it back down no he said finally this one's different this one I need to understand myself he pulled up the employee for him again no one had responded to Maria's message yet the night shift crew was smaller most of the cafeteria staff long gone his cursor blinked in the reply box he could respond himself order food delivered to her desk but something told him this wasn't about a single meal Sarah what's her current location a few keystrokes brought up a map of the building section e workstation 247 she's been there since her second shift started at 7: p.

m. Elon stood up straightening his jacket cancel my morning meetings tomorrow all of them but the investors all of them he headed for the the door then paused and Sarah pull up everything you can find about Maria Torres not just her employee file social media public records everything of course sir but what exactly are we looking for Elon watched the security feed one more time Maria had pulled a small photo from her desk drawer looked at it for a long moment then quickly put it away as a supervisor walked past the truth he said simply we're looking for the truth his phone buzzed again another message from Maria in The Forum never mind about the food I'm fine sorry to bother everyone the message only strengthened his resolve something was very wrong and he was going to find out what sir Sarah called after him what are you going to do Elon checked his watch 1013 p. m.

first I'm going to wait then I'm going to follow her her home is that wise he thought about the mysterious photo the doubled shifts the desperate message about food probably not but it's necessary as he settled back into his chair to wait his mind raced with possibilities in all his years running Tesla through all the challenges and triumphs something about this situation felt different perhaps it was the way Maria had withdrawn her request the quiet dignity in her attempt to hide her need or maybe it was the nagging sense that she represented something larger a blind spot in his vision of a revolutionary company the next few hours crawled by Elon busied himself with work but his eyes kept drifting to the security feed showing Maria's workstation she barely moved totally focused on her tasks despite what must have been gnawing hunger at 10:45 p. m. his phone lit up with the information Sarah had gathered he began reading and with each detail the mystery deepened Maria's social media presence had virtually disappeared 3 months ago the exact time her double shifts began her public records showed a recent change of address from a decent apartment complex to a much less desirable area and most intriguingly there were regular payments to a medical facility he didn't recognize the pieces were there but they didn't quite fit together not yet finally at 11:23 p.

m. movement on the security feed CAU his attention Maria was packing up her workstation carefully organizing her papers and powering down her computer even after a 16-hour day she took the time to leave everything in perfect order Elon stood grabbing his coat Dave he spoke into his phone bring the car around and Dave let's keep this between us as he walked through the nearly empty building toward the parking lot he felt the weight of what he was about to do following an employee home home wasn't just unusual it was potentially inappropriate maybe even illegal but as he watched Maria's exhausted figure pushed through the exit doors ahead of him he knew he had to understand the final piece of information from Sarah's research flashed in his mind Maria had recently filed for medical bankruptcy the same week her double shifts began sometimes he muttered to himself as he slipped into his waiting car you have to break the rules to fix the system he had no idea idea just how true those words would prove to be Dave his longtime driver didn't ask questions when Elon instructed him to maintain a discreet distance from Maria's fading blue Toyota that's why Elon had chosen him for tonight Dave understood the value of Silent as they followed Maria's car through the dimming streets of Fremont elon's phone buzzed with a message from Sarah found something else Maria's mother's name is Elena Torres was a nurse for 30 years at Valley Medical retired last year due to health issues that's all I could find the pieces were starting to fit together but the picture they formed made his chest tight he watched as Maria's car signaled right turning into a gas station through the windshield he could see her counting out coins at the pump pull over here Elon instructed Dave keep the engine running they watched as Maria managed to put just enough gas in her tank to presumably get home when she went into the station to pay Elon noticed she lingered by the food aisle staring at the sandwiches before walking away empty-handed sir Dave spoke for the first time watching through the rearview mirror I know it's not my place but I've seen that look before my sister had it years ago when she was choosing between feeding her kids and paying the electric bill Elon leaned forward what happened to your sister Dave's eyes met his in the mirror someone helped her changed her life that's why I've been driving for you for 7 years here Mrmusk because I believe you're the kind of person who helps when he sees something wrong before Elon could respond Maria's car pulled out of the gas station they resumed their careful Pursuit through streets That Grew progressively darker and less maintained every few blocks another street light was burnt out creating pools of Shadow his phone buzzed again another message from Sarah medical facility payments traced to Innovative Care Solutions they specialize in experimental Cancer Treatments most insurance companies won't cover their procedures elon's fist clenched he knew about places like that cuttingedge treatments that could save lives but were deemed too experimental by insurance companies he'd actually considered buying one such facility last year but his board had talked him out of it citing liability concern Maria's car finally turned into a parking lot of what had once been an apartment complex but now looked more like a last resort the sign reading Sunshine Gardens hung crooked missing several letters Dave wait here Elon said opening his door sir Dave called after him be careful this neighborhood but Elon was already walking toward the building following Maria's distant figure up the exterior stairs she moved slowly now each step looking like it took tremendous effort he waited until she disappeared into an apartment on the third floor before approaching standing outside her door number 312 he could hear movement inside a TV playing softly the sound of running water a cough that didn't sound quite right for the first time since this impulse began he hesitated what exactly did he plan to do show up unannounced at almost midnight at his employees apartment the potential headlines flashed through his mind billionaire CEO stocks worker musk crosses line with late night visit but then he heard something else through the door quiet sobbing quickly muffled before he could second guess himself again he knocked the sounds inside immediately ceased footsteps approached cautiously who is it Maria's voice trying to sound stronger than she clearly felt Elon cleared his throat Maria it's Elon Musk I need to speak with you a long pause followed he could practically feel the Panic radiating through the door Mrmusk her voice cracked slightly is is something wrong with my work the propulsion calculations no nothing's wrong with your work I just like to talk please more silence then the sound of multiple locks being undone the door opened just enough to reveal Maria's face her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and confusion I don't understand she said softly how are you here why before she could finish a weak voice called from inside the apartment Mi K La Maria's face paled it's it's nothing mama just a neighbor but the voice came again stronger this time that's not a neighbor's voice I know that voice from the TV Elon watched as Maria closed her eyes taking a deep breath when she opened them again there was a resignation there mixed with something else Pride maybe or determination would you like to come in Mrmusk she asked formally as if this was a scheduled meeting in a Tesla conference room rather than a midnight encounter at her apartment as she opened the door fully the reality of what Dave's sister must have faced what countless others faced hit Elon with physical Force the apartment was meticulously clean but desperately sparse a hospital bed dominated the small living room medical equipment crowding around it and in that bed Mama Maria said quietly this is my boss Mrmusk Elena Torres looked nothing like her medical ID photo from Valley Medical the woman in that picture had been robust smiling full of life the person propped up against the pillows was a shadow her cheeks Hollow her hair gone but her eyes they were sharp alert and currently fixed on Elon with an intensity that made him understand exactly where Maria got her strength so Elena said her voice surprisingly steady you're the man my daughter spends 16 hours a day working for and in that moment standing in the doorway of apartment 312 Elon Musk the man who planned to colonize Mars felt something he hadn't experienced in years he felt small the conversation that followed would change not just Maria's life but the very fabric of how Tesla operated but that was still to come for now he simply stood there letting the reality of what he was seeing sink in knowing that everything was about to change please Elena said gesturing to a worn folding chair sit down and tell me why you followed my daughter home the Tesla parking lot was eerily quiet as Elon settled into the back seat of his car the clock on his phone showed 11:27 p. m.

usually he'd be reviewing SpaceX reports at this hour not following an employee through the streets of Fremont keep your distance Dave he instructed his driver we don't want to Spook her Dave adjusted the rearview mirror sir if I may I've never seen you take this kind of personal interest in an employee before Elon watched Maria's Toyota pull out onto the main road its brake lights flickering uncertainly in the darkness neither have I his phone buzzed another message from Sarah more details about Maria Torres her credit score dropped 200 points 3 months ago multiple credit card applications rejected second mortgage on mother's house denied the pieces were forming a picture he didn't want to see as they followed Maria's car through the glittering streets of Tesla's corporate neighborhood Elon found himself lost in thought Dave he said suddenly how much do we pay our level three Engineers I wouldn't know exactly sir but you know what they drive don't you you see them in the parking lot every day Dave nodded slowly most of them are in new Tesla's company lease program yet Maria is driving a Toyota that seemed better days Elon leaned forward when was the last time you saw an engineer at her level taking public transit to work never sir not in this area the commute would be impossible Elon finished especially for someone working double shifts they were leaving the manicured corporate parks behind now Maria's car turned onto a Boulevard lined with strip malls and check cashing stores the street lights here were dimmer spaced further apart his phone lit up with a call from his head of HR James Elon answered it's almost midnight sir I just got an alert about unauthorized access to employee files someone's been pulling detailed records on Maria Torres that would be me a pause Sir with all due respect there are protocols James what's her salary I what Maria Torres what do we pay her the sound of typing came through the phone standard rate for her her level 142,000 annually Plus benefits and that's good money isn't it James that's what you're about to tell me well yes for her experience level then explain something to me Elon cut in watching Maria's car pull into a rundown gas station why is one of our best Engineers counting quarters to buy gas through the windshield he could see Maria at the pump carefully feeding coins into the machine the amount display crept up slowly Das VI 527 DV 552 wood Andi Sir James said carefully if an employee is having financial difficulties there are programs programs that require paperwork applications approvals programs that put people's private struggles on display Elon watched as Maria replaced the pump her movements heavy with exhaustion how many of our employees actually use these programs James another pause less than 1% and why do you think that is before James could answer Maria's car was moving again I have to go Elon said ending the call they were deep in the industrial district now warehouses loomed on either side their empty Windows like Hollow eyes in the darkness Maria's Toyota turned down a side street then another moving into residential areas that grew progressively more worn with each block sir Dave said quietly I know this neighborhood my sister used to live here before before what before things got better for her it's where people go when they're running out of options the streets here were poorly lit many of the homes showing signs of neglect but something struck Elon as they drove despite the poverty there were signs of dignity everywhere tiny Gardens in cracked containers Windchimes made from salvaged metal people trying to create Beauty in the midst of hardship Maria's car slowed turning into a parking lot that had seen better days the sign for Sunshine Gardens Apartments cast a sickly yellow glow over crumbling concrete stay here Elon instructed Dave opening his door sir this area has people living in it who deserve better Elon straightened his jacket that's all I need to know he watched from the shadows as Maria gathered her things from her car a stack of engineering drawings a small laptop bag what looked like a bag of medical supplies she moved slowly now the weight of her 16-hour day evident in every step as she climbed the exterior stairs to the third floor Elon could see her pause several times leaning against the railing his hand twitched fighting the urge to help her carry her burden on the third floor Landing Maria fumbled with her keys dropping them with a quiet curse when she bent to pick them up a few papers slipped from her stack scattering in the light Breeze one of them drifted toward Elon he caught it before it could blow away completely and what he saw made his breath catch it wasn't an engineering drawing it was a medical bill the amount made his eyes widen 147,000 892 ver 43 and it was marked past due final notice the sound of a door opening drew his attention back to the third floor Maria had disappeared into her apartment leaving Elon alone in the parking lot holding a piece of paper that explained everything and nothing he took the stairs slowly his mind racing the amount on the bill was more than Maria's annual salary even working double shifts even living in this place even driving a car that was probably older than some of his youngest employees at apartment 312 he paused through the thin walls he could hear movement inside a television playing softly the wor of medical equipment a weak cough that didn't sound right and then very quietly he heard Maria's voice I'm sorry Mama the cafeteria was closed by the time I could take a break but I'll make you something now an older voice fragile but determined MAA you need to eat too I had a big lunch Maria lied and Elon felt something twist in his chest he'd seen her message on the employee Forum begging for leftover food Maria Torres the older voice voice grew Stern I was a nurse for 30 years I know when someone isn't eating properly mama please the new treatment is working that's all that matters not if it kills my daughter in the process the silence that followed those words was Heavy with unspoken pain Elon raised his hand to knock then hesitated what right did he have to intrude on this private moment but then he remembered something his mother had told him years ago some sometimes the right thing to do and the comfortable thing to do are not the same thing he knocked the sounds inside immediately ceased footsteps approached cautiously who is it Maria's voice trying to hide her exhaustion Elon took a deep breath this moment this exact moment would change everything he didn't know how yet but he could feel the weight of it Maria it's Elon Musk I need to speak with you the silence that followed was deafening he could almost hear her heart pounding through the door Mrmusk her voice cracked slightly is is something wrong did I make a mistake in the calculations no mistakes Maria I just want to talk another pause then the sound of multiple locks being undone the door opened just enough to reveal Maria's face her eyes wide with confusion and fear I don't understand she whispered how are you here why from inside the apartment came that weak voice again MAA kenin laerta Elon watched as Maria's professional mask cracked just slightly in that moment she wasn't an engineer at one of the world's most Innovative companies she was a daughter trying desperately to save her mother's life it's nothing mama she called back but her voice betrayed her that voice the older woman said I know that voice from the television Maria closed her eyes and Elon could see the calculations running behind them the same kind of problem solving she brought to her engineering work but this time trying to figure out how to handle an impossible situation when she opened her eyes again there was a resignation there mixed with something else a fierce Pride that refused to be diminished by circumstances would you like to come in Mrmusk she asked formally as if this was a scheduled meeting in a conference room rather than a midnight encounter at her door as she stepped back to let him enter Elon caught his first real glimpse of her apartment the space was immaculately clean but desperately sparse a hospital bed dominated the small living room surrounded by medical equipment that looked out of place in the humble setting and in that bed lay Elena Torres a woman whose medical ID photo from Valley Medical showed a vibrant nurse who had spent 30 years caring for others the woman before him now was gaunt her head wrapped in a colorful scarf but her eyes they burned with the same intelligence and determination he saw in her daughter so Elena said her voice surprisingly strong you're the man my daughter works 16 hours a day for the way she said it wasn't accusatory exactly but there was a challenge in her tone that made Elon understand exactly where Maria got her strength mama please Maria started but Elena held up a hand no mija if the CEO of Tesla comes to our home at midnight he must have a good reason she fixed Elon with a piercing gaze don't you Mrmusk Elon looked around the apartment taking in the details the folding table covered in engineering drawings the kitchen counter with its row of pill bottles the single Apple in a bowl probably Maria's entire dinner yes he said finally I do but I'm beginning to think my reason for coming isn't nearly as important as what I'm seeing now Elena's expression softened slightly sit she said gesturing to a worn folding chair and tell us why you followed my daughter home Maria made a small sound of surprise you followed me I did Elon sat down maintaining eye contact with Elena because something wasn't adding up and I needed to understand and do you Elena asked understand Elon pulled the medical bill from his pocket the one that had blown toward him in the parking lot I'm starting to Maria's face paled when she saw the paper Mrmusk I can explain you don't have to he cut in gently not yet first I want to hear about this treatment that's working Elena and Maria exchanged a glance years of shared struggles passing between them in that single look finally Elena spoke it's an experimental immunotherapy she said the insurance companies won't cover it because they say it's unproven but it's working my numbers are improving at what cost Elon asked quietly looking at Maria Maria lifted her chin whatever it takes and in that simple statement Elon heard everything her determination her exhaustion her fear her love he had employees who complained about their stock options while driving their third Tesla and here was Maria Torres working herself to exhaustion living on virtually nothing all to keep her mother alive the reality of it hit him like a physical blow he built a company that was revolutionizing Transportation advancing sustainable energy pushing the boundaries of what was possible but somehow he'd missed something fundamental about taking care of the people making those revolutions possible Mrmusk Maria's voice brought him back to the present are you going to report this the double shifts I mean I know it's against company policy but no he said firmly I'm not going to report it I'm going to fix it fix what Elena asked though something in her expression suggested she already knew Elon stood up his mind racing with possibilities everything but first he pulled out his phone I'm ordering food real food not cafeteria leftovers and while we eat we're going to talk about exactly what needs to change at Tesla sir Maria protested you don't have to yes I do he met her eyes because if I don't fix this really fix it not just for you but for everyone then what's the point of all the Innovation what good is revolutionizing the future if we're not taking care of the people building it Elena smiled then a real smile that transformed her tired face now that she said sounds like the Elon Musk I see on TV as he placed the order for food Elon realized something he'd come here looking for answers about one employees situation instead he'd found something much bigger a wake-up call about what it really meant to lead a company into the future the conversation that followed over late night takeout would change not just Maria's life but the very Foundation of how Tesla operated but those changes were still to come for now in a small apartment in Sunshine Gardens three people sat down to share a meal and begin the process of making things right as Elon sat in Maria's small apartment the smell of recently delivered Thai food filling the air he couldn't help but notice how Maria kept glancing at her mother's medical monitors even during what should have been a moment of relief her vigilance never wavered the green curry is excellent Elena said taking small careful bites though I suspect it costs more than we usually spend on groceries in a week Mama Maria whispered embarrassed but Elena Torres wasn't finished tell me MrMusk do you often follow your employees home in the middle of the night no Elon admitted setting down his Fork this is a first then why my daughter before he could answer one of the medical machines beeped Maria was on her feet instantly checking readings adjusting tubes with practice deficiency she could have been a doctor Elena said softly watching her daughter work she had the grades the intelligence but medical school was too expensive so she chose engineering instead a pause ironic isn't it she chose a different path to avoid medical debt and here we are anyway mama please Maria said returning to her seat Mrmusk doesn't need to hear all this actually Elon leaned forward I think I do tell me about the treatment mother and daughter exchanged glances finally Maria reached for a thick folder on the nearby table it's called adap captive Cell Therapy she explained pulling out several documents basically they modify the patient own immune cells to fight the cancer the success rates are promising but because it's experimental insurance won't cover it Elon finished not a penny Elena confirmed they called it elective experimental treatment as if choosing to live is elective the hospital payment plan was manageable at first Maria continued spreading out bills on the table I took a second mortgage on Mama's house used my savings but then there were complications additional treatments needed and that's when the double shift started Elon guessed Maria nodded I tried other things first sold my car the Toyota was all I could afford to replace it moved us here from our old apartment canceled everything that wasn't essential mija Elena interrupted show him your hands mama no show him reluctantly Maria held out her hands in the harsh apartment lighting Elon could see they were red and raw she cleans offices on her lunch break Elena explained her voice tight with emotion because even 16 hours at Tesla wasn't enough Elon felt something in his chest constrict Maria your salary goes entirely to the treatments she finished the cleaning jobs pay for food and rent most days anyway a memory flashed in elon's mind Maria's message on the employee Forum asking for leftover food he'd thought he'd understood then but now the treatment is working though Maria added quickly as if afraid he'd judge their choices show him your latest numbers Mama Elena handed over another paper medical charts showing a clear downward Trend in several markers the doctor says if we can continue for another 6 months Maria's voice cracked slightly six more months of killing yourself Elena cut in no I won't have it better to let nature take its course than watch my daughter destroy herself Mama we've talked about this no you've talked I've watched watched you grow thinner more exhausted watched you skip meals work impossible hours this isn't living mija but you're getting better at what cost the argument had the feel of one they'd had many times before for Elon watched as Maria rubbed her temples a gesture he'd seen on the security cameras earlier that night when was the last time you slept more than 4 hours he asked her Maria blinked caught off guard by the question I I'm not sure last weekend maybe and eaten a full meal she looked away I have protein bars at my desk had a day off the treatments don't take days off she said quietly Elena reached for her daughter's hand tell them about the promotion you turned down what promotion Elon asked sharply Maria shifted uncomfortably 3 weeks ago team lead position but it would have meant training sessions during my second shift hours so so you declined a better position better pay because it would have interfered with working yourself to death Elena finished I had no choice there are always choices mija even impossible ones like what letting you die Maria stood abruptly pacing the small room watch the cancer win because we can't afford the one treatment that's actually working is that the choice you want me to make the machines beeped again and Maria moved automatically to check them her movements precise despite her obvious exhaustion Mrmusk Elena said while her daughter was distracted do you know what the hardest part of being a nurse was what watching people choose between their health and their financial survival seeing families torn apart not by disease but by the cost of fighting it she gestured around the apartment I spent 30 years helping people through their worst moments and now I'm watching my own daughter face the same impossible choices I saw destroy so many others Maria returned to her seat but her hands were shaking slightly Elon noticed she hadn't eaten more than a few bites of her food the doctor says her body is responding to the treatment better better than anyone expected she said almost to herself just six more months I can handle anything for 6 months can you Elon asked gently because from where I'm sitting you're already handling more than anyone should have to I don't have a choice she repeated but her voice was smaller now everyone has a choice Elon said standing up and it's time I made mine both women looked at him confusion clear on their faces Mrmusk Maria asked hesitantly he pulled out his phone checking the time 1:47 a. m. it's too late to call the board now but first thing tomorrow morning the board Maria's eyes widened sir please if this is about the double shifts I know it's against policy but this isn't about policy he cut in this is about doing what's right not just for you but for every employee who might be facing something similar I don't understand Elon looked around the apartment again at the medical equipment that meant life or death at the stack of bills representing an impossible choice at the mother and daughter who'd sacrificed everything to buy a few more months together when I started Tesla he said slowly I had a vision of changing the world electric cars sustainable energy revolutionizing how we think about transportation and power but what good is revolutionizing the future if we're not taking care of the people building it he turned to Elena how much does the treatment cost total cost everything included she named a figure that would have bought several modeles plaids Elon nodded making notes on his phone and the doctor says six more months that's the current estimate Maria confirmed but sir why because tomorrow morning I'm calling an emergency board meeting and we're going to revolutionize something else how we take care of our people sir Maria stood her Prof professional mask slipping back into place I appreciate the concern but I can handle Maria he cut in gently when was the last time you let someone else handle anything the question seemed to catch her off guard she opened her mouth to respond then closed it again exactly Elena said softly my daughter always carrying the world on her shoulders not anymore Elon said firmly starting tomorrow things change not just for you but for every Tesla employee who might be one medical emergency away from impossible choices how Maria asked and for the first time that night Elon heard something like hope in her voice first we're going to take care of your mother's treatment all of it but the cost is less than what we spend on office coffee in a month he held up a hand to stop her protest then we're going to revamp our entire Healthcare policy no more gaps no more experimental treatment exclusions if a treatment is showing results it's covered the board will never the board works for me not the other way around his voice took on the tone that had launched rockets and revolutionized the automotive industry and once we've done that we're going to look at every other policy that might be forcing our people to choose between their families and their jobs Elena was watching him with an expression he couldn't quite read you sound angry Mrmusk I am angry he admitted angry that one of my best Engineers is cleaning offices on her lunch break angry that a woman who spent 30 years caring for others can't get the care she needs angry that it took following you home to see what was happening right under my nose Maria sank back into her chair tears finally spilling over I never wanted anyone to know never wanted to be a burden you're not a burden Mia Elena said fiercely you're my daughter and you've carried this alone for too long Elon watched as Maria finally broke down months of exhaustion and worry pouring out as her mother held her hand in that moment he made another decision take tomorrow off he said quietly Maria's head snapped up but my projects we still be there the next day take the week actually paid leave retroactive for all all the overtime you never claimed I can't yes you can because while you're resting I'm going to be very busy changing things that should have been changed a long time ago he stood pulling out his phone to call Dave but before he could Elena spoke again he stood pulling out his phone to call Dave but before he could Elena spoke again Mrmusk yes thank you for following my daughter home tonight he looked at Maria who had finally fallen asleep in her chair her hands still clasped in her mother's no he said softly thank you for showing me what I needed to see as he left the apartment his mind was already racing with plans tomorrow would bring changes big ones but for now he had given something precious to a daughter and mother who had nearly lost everything hope Elon arrived at Tesla headquarters the next morning Before Sunrise his mind still racing from the events of the previous night the cleaning crew looked surprised to see him it was barely 5 a.

m. Sarah he called his assistant as he stroe toward his office I need you to set up an emergency board meeting today no exceptions sir it's not even 5:00 a. m.

then wake them up conference room by 8:00 a. m. and get me all our current healthc care policy documents he could hear her typing sir did something happen Elon paused at his office office door remembering Maria's raw hands and Elena's medical machines yes something that should have never been allowed to happen in the first place by 7:30 a.

m. his office was a war room of spreadsheets and policy documents James from HR hovered nervously nearby sir about the Torres situation how many others Elon interrupted I'm sorry how many other employees are working double shifts living on the edge choos between Healthcare and eating James shifted uncomfortably our surveys don't typically that's the problem isn't it Elon stood Gathering papers we don't know because we don't ask well that changes today the board members filed in at 8:00 a. m.

sharp their faces a mixture of concern and curiosity emergency meetings weren't unusual with Elon but something about this one felt different gentlemen Elon began but then stopped on the conference room TV a newss ticker caught his eye health care costs continue to rise experimental treatments remain Out Of Reach for most Americans he changed his approach what's the most valuable asset Tesla has board members glanced at each other our intellectual property one offered our Market position said another wrong Elon tossed Maria's employee file on the table it's our people and we're failing them he spent the next hour laying laying out everything he discovered the impossible choices the hidden struggles the gaps in their supposedly comprehensive benefits but sir one board member interjected our health care package is industry standard industry standard isn't good enough anymore Elon pulled up some calculations do you know what we spend on office supplies annually more than what it would cost to cover experimental treatments for every employee who needs them the shareholders will understand that taking care of our people is the best investment we can make his voice took on the tone that had launched rockets and revolutionized the automotive industry and if they don't they can find another company to invest in the room fell silent Mrmusk the head of Finance spoke carefully what exactly are you proposing Elon outlined his plan complete HealthCare coverage including experimental treatments retroactive payment for overtime mental health support child care assistance housing allowances for those caring for sick family me the cost someone started to say is less than what we lose in productivity when our best people are stretched to Breaking Point Elon pulled up another spreadsheet I had our analysts run the numbers all morning even from a purely Financial perspective this makes sense the discussion continued for hours by early afternoon faces that had started skeptical began to show understanding even enthusiasm at 2:00 p. m.