SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell is portrayed as the real boss

A Wall Street Journal profile describes Gwynne Shotwell, the longtime president of SpaceX, as a central leader who often acts as a translator and defender for Elon Musk ahead of the company's potential IPO.

The Wall Street Journal published a profile of Gwynne Shotwell, the longtime president of SpaceX, ahead of a potential company IPO. The article discusses her working relationship with Elon Musk and her role inside the firm. It notes that she frequently serves as a "Musk translator" and as a defender of company decisions. The piece presents Shotwell as a figure many within the company turn to for leadership. Key points from the profile: - The Wall Street Journal ran a profile of Gwynne Shotwell ahead of SpaceX's potential IPO. - Shotwell is described as the longtime president of SpaceX. - The article characterizes her relationship with Elon Musk as "unusual" and says she often acts as a "Musk translator" and defender. - Kathy Lueders, a former SpaceX executive quoted in the piece, said Shotwell steps in where the company most needs help and that colleagues would turn to her. Summary: The profile frames Shotwell as a central, stabilizing leader within SpaceX as the company moves toward a possible IPO. Undetermined at this time.