431 | Elena Cardone | Build an Empire: How to Have it All

What does it actually take to build an empire, and what do you have to overcome within yourself to get there? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Elena Cardone, entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor, and bestselling author of “Build an Empire: How to Have it All”. Elena opens up about a childhood marked by profound loss, how she left New Orleans at 17 with nothing but a dream of making it in Hollywood, and the pivotal moment in 2008 that changed everything. When the financial crisis brought her and Grant to the edge of losing it all, Elena made a decision that would reshape her identity, her marriage, and her future. Elena and Darius go deep on what it really means to build a life by design. From defining roles in a marriage so both partners can operate at 100%, to confronting the subconscious patterns that quietly sabotage success, this conversation is raw, honest, and full of hard-won wisdom. Elena also shares how understanding the reactive mind through Dianetics became the single most transformative tool in her personal and professional life, and why she credits it as the foundation of everything she and Grant have built together. In this episode, Darius and Elena will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction (01:26) Elena's Origin Story (05:31) Moving to Los Angeles and Early Life Challenges (08:44) Transitioning from Acting to Supporting Grant (11:44) Defining Roles in Their Partnership (15:15) Navigating Financial Crisis and Building Together (19:32) Creating a Supportive Environment in Marriage (24:26) The Value of Long-Term Relationships (25:40) Reinventing Relationships Over Time (27:43) The Importance of Agreements in Marriage (29:25) Understanding the Mind: Dianetics and Personal Growth (34:57) Navigating Emotions and Reactive Minds (40:58) Trusting Yourself and Overcoming Barriers to Greatness Elena Cardone Elena Cardone is a bestselling author, speaker, and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women, strengthening families, and creating financial opportunity for the next generation. She is the author of “Build an Empire: How to Have it All” and the host of The Elena Cardone Show podcast. As co-founder of the Grant Cardone Foundation, Elena works to bring financial and business education to underserved youth. She also co-founded Cardone Mortgage, offering personalized home financing solutions across all 50 states, and serves as a licensed Realtor with eXp Realty, leading an organization of over 500 agents. Alongside her husband Grant Cardone, she has helped build a real estate portfolio valued at over $5 billion. Elena lives in Miami with Grant and their two daughters, Sabrina and Scarlett. Connect with Elena: Website: www.elenacardone.com/success Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenacardone/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenacardoneWIP/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ElenaCardone  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices