Podcast Summary: The Determined Society with Shawn French | Episode: 10X Elena Cardone: Empire Builder, Grant Cardone Foundation, and Family First
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Shawn French
Guest: Elena Cardone
1. Introduction to the Conversation
In this compelling episode of The Determined Society with Shawn French, host Shawn French engages in an in-depth conversation with Elena Cardone, a pivotal figure behind the Cardone empire and the Grant Cardone Foundation. The discussion delves into Elena's transformative journey, the dynamics of her partnership with Grant Cardone, and the impactful initiatives they spearhead together.
2. Embracing Partnership Over Independence (00:55 - 06:00)
Elena Cardone opens up about a pivotal moment in 2008 when her perspective on independence shifted dramatically. Initially steadfast in her belief of never depending on a man, Elena faced near financial ruin while pregnant with her first child. This crisis prompted her to reassess her stance:
Elena Cardone [03:15]: "I'm done with being an independent, powerful woman. I don't care what female feminist comes after me for supporting a man... I have interest in my husband. If I didn't, why am I marrying him?"
This realization led her to embrace a supportive role alongside Grant Cardone, transforming their relationship into a powerful partnership. Elena emphasizes the strength found in mutual support, stating:
Elena Cardone [05:50]: "We do 100, 100. So, you know, so we have a better chance of crushing the enemy than it does of... of us being."
3. The Power and Purpose of 10X Ladies (08:00 - 21:54)
Shawn French and Elena delve into the inception and evolution of the 10X Ladies summit, a flagship event aimed at empowering women through actionable strategies rather than mere motivation. Elena describes the event as a transformative experience that equips attendees with practical tools across various facets of life:
Elena Cardone [08:03]: "This is applicable data that you leave with to actually be able to change the trajectory of your life."
Key highlights of the summit include:
- Networking: Building lifelong friendships and professional connections.
- Skill Development: Enhancing business acumen, marketing strategies, branding, and financial management.
- Personal Growth: Improving relationships, parenting techniques, and overall life satisfaction.
Elena underscores the inclusive nature of the event, noting the increasing participation of men who support their partners:
Elena Cardone [37:03]: "More and more men have shown up over the years. It's really... it's really cool when they come out and support their wives or their business partners or their mothers or their sisters or whatnot."
4. Rethinking Manifestation: The 'Be, Do, Have' Framework (13:37 - 17:15)
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the concept of manifestation. Both Elena and Shawn critique the oversimplified portrayal of manifestation in popular culture, particularly referencing The Secret. They advocate for a more grounded approach that incorporates actionable steps.
Elena Cardone [14:19]: "I'm against that [simplistic manifestation]. It upsets people. It makes them introvert into their head."
Introducing the 'Be, Do, Have' framework, Elena explains that true manifestation requires:
- Be: Embody your future self with the mindset and qualities you aspire to.
- Do: Take consistent, intentional actions aligned with your goals.
- Have: Achieve the desired outcomes through disciplined effort.
Elena Cardone [16:45]: "It's the do. It's be your beingness now, be that your future self... It's been materialized by the do."
This approach ensures that manifestation is not just about envisioning success but also about the disciplined actions that lead to tangible results.
5. Expanding the Empire: Future Ventures and Philanthropy (25:45 - 37:03)
Elena provides an overview of the expansive ventures under the Cardone umbrella, highlighting their strategic growth and philanthropic efforts. Key initiatives include:
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Cardone Capital: Focused on acquiring institutional-grade Class A properties with plans to go public. Elena mentions groundbreaking partnerships with major financial institutions like Bank of America and JP Morgan.
Elena Cardone [26:40]: "We're going to end up eventually going public with that... we're destroying because, you know, all of them know who we are now."
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10X Health: Positioning as a $2 billion company with upcoming global partnerships and investment opportunities for the 10X community.
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Cardone Interiors & Real Estate Team: Expanding into property furnishing and managing a robust team of 600 agents to support their real estate ventures.
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Philanthropic Work: Through the Grant Cardone Foundation, Elena emphasizes their commitment to underserved children, providing entrepreneurial skills and partnering with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters to create meaningful impact.
Elena Cardone [32:18]: "We're a one-stop."
Elena also touches upon legislative efforts to drive change, working behind the scenes to pass bills that align with their mission of empowering communities.
6. The Essence of Determination and Supportive Relationships (34:04 - 35:26)
As the conversation nears its conclusion, Elena articulates her definition of determination, tying it back to the podcast's core theme:
Elena Cardone [34:24]: "Determination means you are so laser focused on your target, your purposes, your goals, your dreams, your values that you will always fall forward, pick yourself back up, course correct, self-enhance... determined not to fail."
Both Elena and Shawn discuss the importance of understanding and supporting each other's love languages within relationships, highlighting how Elena's support has been instrumental in Grant's success.
Shawn French [32:44]: "Words of affirmation are massive... understanding what your partner's love language is."
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Shawn wraps up the episode by emphasizing the relatability of Elena and Grant's journey, inspiring listeners to believe in their potential to overcome obstacles through intentional actions and supportive partnerships.
Shawn French [35:26]: "These are billionaires no different than me. I'm going through things with my husband or wife right now. And if we focus enough and we're intentional... we can also overcome."
The conversation concludes with Elena promoting the upcoming 10X Ladies Summit scheduled for August 15th through 16th in Aventura, Florida, encouraging both women and men to attend and benefit from the event's valuable offerings.
Elena Cardone [36:48]: "More and more men have shown up... All right, get in the room."
Key Takeaways
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Partnership Over Independence: Embracing supportive relationships can lead to greater personal and professional success.
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10X Ladies Summit: A transformative event that provides actionable tools for women to excel in various aspects of life.
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'Be, Do, Have' Manifestation: A disciplined approach to manifesting goals through mindset and actionable steps.
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Expansive Ventures: Continued growth and diversification of the Cardone empire across real estate, health, philanthropy, and more.
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Determination and Resilience: Maintaining focus and adaptability is crucial for overcoming adversity and achieving long-term success.
Notable Quotes
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Elena Cardone [03:15]: "I'm done with being an independent, powerful woman. I don't care what female feminist comes after me for supporting a man..."
-
Elena Cardone [08:03]: "This is applicable data that you leave with to actually be able to change the trajectory of your life."
-
Elena Cardone [14:19]: "I'm against that [simplistic manifestation]. It upsets people. It makes them introvert into their head."
-
Elena Cardone [34:24]: "Determination means you are so laser focused on your target... determined not to fail."
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Shawn French [35:26]: "These are billionaires no different than me. I'm going through things with my husband or wife right now... we can also overcome."
This episode serves as an inspiring roadmap for individuals seeking to build empires, nurture meaningful relationships, and create lasting impact through disciplined action and unwavering determination.
