Beaches of Miami interviewed author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and billion-dollar empire builder Elena Cardone about her approach to success as a businesswoman, wife, and mother. She has built an empire with her husband of almost twenty years, real estate investor Grant Cardone. An early riser, a typical day for the energetic former model and actress, begins in front of her home computer at 6:00 AM, physical training follows. Then it's breakfast with her daughters Scarlett and Sabrina before heading to the office for business meetings. At around 6:00 PM, she's back home to share quality time with her kids. On weekends, when the couple is not entertaining, they like to relax with the family at home in the exclusive enclave of Golden Beach, which she defines as Miami-Dade County's "hidden treasure." Cardone's active South Florida life adds to the area's patina as a place for 10X women to empower others to reach their potential while enjoying fulfilling family lives.
As a powerhouse woman with numerous accomplishments, what strategies do you use to keep productive and successful in your daily routine?
I keep connected to my purpose, keep a schedule, and surround myself with people who work with me, not against me.
Is 10XLadies a vehicle to empower women, and how can our readers get involved?
10X Ladies is a global community of like-minded women actively interested in the success of each other. We empower and educate women to improve all areas of life, thus, elevating them to make a difference for the better on this planet, starting with themselves, their families, their communities, and eventually the world.
The Series on Build an Empire Masterminds: baemastermind.com provides the tools to get women to 10X with the pillars to build the foundation for their empire. We focus on:
Mindset - getting rid of blocks and barriers designed to keep women small, give them the necessary tools to increase their ability to create the life they desire
Business/Finance - learning to become financially free and work as a team in a business environment for the best results.
Lifestyle/Health/Wellness - health education to permanently have the energy and body they desire to sustain the lifestyle they wish to have.
Relationships - knowing who to trust to build the empire while getting on the same page with family and business, so they work cohesively towards the same goals to reach a heightened level of success.
What made you and Grant decide to move to South Florida, and what do you find unique in this area?
Taxes! In California, taxes went to 13%, so we moved to Florida, where the state rewards entrepreneurs. We were able to grow our business exponentially due to the move. I feel relaxed here in South Florida even at stressful times. It's beautiful and feels like a working vacation, with a lovely mix of culture, family, restaurants, lifestyle activities, and the glitz and glam to never get bored of it.
What are some of your favorite places in South Florida to dine or spend time with family and friends?
My favorite place to dine is in my home here in Golden Beach. It is Miami-Dade's hidden treasure.
When I venture out, I love all the trendy hot new restaurants and legendary Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant when I want to have stone crabs.
What does a typical weekend look like for the Cardone family?
We host events just about every weekend here in South Florida and bring a lot of business to the hotel industry, it loves us, so when we aren't hosting events, we are happy to enjoy weekends at home with family.
You have said: "Knowing who your true friends are is VITAL to your success." Please elaborate on that.
Empires are destroyed from within: you can prepare for the blatant, obvious enemy. But the ones you let in are the ones who can potentially inflict the most harm: they have access to your information, your community, your vulnerabilities. It's vital to know who you can trust to protect the empire. ElenaCardone.com/trust
Married since 2004, please share the principal ingredients for your successful marriage.
To be on the same page regarding core values personally, financially, and professionally, supporting each other to reach heightened levels of success as a couple, achieving our goals together.
How has motherhood inspired you and your work empowering women?
Motherhood made me realize the importance of the role that a mother is responsible for: the rearing of children to be happy, productive, contributing members of society, thus, forwarding humanity. It's an essential role in society, and I believe it is undervalued and underappreciated. I'm on a mission to restore the value of women, the family unit, and motherhood globally.
Raising Scarlett and Sabrina has positively impacted your professional life: what is your approach?
I give them the guidelines and parameters in which they can freely choose to live their lives and make their own decisions. However, just like in the real world, if they don't adhere to the guidelines, they will experience the consequences of those choices. I try not to get angry but allow them to make mistakes. I let them be contributing members of the family team and appreciate their value.
What is the best advice you give mothers raising young children?
Get help when you need it. You don't have to be a superhero. Have patience and respect them as the beings they are inside their little bodies. Treat them with the dignity they deserve; it generates benefits.
What are your favorite family-related activities?
Hanging out and just talking, jumping on our trampoline, watching a movie, swimming, having dinner, and traveling the world!
What were the most memorable and rewarding aspects of writing Build an Empire?
I accomplished something that I thought was only for the brilliant people out there. On a personal level, it rehabilitated my entire schooling years. Hearing of the wins that others derive from reading the book fulfills me spiritually indescribably.
Why did you take up martial arts, and how has it impacted your life?
I began taking martial arts when I realized that if something terrible occurred, I could not protect myself physically without a weapon, and I wanted at least a fighting chance. It completely changed my life. It is not a sport that comes naturally to me, so I had to command my body and build it to make it function the way it does now. It took many hours of discipline to be in the gym training. I have not only gained strength physically but mentally as well. I'm more competent and trust myself to deliver when I say I will do something. I'm not afraid to take on new challenges anymore.
What values do you hold dear?
Honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, accountability, results-oriented, competency, and work ethic are fundamental.
How would you like to be remembered?
As leading the most significant female empowerment movement, inspiring women to bring sanity, stability, and order to their sphere of influence, making a difference for the better on this planet.
What must you always have with you?
I must have my purpose, honor, commitment, integrity, and sense of humor.
What message would you like to leave for our readers?
To be and do for yourself. To share yourself with the world and make a difference. Build an empire.
