Elena Cardone: Overcoming Trauma and Loss to Build a $5 Billion Business | E156
Elena Cardone: Overcoming Trauma and Loss to Build a $5 Billion Business | E156  
Podcast: Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Published On: Tue Apr 28 2026
Description: Elena Cardone’s life changed the day she watched her best friend die in a house fire. That trauma sent her spiraling into a decade of drugs and alcohol, and as more friends died in the years that followed, she believed she was next. Until one night, a dream forced her to confront the truth: she wasn’t honoring her friend’s life; she was wasting her own. That moment became the turning point that set her on a path to transforming her life and building a $5 billion empire. In this episode, Elena shares how she broke free from destructive patterns and the mindset shifts that transformed her marriage, career, and financial future. Elena Cardone is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, and real estate investor who has built a $5 billion portfolio alongside her husband, Grant Cardone. She is the co-founder of Cardone Capital, Cardone Foundation, and Cardone Mortgage. In this episode, Ilana and Elena will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (05:39) The House Fire That Changed Everything (08:52) How Your Mind Works Against You to Self-Sabotage (11:21) Moving to Hollywood and Discovering Its Dark Sides (15:56) How Trauma Almost Cost Her the Right Man (24:15) The 2008 Crisis and a Marriage Breaking Point (27:25) How a Nightly Game Built a Billion-Dollar Mindset (35:41) The Hidden Cost of Believing Money Is Evil (41:40) Why Great People Attack Your Weaknesses (46:38) Elena’s Plan to Build Global Influence (51:29) Q&A: How Do You Get Paid to Speak? Elena Cardone is an entrepreneur, former actress, podcast host, and the bestselling author of Build an Empire. She is a licensed realtor leading a 500-agent organization with eXp Realty, and has built a $5 billion portfolio alongside her husband, Grant Cardone. Elena is also the co-founder of both the Grant Cardone Foundation, which helps underserved youth understand finance and business, and Cardone Mortgage, which makes homeownership more accessible across all 50 states.  Connect with Elena: Elena’s Website: https://elenacardone.com Elena’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenacardone/ Elena’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenacardone/  Resources Mentioned: Elena’s Book, Build an Empire: How to Have It All: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Empire-How-have-All-ebook/dp/B09RGHGQ4K  Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard: https://www.amazon.com/Dianetics-Modern-Science-Mental-Health/dp/B001EPO4Z2 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training📈 Leap Academy helps professionals reinvent their careers, build portfolio careers, land board seats, and grow executive leadership skills through expert coaching, personal branding, and career development strategies. Founded by Ilana Golan, it's where bold professionals come to grow.🎯 Start with a free strategy call: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule🎓 Watch the free masterclass on building multiple income streams: https://webinar.leapacademy.com/24hr-pass1👇 Like what you see? Comment below and let us know what resonated!📌 Subscribe for weekly insights, career strategy, and behind-the-scenes mentorship from Ilana: https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy⭐ Hear how others made their leap: https://www.leapacademy.com/reviews🧠 Explore actionable tips on our blog: https://www.leapacademy.com/blog-1---------------🎧 PODCAST | Leap Academy with Ilana GolanInspiring, unfiltered conversations with leaders and professionals who broke the mold. Learn how to build your reputation, impact, and income on your terms.▶️ https://www.leapacademy.com/podcast---------------🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode.📲 Connect with Ilana:Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/IlanaGolanLeapAcademyLinkedIn ▶️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/ilanagolanleapWebsite ▶️ https://www.leapacademy.com/