Elle George is a serial-entrepreneur, disruptor and investor. Her new book, Before You Shake Hands, is the ultimate partnership toolkit with hard-earned lessons on power, betrayal and avoiding million-dollar mistakes.

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Guest Resources

Before You Shake Hands – Grab a copy of Elle’s book.

Elle on Instagram – Follow Elle on Instagram.

3 Value Bombs

1. Excitement is the enemy of clarity. Slow down and ask uncomfortable questions before you partner with anyone in business.

2. Red flags don’t go away, they grow. Ignoring misalignment early on can lead to brutal, costly consequences.

3. Leaving a bad partnership is not failure. Sometimes, exiting is the smartest and most freeing business decision you can make.

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All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Alpha is an experimental AI tool powered by GPT-4. Its output may be inaccurate and is not investment advice. Public makes no guarantees about its accuracy or reliability—verify independently before use. *Rate as of 6/24/25. APY is variable and subject to change. **Terms and Conditions apply.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Before You Shake Hands: The Partnership Red Flags That Could Save You Millions

[1:27]- Elle shares something she believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.

Talent is overrated and balance is a luxury earned through hustle.
Alignment is more important than natural ability. Obsession beats skill in the early stages.

[3:36] — Elle shares what “Before You Shake Hands” is all about.

It’s not just a business book but it is a toolkit for alignment.
It helps founders and investors ask the tough questions before signing anything.
It is the prenup of every business partnership needs.

[6:02] — Elle tells about the moment she realized when things had gone wrong in her own partnership.

She was locked out of her business within weeks. Emails were deleted and documents were forged
What she felt like a dream deal turned into a hostile takeover.
When she looked back, the red flags were clear. There was no alignment, no trust and too much excitement.

[8:50] — Elle gives her advice to someone considering a business partner.

Slow Down.
Ask them why they want to invest in your business, what are their values and what is their exit plan?
Alignment isn’t optional, it’s the foundation.
Start with a background check and build from there.

[10:42] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!

HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!
Policygenius: Secure your family’s future. Head to Policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.
Public: Build a multi-asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto, and more. Go to Public.com/fire to fund your account in five minutes or less!
- All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Alpha is an experimental AI tool powered by GPT-4. Its output may be inaccurate and is not investment advice. Public makes no guarantees about its accuracy or reliability—verify independently before use. *Rate as of 6/24/25. APY is variable and subject to change. **Terms and Conditions apply.

[14:17] – Elle talks about what to do if someone is already stuck in a toxic partnership.

Document everything; every email, promise, and agreement.
Get legal advice immediately.
Don’t stay too long. Leaving isn’t failure, its survival.
The sooner you act the more freedom you preserve.

[17:41] — Elle tells about her new venture and its difference.

Elle now leads with alignment. No hype, no ego.
She only works with people she trusts and builds businesses she loves.
Structure, expectations, and integrity are non-negotiables.

[20:01] — Elle talks about how “Before You Shake Hands” is different from typical business books.

Not just inspiration or theory but it’s a hands-on, in-the-trenches wisdom.
Includes actionable sections: values, trust, legal, roles, financials, exit.
Checklists and frameworks that protect founders from costly missteps.

[21:55]— Call to action

Before You Shake Hands – Grab a copy of Elle’s book.
Elle on Instagram – Follow Elle on Instagram.

[23:12] – Thank you to our Sponsor!

HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

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