Episode 121

Friendships, Failures, and Finding Your Path with Álvaro Cortés

Amy sits down with Senior Advisor and SIOR Álvaro Cortés on today’s Performance Mindset Show. Based in Costa Rica, Álvaro brokers office, industrial, retail, and investment deals across Costa Rica and greater Central America, helping both local and international clients navigate one of Latin America’s most active commercial real estate markets with a strategic and highly relational approach. He is part of the global online commercial real estate community, building connections across borders.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  1. Álvaro Cortés’s background in architecture and how getting fired from an architecture job ultimately led him to commercial real estate.
  2. The importance of mentors and how they often spot your potential before you do.
  3. What Álvaro wishes he’d known when he first started in commercial real estate.
  4. Costa Rica’s commercial real estate industry and why it’s an exciting market right now.
  5. The history of Costa Rica’s economic rise since the 1980s and 1990s, which led to its thriving real estate market today.
  6. Mental health’s role in success and building relationships.
  7. Accountability as a factor in alignment and success.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Amy Calandrino - https://linktr.ee/amycalandrino

Connect with Álvaro Cortés:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcortes/

SIOR - https://www.sior.com/viewprofile?PersonID=73884

Cushman & Wakefield AB Advisory - https://ab-latam.com/our-team/

Rich Relationships by Selena Soo - https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Relationships-Million-Dollar-Network-Business/dp/B0F35GH7RQ

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About the Podcast

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The Performance Mindset Show
Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.

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About your host

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Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.