Episode 64

Authenticity, Advocacy, and Ambition with Deena Zimmerman

Published on: 25th September, 2024

On today’s episode of the Performance Mindset podcast, Deena interviews Deena Zimmerman, a powerhouse in the retail commercial space. Amy and Deena delve into how she landed in real estate despite pursuing a psychology degree to become a therapist. Deena’s niche is tenant representation, and she shares what she loves about her job. During their conversation, Amy and Deena cover all the things, including the challenges she’s faced as a woman in real estate, current retail trends, and how the pandemic shifted the retail landscape. Deena shares her advice for the next generation of real estate, the best way to find a mentor, and how following up with others and taking care of yourself can move your career forward.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Deena Zimmerman’s winding path to a career in commercial real estate.
How Deena carved out a niche in tenant representation and became a resource for her clients.
Collaborating with other industry professionals to cover all your bases.
The importance of acknowledging a client’s communication and being responsive.
The challenges Deena has faced as a woman in real estate.
Current retail trends in the commercial real estate space.
How the pandemic impacted the future of retail.
Her advice for the next generation in real estate.
Finding a mentor to help guide your career.
The value in following up with someone and taking care of yourself.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial

Connect with Deena Zimmerman:

deena@baumrealty.com

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About the Podcast

The Performance Mindset Show

Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.

The Performance Mindset Show is where high achievers come to grow. Hosted by commercial real estate advisor, entrepreneur, and author Amy Calandrino, each episode dives into the habits, strategies, and stories that help leaders think bigger, perform better, and build meaningful success in business and life.

Amy sits down with trailblazers across commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, investing, health, and personal development to uncover how they overcame obstacles, scaled their impact, and created lives built on intention. These conversations are honest, inspiring, and filled with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Whether you're a business owner, creator, investor, or someone who wants to operate at a higher level, this show will help you strengthen your mindset, sharpen your skills, and stay focused on what matters most.

If you want to grow, you’re in the right place.

About your host

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.