Episode 49

Mastering Management with Eric Girard

On today’s episode of the Performance Mindset podcast, Amy sits down with guest Eric Girard to talk about what it takes to become a great manager. Eric is the founder of Girard Training Solutions, a company dedicated to transforming high-performing individual contributors into great people managers. He is also the author of the book “Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers,” and the host of the podcast “Management Development Unlocked.”

Eric has a breadth of experience in Silicon Valley, with more than 30 years of experience focused on learning and development. He’s worked with globally renowned companies, delivering training both virtually and in person.


In this episode, you’ll hear:


  1. Eric Girard’s background in learning and development and why his first foray into management was an epic failure.
  2. His company’s focus on helping new managers successfully make the transition from employee to manager.
  3. An example of one of Eric’s management failures and how he missed a teachable moment.
  4. The most common pitfalls managers have to overcome.
  5. Two of the biggest issues new managers repeatedly run into.
  6. Some tactics you can implement to build a better relationship with your team including SMART goals.
  7. Why the number of goals to set varies from person to person.
  8. Eric’s scuba dive training and his pursuit of becoming a Master Scuba Diver Trainer certification and the two ways it ties into his work.
  9. What his teenage twin daughters teach him about patience and when to disengage.
  10. His book, “Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers,” and what you can expect to take away from it.
  11. The value of building lasting relationships for business owners.


Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial

CREi Summit


Connect with Eric Girard:

LinkedIn

Website

eric@girardtrainingsolutions.com

Podcast


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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.