Episode 97

Finding Your True Purpose with Max Stephens

Published on: 2nd July, 2025

Changing your mindset can be difficult, especially when you’ve been programmed for certain things since childhood, but anyone can make the shift with the right tools. On today’s episode of the Performance Mindset podcast, Amy sits down with Max Stephens, author of “What the F**k Do You Really Want? The Non-Nonsense Guide to Finding a Life with Purpose.” Max is a personal development strategist dedicated to helping ambitious individuals make their mark in the world. His work is grounded in extensive research, formal consciousness training, and an integral understanding of human behavior.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  1. Max Stephens’s interest in psychology and human behavior, which led to writing his book, “What the F**k Do You Really Want? The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding a Life with Purpose.”
  2. His tips for finding time to meditate and what happens when you do it.
  3. What psychological re-engineering is and its benefits.
  4. Cultural expectations and how they impact our lives.
  5. Max’s realizations about athletes and entrepreneurs, and why their goals are often never enough for a meaningful life.
  6. One of the most counterintuitive shifts someone can make to change their mindset for the better.
  7. The current mental health crisis and why some of it stems from cultures that go against our biological wiring.
  8. The importance of designing a life that works for you.
  9. Defining success as a byproduct of your goal.
  10. Why dynamic often dictates behavior.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

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Amy Calandrino

Connect with Max Stephens:

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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

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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.