If you had told me a year ago I would be leaving my brokerage, the one I built from scratch and poured myself into for 15 years, I probably would have said, “GET OUT!” just like Elaine from Seinfeld. But here we are. And it does not just feel right. It feels aligned with who I am now and the future I want to create.

This was not a quick decision. It came after years of growth, reflection, and honest self-assessment. If you have followed my journey from launching The Performance Mindset Show to writing From Perfect to Real to stepping back this past summer, you have probably noticed a shift. I have been listening more carefully to others and, most importantly, to myself.

The question I kept asking was simple: Is running a brokerage still serving me? And if not, what would?

What I Learned from Trying to Do It All

For years, I wore every hat possible. I was the producer, the strategist, the recruiter, the mentor, the operations lead, and the person setting the vision. I am proud of everything I built, but I reached a point where I knew that just because I could do it all did not mean I should.

I started to think about what life might look like if I spent more time doing the work that makes the biggest impact. I imagined more time with clients, more creative projects, more investing, and more focus on my family. The answer became clear. I needed to spend less time managing and more time creating value.

Letting Go of the Badge

Being a brokerage owner was a badge of honor for me. It represented grit, determination, and countless lessons learned. But during my time off this summer, I gave myself permission to dream again. I sat down and wrote out what I wanted my life to look like in 2026. Not just my career, but my full life.

When I looked at what I wrote, I saw myself serving clients at the highest level, building relationships, investing, writing, and collaborating with other professionals. I saw myself present with my family and living with purpose. Running a brokerage did not appear anywhere on that list.

Clients Over Titles

Once I accepted that realization, I started having honest conversations with people I trust. I told them I was ready for something different. I wanted to focus on being a commercial real estate advisor and investor. I wanted collaboration and community, not management and administration.

My first call was to Sarah Malcolm. She encouraged me to start talking to others, especially within our Power Beacons network. So I did. I reached out to people who inspire me and have built the kind of careers and lives I admire.

Beth Azor reminded me to stay open and explore freely as a “free agent.” She told me to treat it as a season of learning and discovery. That conversation gave me the freedom to stop overthinking and start exploring.

The Research Process

I had never worked for anyone else in commercial real estate, so I knew I needed guidance. I reached out to Allison Weiss at CRE Recruiting, and she was incredible. She helped me understand the landscape of opportunities, what to look for, and what to avoid.

One of the very first conversations I had was with John Crossman, CCIM. He was technically my first “interview,” but it didn’t feel like one. Right away, he told me to think of him as a friend first and foremost throughout the process. That grounded me. John has been a mentor to me over the years and a wonderful friend. He and his team are doing big things with meaningful impact, and they were a serious contender. I am so grateful for his support, encouragement, and wisdom during such a pivotal season.

Over the next few months, I took about 20 exploratory calls, 11 first interviews, and four second interviews. Each conversation gave me more clarity. I was also supported by incredible peers, including Ken Ashley of Cushman & Wakefield fellow SIOR and CCIM and founder of CREi, who has been a key connection and friend throughout my journey.

At ICSC in August, I had one of the most meaningful conversations of the year. I was sharing a taxi before the CCIM dinner with Adam Palmer, who had also made a big transition after 15 years in one role. That conversation reminded me that there is no perfect timeline for growth. There is only your timeline, and it is worth honoring when it calls.

Throughout the entire process, I kept close connections in the loop who helped me stay grounded, even when the outcome started looking different than I had originally imagined. Friends like Fly Jamerson, Jonathan Papeika, and others in my CRE circle were constant sources of support. They helped me keep my sanity, stay patient, and trust the unfolding. When I finally made my decision, I felt fully at peace. No doubts. I know this transition will take a lot out of me, and I know it will be a process. But I also know it will be worth it. I am walking into 2026 with clear eyes and a full heart.

Why Cushman & Wakefield

When all the conversations wrapped, I narrowed my options to three brokerages. Each one was impressive, but Cushman & Wakefield felt like home then and still feels like home when I think about the next 10, 20, or even 30 years.

Yes, the platform, tools, and global reach are exceptional. But what truly mattered was how I felt. I felt understood. I felt seen. And I felt supported not only as a broker, but as a whole person.

They welcomed the full version of me: the mom, the wife, the investor, the author, the wellness-focused early riser, and the person who leads with both heart and strategy. I wanted a company that valued entrepreneurship within a collaborative structure, and Cushman & Wakefield delivered that.

The universe has a funny way of confirming when you are on the right path. My new office is at 20 North Orange in Downtown Orlando, the same building where I worked 20 years ago as a paralegal. Back then, I had no idea that commercial real estate would become my calling. Walking into that building again, two decades later, feels like everything has come full circle.

And here is another small sign. In May 2025, I presented on branding at the Orlando Cushman & Wakefield office. That day happened to be my now-boss Wanda Riley’s birthday. Sometimes life really does come together in ways that make you pause and smile.

Gratitude for Every Conversation

To every person and every firm I spoke with during this process, thank you. Even the conversations that did not lead to an offer helped me clarify my direction and priorities. They all mattered.

Once I made the decision, the shift in my energy was immediate. I stopped pouring time into maintaining Beyond Commercial’s brand and operations and focused instead on my clients and my purpose. My productivity skyrocketed. I had not realized how much energy was tied up in simply keeping things running, even with a small team.

Now, I am surrounded by some of the best professionals in the business, and that collaboration fuels me every day.

Still Me, Just Stronger

I am still Amy. Still advising. Still creating. Still showing up with purpose and heart. The difference now is that I have the resources, structure, and global support to amplify the work I love most.

This move is about alignment, purpose, and service. It is about showing up for what matters most to me and to the people I am privileged to serve. If you are considering a big change of your own, talk to people you admire and trust. Their insight and encouragement are powerful. I know that from experience.

Here is to a new chapter filled with clarity, collaboration, and meaningful work. Let’s go.