Level up with Hakim

AbdalHakim Omar

Level Up with Hakim is where business, mindset, and growth collide. Inspiring conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs sharing strategies, stories, and insights to help you win, grow, and level up in work and life.

Episodes

  1. Level up with Hakim #24 The Art of Guest Experience in Hospitality with Pedro Arceyut

    3 DAYS AGO

    Level up with Hakim #24 The Art of Guest Experience in Hospitality with Pedro Arceyut

    Summary In this conversation, Hakim and Pedro Joaquin Arceyut Araya delve into the complexities of luxury hospitality, exploring themes such as the pressure of managing multiple outlets, the importance of guest experience, and the role of leadership in fostering high-performance teams. Pedro shares his journey from engineering to hospitality, emphasizing the significance of emotional connections and the evolving definition of luxury. The discussion also highlights the impact of technology on enhancing guest experiences and the necessity of maintaining quality standards across diverse venues. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Luxury Hospitality Challenges 02:08 The Journey to Hospitality: From Engineering to Culinary Arts 04:31 Overcoming Early Struggles in a New Environment 06:35 Learning Through Experience: The Importance of Self-Management 09:36 Crisis Management: Turning Challenges into Opportunities 15:46 Managing Multiple Outlets: The Art of Delegation and Standards 19:50 Pressure and Expectations in Luxury Hospitality 23:11 Building Successful Outlets: The Foundation of Hospitality Management 23:46 Creating a Culinary Ecosystem 27:37 Building Multi-Venue Strategies 31:01 Hiring for High Performance in F&B 36:46 The Evolution of Leadership in Hospitality 38:09 Defining Honest Luxury 41:44 The Role of Technology in Hospitality 43:49 Personal Evolution and Leveling Up 46:13 Untitled design.mp4 About the Show* What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond.💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar.Connect with Pedrohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pedroarceyut007/ Linkedin Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u2m2nTiqAjepUpRTo6wKL?si=7mP9nHGVQKiRSJvtIqWnqAApple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/level-up-with-hakim/id1872491718Amazon musichttps://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8864be9e-558a-4632-94b2-6b121a5d7ebf/level-up-with-hakim

    46 min
  2. Level up with Hakim #23 Building Trust in Healthcare IT with Brian Raggett

    12 FEB

    Level up with Hakim #23 Building Trust in Healthcare IT with Brian Raggett

    Summary Most healthcare leaders overlook the real power of strategic trust and adaptability—until it’s too late. Brian Rijet, a seasoned healthcare IT executive, reveals how honesty, cultural agility, and relentless learning are the secrets to building fast, lasting relationships in high-stakes environments. If you're stepping into leadership or navigating complex partnerships, this episode is your blueprint to transforming challenges into growth opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brian Rijet's Journey 02:39 Early Career and Transition to Healthcare Technology 05:13 The Shift to Client-Facing Roles and Building Trust 07:34 Leadership Influences and Personal Growth 12:27 Aligning Clinical Outcomes with IT and Commercial Goals 14:56 The Future of Healthcare Technology 17:11 AI's Impact on Jobs in Healthcare 19:29 Advice for the Next Generation in Healthcare 22:16 Balancing Work and Family Life About the Show* What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond.💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar.Brian Raggett Linkedin   / https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianraggett/Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vaq...

    36 min
  3. Level up with Hakim #22 Unlocking Leadership and Resilience with Fadi

    2 FEB

    Level up with Hakim #22 Unlocking Leadership and Resilience with Fadi

    What does true leadership and resilience look like in a world driven by high stakes, relentless pressure, and constant change? Fadi unlocks the secrets to forging an unstoppable mindset, built on discipline, authenticity, and a fearless embrace of risk. From humble beginnings working at age 14 to leading diverse teams across continents, he reveals how resilience, balance, and self-made effort shape success. Chapters 00:00 - Introducing Fadi: Resilience, Leadership, and Mindset 01:14 - The Impact of Early Struggles on Personal Growth 03:35 - Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Success 05:05 - Overcoming the Timeline to Graduation and Persistence 08:43 - Cultivating a Resilient Mindset During Tough Days 11:43 - Taking Calculated Risks for Happiness and Success 13:32 - Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone 14:25 - Leadership Rooted in Consistency, Trust, and Action 17:11 - Leading by Example and Integrity 19:51 - When to Push Versus Support Team Members 22:53 - Qualities Essential for Future Leaders: Empathy and Excellence 27:00 - Physical Activities That Release Stress and Boost Focus 29:02 - Decision-Making Under Pressure: Staying Calm and Focused 31:08 - How Pressure Reveals True Character 35:36 - Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Passions 39:23 - Advice for Young Professionals to Excel 44:09 - What Living Up Means to Fadi: Leveling Up Through Experience 46:17 - Final Thoughts: Stay Ambitious, Authentic, and Always Keep Learning About the Show* What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond.💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar. Fadi Cherfane Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/fadi-cherfane-44b85916/Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vaq... Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/level-up-with-hakim/id1872491718 Amazon music https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8864be9e-558a-4632-94b2-6b121a5d7ebf/level-up-with-hakim

    37 min
  4. LevelUp with Hakim #21 Bridging Technology and Care: A Conversation with Jae Zayed

    27 JAN

    LevelUp with Hakim #21 Bridging Technology and Care: A Conversation with Jae Zayed

    SummaryIn this episode of Level Up, Hakim Omar interviews Jae Zayed, Vice President and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Southwest General Health Center. They discuss the intersection of technology and healthcare, exploring digital transformation, leadership, and innovation. Jae shares insights from his journey in healthcare IT, emphasizing the importance of human connection and technology's role in improving patient care. Chapters00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:03:00 Jae Zayed's Journey into Healthcare IT00:09:00 Digital Transformation in Healthcare00:15:00 Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare00:21:00 Future of Healthcare and Technology About the Show* What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond.💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar.Listen to Levelup with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vaqhttps://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGctaFluS0dKSVpHT21zQ1VVUk42YUJTMGxKZ3xBQ3Jtc0trV0NJNkxWM2MtalZkT3hvWkNzN2ZwemxyTEhNaFdDaGxuLXBHOFlxMlZDTUY0Y182dVZWNXNSc2Ztd1MzVFkwRW9PSU9obVZtTWhrV3k0QVV5NUZBQThUX1BPZTFGVWZTY1BuSi1RM21QV1dTM29uRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fepisode%2F4vaqJLMbhmZKzeTCq44nPB%3Fsi%3DpT-E2mzxTn-0xWRLIT6NvA&v=NCRxqmYHi9s

    26 min
  5. From Passion to Global Brand: The Sneakerness Journey. Level up with Hakim Ep. 20

    14 JAN

    From Passion to Global Brand: The Sneakerness Journey. Level up with Hakim Ep. 20

    Summary In this live episode from Sneakerness Amsterdam, hosts Sergio and Matthijs founders of Sneakerness to discuss the evolution of Sneakerness from a small gathering to a global sneaker culture movement. They share their personal journeys, the challenges faced in building a brand, and the impact of COVID-19 on the sneaker event industry. The conversation highlights the importance of community, passion, and adaptability in the face of setbacks, as well as their future plans for expansion and the ongoing evolution of sneaker culture. 00:00 The Origins of Sneakerness 03:06 Building a Brand from Passion 05:58 The Growth of a Global Movement 09:04 Challenges and Setbacks in Scaling 12:08 Navigating the Post-COVID Landscape 15:07 The Future of Sneaker Culture 17:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs takeaways Sergio's passion for sneakers began at a young age.Matthijs was involved in street culture, including graffiti and DJing.Sneakerness started as a solution to the problem of fake sneakers.The brand grew organically without external investment.Community trust was built through real, offline events.The importance of visual identity in establishing brand trust.COVID-19 posed significant challenges for the event industry.The sneaker culture is evolving and maturing post-COVID.Future plans include expanding to South America.Passion and community are key to successful entrepreneurship.About the Show* What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond.💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar. Listen to Levelup with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vaq... Sneakerness https://youtu.be/U7slF9Cc1xM?si=1hc9GNwaPRi5X48F Matthjis https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthijsvandermeulen/ Sergio https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-muster-a9139333/

    23 min
  6. "It's All About Having A Plan" Level Up with Hakim EP. 19 with Mike Pomerance VP EMEA Oracle

    5 JAN

    "It's All About Having A Plan" Level Up with Hakim EP. 19 with Mike Pomerance VP EMEA Oracle

    In this episode, I interviewed Mike Pomerance, a seasoned leader in healthcare innovation. I discussed Mike's journey from his early career influences to his leadership style, emphasizing emotional intelligence and the importance of team dynamics. Mike shares insights on Six Sigma, the challenges of implementing technology in healthcare, and the cultural differences in leadership across regions. The conversation also touches on the significance of happiness in the workplace, the lessons learned from failures, and valuable advice for entrepreneurs. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Healthcare Innovation 01:37 Early Influences and Career Beginnings 03:47 Leadership Philosophy and Emotional Intelligence 06:31 Understanding Six Sigma and Problem Solving 08:19 Lessons from Failure and Personal Growth 11:35 Daily Life of a Leader and Availability 14:49 Cultural Differences in Leadership 16:37 Creating a Culture of Excellence 20:52 The Future of Healthcare Technology 24:37 Driving Innovation in Healthcare 29:22 The Importance of Communication 32:42 The Future of Healthcare Technology 35:11 Lessons from Leadership Challenges 39:44 Defining Success and Happiness 43:33 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs About the Show* What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond. 💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar. Hakim Omar   / hakimomar   Listen to Levelup with Hakim at https://open.spotify.com/show/65D40dy...

    43 min
  7. Level Up with Hakim EP. 18 Mounir Biba | From the Streets to the Podium

    14/12/2025

    Level Up with Hakim EP. 18 Mounir Biba | From the Streets to the Podium

    summary In this engaging conversation, Hakim Omar interviews Mounir Biba, a world champion athlete and entrepreneur, exploring the intersection of sports, mindset, and resilience. Mounir shares his journey from a young dreamer to a successful competitor, emphasizing the importance of hard work, self-teaching, and the evolution of breaking as a sport. The discussion highlights the challenges athletes face, the duality of being an athlete and an entrepreneur, and the mindset required to succeed in both realms. takeaways Mounir Biba is a world champion athlete and entrepreneur.The journey of an athlete involves both physical and mental challenges.Mindset plays a crucial role in achieving success.Resilience is key to overcoming obstacles in sports.Self-teaching is essential for athletes in breaking.The influence of early experiences shapes an athlete's path.Hard work often outweighs natural talent in competition.The evolution of breaking has changed athletes' lifestyles.Athletes must adapt to new training methods to succeed.Winning titles requires a combination of talent and hard work. About the Show What does it really take to level up your career, business, and life today? I ask the people actually doing it. Level Up with Hakim dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind growth in business, hospitality, travel, and beyond. Each episode features candid conversations with commercial leaders, founders, creators, athletes, and industry experts who have built careers, brands, and teams in the real world—not just on paper. We unpack sales and business development, partnerships, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal performance, but also the human side: resilience, self-belief, failure, starting over, and staying hungry. You’ll hear unfiltered insights, hard-earned lessons, and practical tactics you can apply the same day—whether you’re growing a team, a business, or yourself. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 💬 If an episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ Leave a review—your feedback helps us bring on more powerful voices and keep raising the bar. Connect with Mounir Biba https://www.linkedin.com/in/mounir-biba/ Connect with Hakim Omar https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakimomar/ Listen to Levelup with Hakim at https://open.spotify.com/show/65D40dyTOSM2nNaa9GfBUa?si=663504ce1a4c477a

    1h 5m
  8. Level UP with Hakim Ep. 17 / Neely Khan and Redefining Storytelling in the Hospitality Industry

    08/12/2025

    Level UP with Hakim Ep. 17 / Neely Khan and Redefining Storytelling in the Hospitality Industry

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Neely Khan, founder of AWC, discusses the evolution of storytelling in business, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the integration of AI in the creative process. She shares insights on common mistakes brands make in storytelling, the balance between AI and human connection, and her personal journey as an entrepreneur. Neri also reflects on the significance of purpose and spirituality in her life, offering valuable advice for startups and the future of storytelling. Takeaways Neely Khan is redefining storytelling in the hospitality industry. Authenticity in storytelling is crucial for brand connection. AI can enhance storytelling but should not replace human creativity. Common mistakes in storytelling include focusing too much on the brand itself. Understanding your audience is key to effective storytelling. The future of storytelling involves a blend of AI and human emotion. Self-doubt is a common experience for entrepreneurs. Finding a greater purpose can help overcome challenges. Spirituality and gratitude play a significant role in personal growth. Leveling up means focusing on self-growth and authenticity. Titles Redefining Storytelling in Business The Intersection of AI and Creativity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neri Khan and AWC 02:58 The Evolution of Storytelling in Business 05:44 Authenticity in Storytelling for Hospitality 08:43 Common Mistakes in Brand Storytelling 11:47 Building a Brand: First Steps for Startups 14:51 The Role of AI in Storytelling 17:41 Balancing AI and Human Emotion in Storytelling 33:49 Harnessing AI for Personal Growth 38:55 Balancing AI and Human Connection 43:46 Navigating Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurship 49:06 Finding Purpose in Adversity 52:43 The Role of Faith in Resilience 54:51 Literary Inspirations for Growth 57:08 Learning from Mistakes 01:00:06 Defining Personal Growth and Success

    54 min
  9. Level Up with Hakim # EP 15 Transforming Business Mindsets with Kristin Amadon

    23/11/2025

    Level Up with Hakim # EP 15 Transforming Business Mindsets with Kristin Amadon

    summary In this engaging conversation, Hakim and Kristin Amadou explore the vital themes of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the human element in business. Kristin shares her vision for a sustainable future, her journey as a catalyst for change, and the importance of transforming mindsets within organizations. We discussed the misconceptions surrounding sustainability in business, the role of technology, and the need for accountability and transparency in leadership. Kristin emphasizes the significance of collaboration and the human aspect in driving purpose-driven growth, ultimately inspiring listeners to become future makers themselves. Chapters 00:00 Envisioning a Sustainable Future 03:03 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 06:00 Transforming Organizational Mindsets 08:49 The Role of Leadership in Sustainability 11:46 Navigating Change in Established Companies 14:53 The Human Element in Business 17:48 Misconceptions About Sustainability 20:36 Creating Impact in Sustainability Roles 23:37 The Hospitality Industry's Sustainability Challenge 26:22 Transforming Business in the Middle East and Beyond 30:01 The Future Makers Mindset 32:23 Strategic Doing in Sustainability 35:15 Facilitating Change in Organizations 39:44 The Role of Technology and AI in Sustainability 44:28 Personal Principles and Activism 49:52 Leveling Up: Accountability and Transparency Kristin Amadon Strategic Business Development | FutureMaker https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-amadon-0171745/

    52 min

About

Level Up with Hakim is where business, mindset, and growth collide. Inspiring conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs sharing strategies, stories, and insights to help you win, grow, and level up in work and life.