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.

  1. level up with Hakim #27 Unlocking Visibility with Zoe Koumbouzi

    4 DGN GELEDEN

    level up with Hakim #27 Unlocking Visibility with Zoe Koumbouzi

    summary In this episode of Level Up, Hakim welcomes Zoe Koumbouzi, a marketing advisor specializing in helping travel, hospitality, and MICE companies enhance their marketing strategies. Zoe shares her journey of blending personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of visibility in the digital age. She discusses her framework centered around 'words, people, and stories,' which helps individuals and companies articulate their unique narratives and connect authentically with their audiences. Zoe also highlights the significance of personal branding, especially for founders, and how it can lead to greater trust and engagement in the B2B space. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in marketing, particularly in the hospitality sector. Zoe explains that while AI can streamline processes, it is not a magic solution; the quality of data and human support are crucial for effective implementation. She provides actionable insights on how to enhance visibility on platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing the power of strategic commenting and personal storytelling. The episode concludes with Zoe's advice on maintaining a dynamic LinkedIn profile and the importance of continuous evolution in personal branding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zoe Koumbouzi 00:49 Zoe's Journey and Professional Background 02:13 The Mindset Shift: Doubling Your Salary 04:29 Understanding the Framework: Words, People, and Stories 05:25 The Therapeutic Nature of Posting Online 07:06 Balancing Confidence and Company Visibility 08:19 The Importance of Founder Branding 09:57 Leveraging Team Members as Brand Ambassadors 11:33 AI's Role in Storytelling and Content Creation 13:53 Advice for Founders on Content Creation 13:57 NEWCHAPTER 15:20 Minimum Visibility Routine for Success 18:19 LinkedIn: A Networking and Business Marketplace 19:50 The Power of LinkedIn 25:56 AI and the Future of Hospitality Marketing 28:02 Elements of a Successful Marketing Strategy 30:59 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile 34:32 Final Tips for Personal Branding 38:02 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 Zoe https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-koumbouzi/ Linkedin Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u2m2nTiqAjepUpRTo6wKL?si=7mP9nHGVQKiRSJvtIqWnqA 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

    38 min
  2. Level up with Hakim #26 The Future of Hospitality with Arjan Eikelenboom

    3 MRT

    Level up with Hakim #26 The Future of Hospitality with Arjan Eikelenboom

    Summary In this episode of Level Up, Hakim sits down with Arjan, a podcast host of FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY and entrepreneur focused on hospitality. Arjan shares his unconventional journey through various industries, including hospitality, finance, and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and storytelling in business. He discusses his experiences in the hospitality sector, where he learned that true service is about trust and care, and how these principles have shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Arjan also reflects on his battle with long COVID, which led him to reevaluate his life and career, ultimately inspiring him to create Guest Journey, a software service aimed at enhancing guest experiences in the hospitality industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ariane Eichelbaum 01:19 Ariane's Unconventional Journey 03:22 Lessons from Hospitality 09:24 Transitioning to Finance and Sustainability 18:02 A Life-Changing COVID Experience 22:23 Creating Guest Journey 28:27 The Power of Personalization in Hospitality 34:38 Future of Hospitality: Expanding Horizons 48:48 Balancing AI and Human Connection 51:35 Reflections and Personal Growth 52:25 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 Arjan https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjaneikelenboom/ Linkedin Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u2m2nTiqAjepUpRTo6wKL?si=7mP9nHGVQKiRSJvtIqWnqA 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

    53 min
  3. Level up with Hakim #25 From Soldering to Success: John McDonald's Journey

    24 FEB

    Level up with Hakim #25 From Soldering to Success: John McDonald's Journey

    Summary In this episode of "Level Up" Hakim interviews John McDonald, a remarkable figure whose journey spans engineering, leadership, and personal transformation. John reflects on his early fascination with electricity, which began in sixth grade when he taught himself to solder and fix electronics. His passion for engineering led him to Purdue University, where a pivotal meeting with Professor Ahmed El Abiad set the course for his career in power engineering. John shares how this mentorship shaped his path and instilled in him the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent in others, a theme that resonates throughout his professional life. John discusses his commitment to lifelong learning and personal health. At the age of 59, he embarked on a journey to improve his fitness, inspired by his children. This transformation not only led him to win 5K races but also reinforced his belief that it’s never too late to make significant changes in life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John McDonald 02:22 Early Fascination with Electricity 07:59 A Defining Moment at Purdue 12:04 The Importance of Mentorship 19:37 Understanding the Business Side of Engineering 26:20 Leadership in IEEE and Giving Back 33:37 Transforming Health at 59 41:31 Winning 5K Races and Personal Growth 45:41 What Does Level Up Mean? 47:44 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 John   https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndougmcdonald/ Linkedin Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u2m...

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

    17 FEB

    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 Pedro https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedroarceyut007/ Linkedin Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u2m2nTiqAjepUpRTo6wKL?si=7mP9nHGVQKiRSJvtIqWnqA 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

    46 min
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

Info

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.