Level up with Hakim

AbdalHakim Omar
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. Oct 1

    How Hotels Can Turn REVIEWS into Revenue with @Jan Heuninck CEO of HotelSpeaker #44

    YouTube descriptionJan Heuninck is the CEO of Hotel Speaker, an Olympic sailor, and a founder with an unconventional path, from leaving university to scaling a Web3 company to 94 employees and millions of users. In this episode of Level Up, Jan shares how sport shaped his discipline, what rapid growth really feels like, and why hospitality technology should make service more human not less. We also explore how Hotel Speaker helps hotels turn guest reviews into stronger relationships and better business decisions. Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction to Jan Heuninck 01:18 — Entrepreneurship, sailing, and Jan’s background 02:28 — Building a disciplined daily routine 04:02 — Why Jan left university to build businesses 06:17 — Scaling a Web3 company at speed 09:12 — Moving from Web3 into hospitality technology 11:36 — What Hotel Speaker does 13:28 — Why hotel review responses matter 15:41 — How Hotel Speaker works with new hotels 18:04 — Giving hotel teams more time for guests 20:14 — Balancing AI with human expertise 23:11 — The biggest online-reputation mistakes hotels make 24:53 — The future of AI in hospitality 27:46 — Time-management advice for founders 29:34 — Handling setbacks and staying motivated 31:10 — What “Level Up” means to Jan 32:17 — ClosingConnect with Jan https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-heuninck/ HotelSpeaker http://www.hotelspeaker.com Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RSYVYYt4o2iwJaf2njKjJ?si=Cz5-wI_cR8i0ssapnTWaEg 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

    How Hotels Can Turn REVIEWS into Revenue with @Jan Heuninck CEO of HotelSpeaker #44

  2. Sep 18

    Your Next Chapter Needs Intention with Kanku B. Michelsen #43

    How Career Coaching and Luxury Travel Both Start With the Same QuestionHakim speaks with Kanku Michelsen, a senior career coach and luxury travel advisor, about the shared mindset behind navigating career transitions and planning meaningful travel. The conversation centers on one powerful idea: whether you are rebuilding after a layoff or trying to reset on vacation, the first step is to get clear on what you actually want.Kanku explains how her portfolio career evolved from a personal identity shift, why she takes an inside-out approach to travel planning, and how she helps executives move through grief, clarity, and courage before rushing into the next opportunity. Timestamps00:00 - Welcome and why travel and career transitions belong in the same conversation 01:18 - Kanku Michelsen’s portfolio career: executive coaching and luxury travel 02:12 - The personal turning point that led her into travel advising 04:33 - Why she researched the travel industry for years before launching 06:19 - Why ambiguity is the common thread between coaching and travel 07:17 - Why busy executives take time off seriously, but often plan it too mechanically 09:29 - Her inside-out framework for planning trips around purpose and experience 12:16 - The biggest misconception leaders have about career transitions 13:15 - Why “Who am I now?” is the key question after a layoff or reinvention 16:28 - The first practical step before touching a resume or LinkedIn profile 18:19 - Why career transitions often need one small step at a time 20:12 - How she balances emotional processing with forward-looking strategy 21:05 - Why some people need months, not days, to detach from a long-held role 22:52 - Why her corporate background helps her understand executive travel needs 25:05 - The most common mistake in the first 30 days after a career loss 27:45 - Where AI helps in coaching and travel, and where it falls short 31:13 - Why AI will change jobs, but not replace human connection 34:09 - Why personalized travel advising is growing, not shrinking 38:08 - The first real step for someone going through a transition 40:16 - What “level up” means to Kanku: clarity, honesty, and honoring what matters now Connect with Kanku https://www.linkedin.com/in/kankumichelsen/ Also watch and listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Ed3dWmcL9F4B6c7ZZGCkI?si=bHowYxyYRXaUTwqcCTq1Ow 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

    Your Next Chapter Needs Intention with Kanku B. Michelsen #43

  3. Sep 4

    WHY most corporate EVENTS are FORGOTTEN with David Moore CEO of Moore Events #42

    How David Moore designs events people actually rememberIn this episode, Hakim speaks with David Moore, CEO and director of fun at Moore Style Events, about what separates a smooth event from a memorable one. David brings more than 20 years of experience designing executive meetings, leadership summits, conferences, product launches, and customer events around the world.We discuss how guest experience starts long before attendees arrive, why relationships with hotel teams matter so much, and how AI may streamline event planning without replacing the human touch. Timestamps(00:00) Why most events are forgotten quickly (00:36) Meet David Moore, director of fun (01:38) How the director of fun title came to be (03:30) Why smaller, more personal events stand out (05:17) What separates smooth events from memorable ones (07:29) David’s five Ws framework for planning (09:15) Why event budgets often surprise first timers (12:22) Guest experience starts before the event begins (13:40) Personalization that makes guests feel known (16:10) The hardest part of international event planning (21:36) What makes a hotel team trustworthy (24:41) First impressions during a site visit (29:29) The most misunderstood part of hotel collaboration (35:44) What makes a strong hotel proposal stand out (39:12) Relationship first, delivery second (40:51) When promises about internet and space fall apart (43:51) The future of events and AI (52:49) Virtual events versus in person experiences (54:54) Rapid fire: underrated registration, communication, and welcome (56:14) What leveling up means in events Connect with David via Linedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlmoore/ Website http://www.moorestyleevents.com Also watch and listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nOZlxK9K5yK7max9lWvPF?si=2IbMNGISQym_5ATJM3iMug 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

    WHY most corporate EVENTS are FORGOTTEN with David Moore CEO of Moore Events #42

  4. Aug 27

    Why Hotels Get Ignored in the Nordics with @Regitze Cecilie Founder of ROSE #41

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publishMost hotel brands don’t fail on product - they fail on relevance. Regitze, founder of Rose Nordic Hospitality PR and positioning agency, reveals why the Nordics reward cultural intelligence, not copy-paste luxury. If you’re a hotel, retreat, or travel brand trying to break into Scandinavia, this conversation shows why visibility starts long before publicity. Regitze has spent more than a decade working across hospitality, storytelling, strategic communication, and market positioning, and she explains what international brands consistently miss when they try to “enter the Nordics.” You’ll discover why authenticity in this market is not a marketing word but a test of whether the guest experience, brand promise, people, and place actually align. We break down why positioning has to come before PR, why “Nordic-looking” is not the same as being Nordic-relevant, and why concepts like wellness, sustainability, and quiet luxury only work when they are built into the entire operation - not just added to the pitch deck.Regitze also shares what Nordic travelers really respond to, from simplicity and sense of place to human connection, architectural integrity, and genuine hospitality. Suggested YouTube chapters:00:00 Why hotel visibility starts with relevance02:23 What international brands get wrong in the Nordics03:42 Positioning before PR05:07 What Nordic travelers really want07:37 Why “Nordic-looking” is not enough09:52 Why entering the market takes years12:21 Why publicity without positioning fails16:21 Storytelling that actually works21:43 Wellness as a philosophy, not a label27:11 Hotels becoming destinations28:42 Where Nordic hospitality is headed33:37 What hospitality should never automate36:48 AI, sameness, and brand identity39:14 Rapid fire: trends, brands, and what level up means Connect with Regitze https://www.linkedin.com/in/regitze-cecilie-rosenvinge-4b375b39/ Rose Hospitality advisory https://www.linkedin.com/company/rosenordic/ Also watch on: https://open.spotify.com/episode/344CtyJKq4LXbaBK82h71z?si=gdlORkq-RauuKuEa-EbUpQ 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

    Why Hotels Get Ignored in the Nordics with @Regitze Cecilie Founder of ROSE #41

  5. Aug 13

    Can VR Fix Hospitality’s Retention Crisis? with Alison Barker Founder of Immersive XP #40

    Hospitality training is broken, and VR may be the fixThis episode explores why traditional hospitality training often fails under real pressure and what needs to change. Hakim speaks with Alison Magee-Barker F.I.H, founder and CEO of AG Lakes Consultancy and Immersive XP, about building scenario-based VR training that helps teams practice guest complaints, service recovery, leadership moments, and decision-making before those moments happen on the floor.Alison also explains how Immersive XP uses short modules, analytics, eye-contact assessment, and replay feedback to improve confidence, consistency, and retention in hospitality teams. Timestamps(00:00) Hospitality does not have a motivation problem (01:44) Why current training feels irrelevant and repetitive (04:00) Promoting great staff without teaching leadership (06:08) How AG Lakes Training Academy began during the pandemic (08:10) A Roblox moment that sparked Immersive XP (10:48) The real signs that a training system is failing (13:22) What a VR hospitality scenario feels like in practice (15:03) Eye-contact scoring and guest connection (16:16) Short scenarios, game over, and instant retries (17:09) Management portal, analytics, and leaderboard features (18:54) Core modules in the MVP and founder partner opportunities (23:10) Why service recovery creates guest ambassadors (25:51) Training, retention, and the cost of poor culture (30:10) How technology can make hospitality more human (40:45) Measuring ROI from training and reduced turnover (42:59) How onboarding and licensing work with hotels (45:54) The next five years of hospitality and immersive learning (47:57) What Alison would remove from current training structures (52:18) What “level up” means to Alison (54:43) VR retention rates compared with other training formats (55:36) Free trial and closing thoughts

    Can VR Fix Hospitality’s Retention Crisis? with Alison Barker Founder of Immersive XP #40

  6. Aug 6

    Why Great Sales People Can't Be Managed with Iggy Fisher VP Club Quarters Hotels #39

    Unlock the Secrets of Building Long-Lasting Client Relationships and Sales Mastery with Iggy FisherWhat does it truly take to develop resilience, trust, and long-term success in sales and hospitality? Iggy Fisher, Vice President of Club Quarters Hotels, shares his transformative journey from a Bosnian refugee to a hospitality sales leader. Discover how genuine connections, a people-centric culture, and intuitive listening elevate sales beyond mere transactions plus, how AI is shaping the future of customer engagement without replacing the human touch. In this episode, Iggy reveals the pivotal moments that shifted his career from early front desk roles to leading global sales highlighting why talent, authenticity, and a future-focused mindset are non-negotiable. You'll learn his unique approach to sales excellence, emphasizing talent over process, and how asking questions and active listening unlock customer needs often hidden beneath the surface. He emphasizes that great salespeople don’t just manage relationships they build trust that lasts decades Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:25 - Iggy's early career and transition into sales 01:37 - The influence of mentorship and relationship-building in hospitality 02:24 - How hospitality culture and innovation define Club Quarters' success 03:46 - The significance of asking questions and understanding client needs 04:39 - The distinction between good and great salespeople: future mindset and relationship focus 06:20 - Shifting from front office to sales for stability and growth 07:44 - Leadership insights: Building a strong sales culture and coaching 09:02 - Explaining Club Quarters’ brand and membership model 11:49 - Post-COVID evolution of corporate travel and booking technology 13:11 - The human connection as a core element of customer loyalty 15:40 - What sales excellence looks like: talent, support, and culture 18:48 - The role of leadership in enabling sales success 20:19 - The influence of AI: automating mundane tasks versus maintaining emotional connection 31:29 - How AI is transforming travel booking and data management 38:18 - Industry changes post-pandemic and the future of business travel 44:30 - Navigating industry challenges and innovations with technology 46:53 - Building motivated, accountable, and confident sales teams 50:36 - The importance of setting ambitious goals and continuous learning 55:03 - Valuable advice for aspiring sales professionals 56:01 - What does leveling up mean to Iggy? 57:50 - Final thoughts and closing notes Connect with Iggy https://www.linkedin.com/in/iggy-fisher-52346051/ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Pt1j3SobW8Rd5FueKeskV?si=SDqBEKOJTzGEEAitYOTKPA 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

    Why Great Sales People Can't Be Managed with Iggy Fisher VP Club Quarters Hotels #39

  7. Jul 28

    Hotels Don't Need More Tech! | Arne Hagstad CGO @Suusify #38

    Most hotels are leaving millions on the table by treating revenue, marketing, and operations as disconnected silos, until now. Arne Hagstad, a seasoned hospitality tech leader Chief Growth Officer@Suusify , shares how aligning these functions can unlock dramatic growth, like boosting revenue per guest from €300 to €1100. In this episode, discover how hospitality businesses can harness real-time data and AI to anticipate guest needs, optimize price strategies, and deliver personalized experiences that stand out in a crowded market. 00:00 - Introduction to Arne Hagstad and key themes of growth, technology, and leadership 01:20 - Arne's background in hospitality technology and journey from banking 02:46 - The action-driven mindset and passion for insight over appearance 03:08 - The story of career change inspired by a mountain encounter 04:39 - The importance of understanding holistic hotel strategies 07:33 - Biggest mistake: siloed departments and disconnected strategies 10:02 - The significance of connecting revenue, marketing, and operations 12:26 - Benefits of independent hotels implementing holistic strategies faster 13:54 - Introducing the 'Hub by Suusify' BI platform 15:17 - How the platform connects data sources and aids future forecasting 16:36 - Applications of the platform in sales, demand, and guest insights 18:22 - Using data for targeted sales efforts and market analysis 20:26 - Upselling as a timely, personalized interaction, not spam 22:32 - The impact of tailored communication on guest satisfaction 23:56 - Integration of AI in travel planning and automation 24:48 - The hype versus real potential of AI in hospitality 27:46 - The role of AI in automating routine tasks and enhancing guest experiences 29:44 - Future trends: luxury's shift towards human connection and tech balance 32:07 - Technology's role in leisure and urban hotel experiences 35:34 - Concerns around data security, privacy, and ethical AI use 37:31 - Leadership lessons: building teams based on shared dreams and personality 40:08 - Hiring insights: spotting the fire, not just the CV 42:33 - Actionable advice for independent hotels and exciting tech tools to watch 44:16 - Defining 'level up' through learning from failures and successes 45:01 - Closing thoughts on the importance of continuous innovation and leadership connect with Arne https://www.linkedin.com/in/arne-hegstad-12293338/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@levelupwithhakim 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

    Hotels Don't Need More Tech! | Arne Hagstad CGO @Suusify #38

  8. Jul 9

    Stop Posting Boring Content / Zoe Koumbouzi #37

    Building Trust in Hospitality: Go-to-Market Strategy, AI, and the Future of Guest ExperienceIn this episode, with Zoe Koumbouzi for round two, the conversation explores how trust shapes sales, partnerships, and long-term growth in hospitality technology. The discussion also covers honest marketing, CEO visibility, benchmarking, and how AI and real-time data are changing how travelers discover and book experiences. Key TopicsWhy trust is the foundation of sales and relationshipsHow hospitality tech go-to-market strategies are evolvingHonest marketing and selling what’s actually on the tableThe Muse and Uber partnership and what it means for guest journeysWhy consultants and advisors are becoming more valuableBenchmark reports as a sales and authority toolCEO visibility and messaging consistency on LinkedInAI search, TikTok, and real-time travel discoveryLessons from acquisitions and industry changeTime Chapters00:00 Introduction and welcome 01:35 How careers and strategy evolve in hospitality 03:16 Why trust matters in go-to-market strategy 05:47 Broken trust between vendors and hoteliers 07:30 Honest marketing and clearer product positioning 09:27 The rise of consultants and advisors 11:01 Muse x Uber and the future of guest journeys 15:30 Muse Unfold and product launch reactions 17:45 Why benchmark reports matter 19:28 Salary, bonuses, and gender insights 23:01 CEO visibility and personal branding 27:04 Messaging consistency across platforms 28:06 AI search and how people research travel 29:20 TikTok’s role in travel discovery 32:23 Lessons learned from acquisitions 34:22 What’s next for helping tech companies grow 36:01 A surprise career pivot story 37:28 Closing thoughts CONNECT WITH ZOE https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-koumbouzi/ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6shedvQZmcljNr9zkqmGNo?si=VXbGwhpWQUeHLfAC6ON30A 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

    Stop Posting Boring Content / Zoe Koumbouzi #37
See All (31)

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.

Information

  • Creator
    AbdalHakim Omar
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 AbdalHakim Omar
  • Show Website
    Level up with Hakim