Level up with Hakim

AbdalHakim Omar
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  • Entrepreneurship
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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. Unlocking Future-Ready Leadership with Michael Cohen @LEVEL up with Hakim #32

    Apr 28

    Unlocking Future-Ready Leadership with Michael Cohen @LEVEL up with Hakim #32

    Unlocking Future-Ready Leadership with Michael Cohen: The Power of No-Man Executive and AIManaging Partner @ GAIN • ✈️ Nomad Executive™️ • Travel and Hospitality, Innovation Growth Advisor • Top 100 Social Media and Digital Thought Leaders in Global Hospitality• Lecturer @ NYU In this episode, Michael Cohen, a seasoned expert in travel, hospitality, and AI, shares transformative insights on adopting a no-man executive lifestyle, the future of remote leadership, and how AI is reshaping industries. His proven strategies center on agility, trust, and smart technology integration—key elements for staying competitive. Time-stamped Highlights:00:00 - Introduction to Michael Cohen and his unique perspective on borderless leadership 02:06 - The evolution of remote work culture post-COVID and its implications 05:32 - Building a lifestyle of leadership: working from anywhere and traveling intelligently 09:00 - The key to business growth: identifying root problems and developing tailored 'medicines' 12:17 - Gain’s mission: connecting strategic growth advisors across industries 15:53 - How success varies depending on company lifecycle and strategic needs 18:23 - The importance of scaling operational success through automation and replication 22:11 - Differentiating trends from hype in hospitality innovation 24:43 - The real-world impact of immersive training and AI in the industry 27:23 - Hesitation in hospitality innovation and the risks of falling behind 30:15 - Leveraging AI effectively: focusing on human intelligence and strategic integration 36:21 - Unlocking human potential: using AI to enhance creativity, decision-making, and guest experience 41:22 - The enduring importance of trust, relationships, and positive energy in leadership 44:24 - Common mistakes in go-to-market strategies and how to avoid them 47:46 - The power of amplification as a core growth principle 48:50 - What does "Level Up" really mean for Michael: focus, choices, and deliberate action 50:41 - The importance of sharing honest conversations in challenging industries 51:38 - Closing thoughts: embracing change, technology, and maintaining human connection Resources & Links:Borderless: A Nomad Executive Playbook — Michael Cohen’s upcoming book exploring remote leadership and borderless work strategiesGain — Growth Advisors — Strategic consultancy for travel, hospitality, and tech industriesModern Hotelier Podcast — Michael Cohen’s endorsement and industry insights Connect with Michael https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcohen-growth-advisor-travel-and-hospitality-tech/ Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/65D40dyTOSM2nNaa9GfBUa?si=fcdf3604691a4ecf

    49 min
  2. Revenue Strategies Unveiled with Founder of AAYA Group,Vlatka Barcan @ Level up with Hakim #31

    Apr 21

    Revenue Strategies Unveiled with Founder of AAYA Group,Vlatka Barcan @ Level up with Hakim #31

    Unlocking Revenue and Profitability in Hospitality I dive into the world of hotel revenue management with Vlatka, a seasoned consultant with over 20 years of experience. Discover why focusing solely on occupancy and rates is a mistake, and learn how shifting your mindset toward profitability can transform your hotel's future. Vlatka shares her journey and practical strategies for boosting performance, managing distribution channels, and leveraging AI for smarter revenue tactics. This episode is essential for hotel owners and operators eager to challenge outdated paradigms and embrace innovation for lasting success. [Episode Chapters] 0:00 - The hospitality revenue shift: what many still misunderstand 4:35 - Vlatka’s journey into revenue management from operational roots 10:00 - Common mistakes hotels make: reverse pricing, OTA dependence, and cost miscalculations 15:20 - How independent hotels can boost first-month performance 20:40 - The role of data, AI, and automation in future-proofing revenue strategies 26:00 - Aligning sales, marketing, and operations for commercial success 33:10 - Building trust internally and externally for better revenue results 38:00 - The future of AI in revenue management: opportunities and risks 44:00 - Distribution strategies in a complex, multi-channel environment 49:00 - Why boutique, independent hotels hold a unique advantage in 2026-27 53:00 - What does leveling up really mean for hotel leader? Connect with Vlatka Barcan https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlatka-barcan/ Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6B4x4SMxAQVvgQuapV8KdN?si=kFhmCOuwS26veV7jZ48IhQ 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

    49 min
  3. "The Power of Travel Coaching: Insights from Sahara" @LEVEL UP with Hakim #30

    Apr 7

    "The Power of Travel Coaching: Insights from Sahara" @LEVEL UP with Hakim #30

    Redefining Travel: A New Path for Wellness and Personal GrowthIn this inspiring episode, Sahara Rose DeVora shares her journey to creating a global travel coaching network focused on transformation, healing, and emotional well-being through travel. Learn how travel can be a tool for deeper human connection, personal growth, and industry innovation—especially in a world increasingly concerned with mental health. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Sahara Rose DeVora and her journey into travel and wellness 01:17 - The deep meaning behind travel as a tool for transformation 02:45 - How personal stories shape travel as a healing modality 04:00 - Sahara’s journey from family travel to cultural exploration and personal growth 06:36 - The pivotal backpacking trip that ignited Sahara’s passion for travel 08:11 - Lessons about people and humanity learned through extensive travel 10:07 - Favorite destinations and why Thailand holds a special place in Sahara's heart 12:13 - Defining the Travel Coach Network — beyond traditional travel roles 14:42 - How Sahara created a meaningful certification for travel coaches via the ICF 16:18 - Addressing mental health and the emotional power of travel in corporate wellness 18:29 - The role of travel in combating burnout and promoting emotional well-being 21:05 - Building standards in travel coaching and industry implications 23:26 - The future of travel in an AI-driven world and the irreplaceable human element 25:45 - Expanding travel coaching to serve wider demographics and emotional needs 28:27 - How travel brands can embed meaning and emotion into their offerings 30:44 - The power of emotion-first travel and connecting deeply with audiences 32:29 - Sahara’s long-term vision for the Travel Coach Network and industry evolution 34:12 - Places still on Sahara’s bucket list and future travel plans 35:26 - What “leveling up” means in the context of wellness, travel, and personal growth Resources & Links: International Coach Federation (ICF)Travel Coach Network (hypothetical link for reference)Black Tomato – A travel company embracing emotional and experiential travelForbes on emotions and travel – article on emotion-first travel (search for specifics)Connect with Sahara Rose DeVora: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahara-rose-de-vore-4b8bb394/

    31 min

  4. Mar 31

    From Corporate Rigidness to Entrepreneurial Freedom / Nora Slotz @ Level up with Hakim #29

    How to Transform Complexity into Clarity and Empower Women LeadersThis episode explores the importance of clarity in leadership, navigating corporate versus entrepreneurial mindsets, and building impactful networks for women in business. Nora Stolz shares insights from her diverse career, emphasizing strategic thinking, ownership, and community-building. Timestamps: 00:00 - The challenge of translating strategy into execution 02:19 - Asking questions early to clarify objectives and reduce trust erosion 04:47 - How international upbringing influences leadership approach 07:00 - Long-term strategy: vision, goals, and breaking down into actionable steps 08:46 - Personal and business goal setting with visualization and reflection exercises 11:07 - Lessons from career in finance giants and tech giants on execution and discipline 12:48 - Navigating humility and ownership in corporate and startup environments 14:25 - The story behind the Female Forum and its mission to support women leaders 15:45 - Building partnerships that create mutual value without commercializing emotions 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 Nora https://www.linkedin.com/in/norastolz/ Linkedin Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZEwMToQzskVv4EsYoZbNh?si=kriaiNOoSb6-KaMVXuBTLA 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

    14 min
  5. Level up with Hakim #28 AI, Marketing and Content Creation with Tarek Raslan

    Mar 18

    Level up with Hakim #28 AI, Marketing and Content Creation with Tarek Raslan

    Summary In this conversation, Tarek Reslan shares his journey from a computer science graduate who disliked coding to becoming a content lead in marketing. He discusses the challenges and fears he faced while transitioning to a new career, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of AI on marketing. Tarek emphasizes the need for curiosity and experimentation in both startups and corporate environments, and he offers insights on how to overcome mindset blocks and adapt to new challenges. Chapters 00:00 From Coding to Content Creation: A Bold Shift 05:14 Navigating the Marketing Landscape: Tools and Strategies 10:52 The Impact of AI on Marketing and Content Creation 16:39 Learning and Growth: Startups vs Corporates 22:06 Overcoming Challenges: Mindset and Adaptation 27:34 Final Thoughts: Curiosity and Continuous Learning 28:46 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 Tarek https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarek-reslan/ Linkedin Listen to Level up with Hakim on spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6B4x4SMxAQVvgQuapV8KdN?si=kFhmCOuwS26veV7jZ48IhQ 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

    29 min
  6. level up with Hakim #27 Unlocking Visibility with Zoe Koumbouzi

    Mar 10

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

    Mar 3

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

    Feb 24

    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
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 AbdalHakim Omar
  • Show Website
    Level up with Hakim