Level up with Hakim

Building Trust in Hospitality: Go-to-Market Strategy, AI, and the Future of Guest Experience In 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...

Unlocking the Future of Real Estate: Insights from Alexander Shaw In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of real estate - from capital movement, hospitality innovations, to technology's role in shaping tomorrow. Alexander Shaw shares invaluable insights on how relationships, trust, and tech are revolutionizing the sector for investors and operators alike. Timestamps: 00:00 - Int...

Unlocking the Future of Student Living: How Fuse is Reimagining a Fragmented Market What if student housing in Europe could be faster, more connected, and truly tailored to young people's needs? Marco Nobel, founder of Fuse, reveals how he's transforming a slow, fragmented industry into a vibrant community-driven experience. With a background that blends real estate, music, and innovative communit...

Mastering the Art of Talent in Hospitality Tech: Insights with Edouard Clark Understanding people, hiring smartly under pressure, and leveraging technology are key to thriving in the hospitality industry. In this episode, Edouard Clark shares his journey across continents and industries, revealing how human insight, expectation management, and innovative recruitment strategies can transform your a...

In this eye-opening conversation, Lucas dives into what true peak performance really means for hotels today. You’ll discover how understanding the entire customer journey—from pre-arrival interactions online to a personalized check-in, can elevate guest experiences and increase revenue. He shares powerful insights on balancing technology with authentic human connection, emphasizing that a guest’s...

Unlocking Future-Ready Leadership with Michael Cohen: The Power of No-Man Executive and AI Managing 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 adopt...

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 performa...

Redefining Travel: A New Path for Wellness and Personal Growth In 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...

How to Transform Complexity into Clarity and Empower Women Leaders This 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 trans...

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 corpo...

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...

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 secto...

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 A...

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 a...

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 you...

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 shap...

Summary In 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 technolog...

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,...

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. T...

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 athlet...

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 si...

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Is your team check-in still meaningful — or just a box-ticking exercise? In this episode of Level Up with Hakim, I sit down with Isabelle Smit for a powerful and honest conversation about leadership, psychological safety, hospitality culture, and what teams truly need today. We dive into: 🔹 How to create real, human check-ins (not box ticking) 🔹 Why psychological safety is the foundation of perf...

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...