Access Your Leadership with Hakim Lakhdar

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Roop Sood is the Owner/CEO and CMO of Fifth Weapon, a global digital marketing agency delivering full-funnel strategies for direct-to-consumer brands and service-based businesses. He joins Access Your Leadership to share his remarkable journey from his early years of film and theater in Europe to leading a cutting-edge global marketing firm in the United States. Roop opens up about the power of storytelling in business, how to lead through innovation, and why he sees leadership as both adventure and responsibility.

What does it look like to continually evolve (personally and professionally) without losing your sense of self? How can leaders foster a psychologically safe environment that encourages experimentation and growth? What role does coaching play in leadership, both with internal teams and external clients?  How do we help clients see beyond their perceived limits and reframe challenges as opportunities? Why is self-reflection the most underutilized (and powerful) leadership skill? And how can daily journaling help leaders track patterns, clarify intentions, and align with their best selves?

Whether you're a business owner looking to scale, a leader building a strong internal culture, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways. Listen to the full episode and discover how Roop blends data, storytelling, and strategy to help brands thrive…all without losing their soul.

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You can connect with Roop Sood on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Roop and the work he and his team do at Fifth Weapon  

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

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Belle Walker is the Founder and CEO of Belleview Consulting, where she helps businesses take a proactive and strategic approach to designing their organizational structure and culture. She joins Access Your Leadership to share her unique journey from mechanical engineer and aerial photographer to systems-focused consultant helping visionary leaders bridge the gap between big ideas and operational execution.

Belle dives into powerful lessons learned from helping clients face hard truths about their team structures, the tension between caring for individuals and doing what’s right for the business, and the value of being honest about what you do (and don’t) want to do as a leader.

What does it look like to lead with both compassion and clarity? How can structure support rather than stifle innovation? Why is building the right "bus" just as important as getting the right people on it? What gets in the way of leaders carving out time and space for strategic thinking? How can leaders avoid accidentally boxing themselves in with well-intended decisions? Why is understanding your personal "stretch zone" key to sustainable leadership? And how can passion, even without a clear path, shape the most aligned career moves?

These are just some of the questions explored in this episode. Listen in for practical wisdom and powerful insights on self-leadership, future-focused strategy, and building organizations where people and business thrive together. Enjoy!

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Belle K. Walker on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Belle and her work  

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

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Doug Barra is the owner of Action Coach Business Success, a long-time business coach, speaker, and passionate advocate for business re-education. He joins Access Your Leadership to share his incredible journey from software engineer to seasoned coach and now owner of his own (and second) ActionCOACH franchise. With nearly two decades of experience, Doug dives into the mindset shifts, pivotal choices, and leadership philosophies that have shaped his career.

What happens when you move from “doing the work” to empowering others to grow their business? How do you know when it's time to pivot from a path that no longer aligns with your vision? What does it really mean to be coachable—and how does that impact your leadership journey? And how do you balance proven systems with your authentic voice when leading, coaching, or building a business?

Doug shares the personal and professional milestones that led him to where he is today, including powerful reflections on purpose, problem-solving, and what it takes to make a lasting impact through business leadership.

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Doug Barra on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Doug and his work  

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail

Rachel Platt is the Founder and CEO of PLATTinum Consulting, where she partners with small and mid-sized businesses to strengthen leadership, culture, and people strategy. She joins Access Your Leadership to share her leadership journey, from early management experiences to launching her own consulting firm focused on people-first strategies. Rachel dives into the powerful lessons learned from helping employees grow (even in cases where they may need to move on), recognizing untapped talent, and building cultures where learning and development thrive. What does it mean to treat employees as “gifts on loan”? How can leaders transform difficult conversations into opportunities for growth? What simple but powerful strategies can leaders use to cultivate trust and psychological safety? How can small, everyday actions create a culture of continuous learning without big budgets? Why is feedback—both reinforcing and redirecting—the fuel for organizational success? What’s the real difference between caring for your people and coddling them? How can leaders foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, and growth while still setting clear, firm expectations? Why does great leadership always start with a deep commitment to developing others? These are just some of the important questions explored in this episode. Listen in for powerful insights on self-leadership, people strategy, and organizational growth. Enjoy!

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Rachel Platt on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Rachel and her work  

You can email Rachel directly at [email protected]  

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail

Tali Hasanov is the CEO and Founder of WSI Digital Path Marketing, a leader in digital strategy and online brand growth. She joins Access Your Leadership to share her journey from a background in classical piano performance to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the digital marketing world. Tali dives into the mindset shifts, personal habits, and leadership strategies that have fueled her success. What role does self-leadership play in business growth? How does establishing a powerful morning routine impact leadership effectiveness? Why is independent thinking just as critical as critical thinking for modern leaders? What lessons from the arts and music can be applied to business and leadership? What happens when doubt creeps in, and how do entrepreneurs push past it to keep going? How does the ability to select the right clients make all the difference in sustainable business growth? Why is consistency the key to long-term success, and how does it intersect with empathy in leadership? What’s the true impact of holistic thinking in digital marketing? How can leaders cultivate adaptability and creativity to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape? These are just some of the compelling questions explored in this episode. Listen in to uncover powerful insights on self-leadership, business growth, and resilience. Enjoy!

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Tali Hasanov on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Tali and her work  

You can connect directly with Tali at [email protected] 

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Access Your Leadership, host Hakim A. Lakhdar sits down with Shireen Halal, CEO of Maior Strategic Consulting. Shireen brings a wealth of experience in helping professional service firms that feel stuck…whether facing stagnant revenue, outdated strategies, or operational bottlenecks. With a background in law, operations, and strategic consulting, she shares powerful insights on leadership, talent recognition, thought leadership, and the vital connection between people and profits. 

Together, Hakim and Shireen dive into the nuances of leadership, scaling businesses, and fostering a culture that prioritizes both operational excellence and human capital. They explore the myths around leadership, the importance of speed in decision-making, and how leaders can create an environment where employees feel empowered and engaged. How can leaders break the habit of putting employees into limiting boxes and instead empower their full potential? What role does thought leadership play in business success, and why is it crucial to share insights generously? How does a mindset of service and contribution naturally attract clients and opportunities? What is the real relationship between people and profits, and why is an engaged workforce not just a luxury but a necessity? Why do leaders often think they need to have all the answers, and how does that mindset limit organizational growth? How can organizations move away from vague company values and instead create actionable promises that align with their culture? What are the biggest misconceptions leaders have about innovation, and how does it actually happen on the front lines rather than in the boardroom? What is the value of listening tours, and how do they help leaders identify both hidden roadblocks and potential champions of change? Why is speed a critical leadership skill, and how can leaders implement small, strategic tests before rolling out large-scale initiatives? How can organizations hire not just for fit but for mindset, ensuring that new team members align with company values and expectations? This is no doubt the first of many conversations that Shireen and Hakim will have together. Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for the follow-ups! 

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Shireen Hilal on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Shireen and Maior Consultants

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

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In this episode of Access Your Leadership, Hakim has the pleasure of speaking with Ian Tennenbaum, the founder and executive coach at Accountable Live. Ian’s work focuses on helping clients with ADHD navigate the challenges of overthinking, building follow-through, and taking meaningful action in their lives and careers.

Ian shares his personal journey of resilience and transformation, highlighting how understanding his own ADHD has been pivotal not only in reshaping his life but also in shaping the work he does with his clients. He recounts his early struggles, from dropping out of college to facing ups and downs in his professional and personal life. Over time, Ian discovered the importance of building awareness, creating systems, and fostering self-compassion to overcome these challenges.

Through the conversation, Ian emphasizes the value of scaffolding—structuring support systems to help individuals with ADHD strengthen their skills and build habits for long-term success. He also delves into the importance of self-compassion, explaining how it helps break cycles of shame and allows for a more empowering perspective on challenges. Ian’s insights into how ADHD impacts not just work but also personal relationships underline the significance of open communication and shared understanding.

Ian's discussion with Hakim also touched on broader themes of leadership and self-awareness, exploring how these qualities are essential for navigating not just ADHD but any challenges in life and business. By fostering awareness, reframing struggles, and building the right tools and systems, Ian demonstrates how leaders can empower themselves and others to thrive.

This episode is a reminder that challenges, when understood and addressed with the right approach, can become catalysts for growth and transformation. Whether you’re managing ADHD or looking to develop stronger self-leadership skills, Ian’s story offers practical wisdom and inspiration for the journey ahead. Enjoy!

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Ian Tenenbaum on LinkedIn.

Click here to visit the website to learn more about Ian and his work. 

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! As I reflect on the start of this new year, I opted to share some personal insights and lessons that have already shaped my journey.

The year began unexpectedly - I came down with an illness that forced me to slow down. Instead of powering through, as I might have done in the past, I chose to prioritize rest and recovery. It was a different way to start the year, but it felt right. That decision to pause was a reminder that showing up authentically means honoring where I am in the moment.

Looking back on the end of 2024, I’m struck by how different it felt compared to 2023. Last year, I embraced acceptance and presence, enjoying quality time with family and celebrating my birthday with lifelong friends. It set the tone for entering 2025 with clarity and a renewed sense of alignment.

One big commitment I’ve made this year is starting the 75 Hard Challenge - a 75-day journey focused on mental toughness and discipline. From daily workouts and following a strict diet to reading nonfiction and drinking a gallon of water each day, this challenge aligns perfectly with my theme for 2025: Be Bold. For me, being bold means leaning into resistance, trusting the process, and making courageous decisions, whether that’s in my business, family life, or personal growth.

Boldness isn’t just about taking risks—it’s about showing up intentionally and staying true to yourself.

Let’s make 2025 a year of alignment, growth, and bold action. 

Feedback (I want to hear from you):

If you’re a senior leader, or even an aspiring leader, and you are interested in the ways you can incorporate gratitude to not only improve your effectiveness as leader, but also love it at the same time, click here to book time for us to talk.

You can also connect with Hakim at https://lakhdarcoaching.com/ 

To learn more about The Training Rock, our leadership programs and how you can work with us, click here. 

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders and teams in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Check out these links!

1. Click here to check out the 75 Hard Workbook/Journal Hakim is using. 
2. Click here to check out Andy Frisella’s podcast about 75 Hard (explicit language) 
3. Click here to buy the 75 Hard book by Andy Frisella

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As 2024 draws to a close, host and coach Hakim A. Lakhdar, shares a heartfelt invitation to reflect on the past year and prepare for what lies ahead. This special episode encourages leaders, professionals, and anyone on a journey of growth to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their purpose. Hakim reflects on his own ups and downs of 2024, sharing personal stories about learning to navigate challenges, embrace gratitude, and realign with what truly matters. He invites listeners to consider their own defining moments from the year—both triumphs and trials—and ask, “If this year were a book, what would its title be?”

A key takeaway is the power of gratitude in leadership. Hakim explores how expressing appreciation for others—and for oneself—can transform challenges into growth opportunities. He also delves into renewal, encouraging listeners to let go of what no longer serves them and create space for rest, creativity, and connection. As the episode closes, Hakim invites listeners to set meaningful intentions for 2025, focusing on who they want to be rather than what they want to achieve. This inspiring reflection is a reminder that leadership is about aligning with your values and stepping into the new year with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Enjoy the episode, Happy New Year and may 2025 be all that you wish it to be and more! 

Feedback (I want to hear from you):

If you’re a senior leader, or even an aspiring leader, and you are interested in the ways you can incorporate gratitude to not only improve your effectiveness as leader, but also love it at the same time, click here to book time for us to talk.

You can also connect with Hakim at https://lakhdarcoaching.com/ 

To learn more about The Training Rock, our leadership programs and how you can work with us, click here. 

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders and teams in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail

Dustin Riechmann, the Founder of 7-Figure Leap, joins Access Your Leadership to share his unconventional career journey, moving from a stable 17-year engineering career to becoming a thriving entrepreneur. He discusses how his entrepreneurial journey evolved from online marriage ministry to launching a digital marketing consultancy, to creating a successful physical product business, and ultimately founding 7-Figure Leap. As Dustin begins his story, he shares a recent leadership win: speaking to high school seniors in a program called CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities), where he highlighted the importance of storytelling, adaptability, and how embracing uncertainty can lead to growth. How does storytelling create connection and trust in leadership and marketing? Why can embracing uncertainty and taking “non-permanent” steps be transformational? What is the role that identity and alignment with values plays in building personal and professional success? How is empathy, paired with authority, essential for leadership both at work and at home? What were some of the unexpected lessons learned from pivoting during COVID and leveraging podcast guesting to scale businesses? Dustin’s story is a fantastic example of self-leadership and the power of saying “yes” to opportunities, even when they’re outside your comfort zone. So as you listen, be thinking…What are the key values driving your own leadership? How can leaning into curiosity, adaptability, and community help you expand your impact? There’s so much to gain from Dustin’s insights, especially around leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Enjoy!

Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):

You can connect with Dustin Riechmann on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about 7-Figure Leap and find ways to connect with their community

Click here to tune into to Dustin’s podcast, 7-Figure Leap

Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can hit me up on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoaching

I’m always looking to connect with people who are passionate about leadership as well as companies who value and support strong leaders in their own organization. If that’s you or you know someone then drop me a line at [email protected] 

Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.