Level up with Hakim

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 approach to talent.

Timestamps:00:00 - Unlocking the human side of hospitality: Edward Clark’s journey

02:14 - The importance of listening to candidates’ stories to understand their potential

03:52 - From rugby to entrepreneurship: lessons learned from a diverse career path

06:38 - Leading hotel pre-openings: managing chaos and stakeholder expectations

10:44 - Hiring under pressure: what hotel startups get wrong and how to improve

13:15 - The biggest mistakes in hospitality hiring and expectation setting

16:08 - The critical role of culture fit over urgency in talent acquisition

17:31 - Talent, leadership, or process: what’s really holding back hotel staffing?

20:20 - How to craft CVs that catch recruiters’ attention—voice notes and results

24:25 - The impact of AI on recruitment: automation without losing the human touch

27:43 - The worst CV mistakes to avoid: too lengthy, unorganized, or generic

29:51 - First-minute impressions in interviews: what to look for in candidate behavior

33:45 - One-minute advice for building a compelling, results-driven CV

38:16 - How top hiring managers stand out and attract the best talent

41:16 - The future of hospitality talent: how AI, robotics, and human skills intersect

45:41 - What leveling up truly means: stepping outside comfort zones

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

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 first impression often hinges on the smallest touchpoints, whether it's a greeting at the driveway or a seamless virtual tour.

Here are the time-stamped highlights for your episode chapters:

The True Meaning of Peak Performance in Hospitality - Starts at 13:49

The Power of Customer Journey & Touchpoints - Starts at 14:21

Evolving Sales Strategies in a Digital Age - Starts at 10:57
Cultures, Technologies, and Regional Differences - Starts at 9:09

The Role of AI: Enhancing, Not Replacing, Human Touch - Starts at 31:32

Building a Foundation: Sales and Service Fundamentals - Starts at 43:32

Virtual & Digital Site Inspections: New Skills for New Norms - Starts at 12:19

Measuring Success Beyond Numbers: Holistic Hotel Performance - Starts at 13:53

Staying Ahead: Embracing Change & Leveling Up - Starts at 44:27

Connect with Lucas https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaspeng/

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

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 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.

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

• Borderless: A Nomad Executive Playbook — Michael Cohen’s upcoming book exploring remote leadership and borderless work strategies
• Gain — Growth Advisors — Strategic consultancy for travel, hospitality, and tech industries
• Modern 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

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.

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

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 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 travel
• Forbes 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/

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.

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

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

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

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

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...