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brings a wealth of experience in helping professional service firms that feel stuck…whether facing stagnant revenue, outdated strategies, or operational bottlenecks.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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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

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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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

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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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