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brings a wealth of experience in helping professional service firms that feel stuck…whether facing stagnant revenue, outdated strategies, or operational bottlenecks.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

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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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

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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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

Bob Tankesley, M&A Advisor, Principal at Neri Capital Partners, and Author of the new book, Exit Teams: Build a Team of Advisors for Your Business Sale to Get a Higher Price. In this episode, Bob shares his expertise in helping business owners prepare for and execute successful exits while building value in their companies. He goes on to explain the complexities of selling a business, emphasizing the importance of leadership, optimization, and assembling the right team of advisors to maximize results. Bob’s wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, along with his passion for helping business owners, shines through in this insightful and actionable conversation. Why are leadership and personnel issues critical when positioning a business for sale? What is the importance of building a team of advisors early? What is the often-overlooked component of selling a business and how can you prepare for it? How can focusing on leadership development increase business value and position you for a more successful sale? What does it take to prepare your business for a successful sale? Why do leadership and team dynamics play such a significant role in attracting buyers? How can business owners overcome the emotional challenges of letting go? What leadership shifts are necessary to transition from operator to seller? Whether you’re a business owner considering an exit or a leader looking to future-proof your company, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

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

You can connect with Bob Tankesley on LinkedIn

You can email Bob directly at bob@exitteams.com

Click here to sign up and learn more about Bob’s work and new book

Click here to buy Bob’s new book, Exit Teams: Build a Team of Advisors for Your Business Sale to Get a Higher Price

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.

Leslee Cohen, founder and managing partner of All Rise Legal Counsel, joins Access Your Leadership to share her incredible journey as a leader in the legal profession. From Wall Street to building her own boutique law firm, Leslee has redefined what leadership looks like in her industry by prioritizing empathy, flexibility, and authenticity. In this inspiring conversation, Leslee takes us through the twists and turns of her career, from navigating high-pressure roles in corporate law to creating a firm where lawyers can thrive both professionally and personally. She shares how she built a culture of trust and flexibility at All Rise Legal Counsel, offering a safe space for team members to bring their whole selves to work. How did a tough career transition lead you to discover your value and negotiate for what you deserved? What was the process of scaling your firm while staying true to your vision and values? Why develop a leadership philosophy that puts empathy at the forefront and ensures the team feels seen, heard, and supported? Why or how might flexibility in the workplace benefit both employees and clients? How do empathy and flexibility make you a better leader?Why is it critical to create a safe space for team members to show up authentically? What role does constructive feedback play in personal and professional growth? How can leaders build cultures of trust that retain top talent? This episode is packed with self-leadership insights and actionable lessons on building trust, creating safe spaces, and leading with compassion. Whether you’re a leader navigating a career pivot or looking to build a team culture rooted in authenticity, Leslee’s story will leave you inspired.

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

You can connect with Leslee Cohen on LinkedIn

You can email Leslee directly at LCohen@allriselawyers.com

Click here to learn more about AllRise Legal Counsel and the work of Leslee and her team

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 solo Thanksgiving Week episode of Access Your Leadership, Hakim dives into the transformative power of gratitude and how it can elevate your leadership game—both in leading yourself and others. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice; it’s a leadership tool that fosters trust, inspires engagement, and drives impactful results. In this episode, Hakim shares a short story about coaching a leader who discovered how gratitude could revolutionize their connection with their team. He also provides practical insights into how gratitude helps leaders shift their focus from problems to possibilities, strengthen relationships, and how to cultivate clarity, confidence, and compassion in their roles. Why is gratitude one of the most underrated tools in leadership? How does expressing gratitude strengthen workplace trust and morale? What’s the connection between gratitude and emotional intelligence? How can daily gratitude practices shift your leadership mindset? Three simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your leadership today. What do the statistics say about the measurable impact of gratitude in the workplace? Gratitude is more than a mindset—it’s a powerful, practical habit that can transform how you show up as a leader. Whether you’re reflecting on small wins, expressing appreciation to your team, or finding lessons in challenges, gratitude can help you lead with more clarity, compassion, and confidence. There are a number of ideas shared in this episode that can help you integrate gratitude into your leadership journey. It’s quick, it’s actionable, and it has the potential to shift your entire perspective. Enjoy!

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.