Access Your Leadership with Hakim Lakhdar

Hosted by Hakim A. Lakhdar

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Access Your Leadership is a podcast that examines what it means to be a leader in the world today and how to maximize your own leadership potential. In this weekly show, Hakim Lakhdar, Florida's #1 Transformational Leadership Coach, gives you access to world-class guests who are willing to share their inspiring leadership journeys, revealing all the valuable hurdles and triumphs along the way. Through this podcast’s interviews and topic-based episodes, you’ll explore leadership skill development, tackle common dilemmas, and discover what it means to lead yourself and others, both professionally and personally.

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November 25, 2025Episode 6243 min

How Belief, Mentorship, and Self-Discovery Fuel Great Leadership

Send us Fan MailPorpoise Evans is the Miami Office Managing Shareholder at Littler Mendelson, where he leads a team of attorneys and staff while actively practicing labor and employment law. He joins Access Your Leadership for a thoughtful, honest conversation about navigating nonlinear career paths, stepping into leadership before you may even feel ready, and shaping workplace cultures in ways that truly support people.Porpoise shares how he went from a challenging childhood in Louisville, Kentucky, to becoming a collegiate athlete and Ivy League student, to spending years in the Miami film industry before ultimately choosing law school at age 30. He opens up about the mentors who changed the trajectory of his life, the belief his parents instilled in him despite difficult circumstances, and why he now sees leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility.From waiting tables to running a small film-services business to becoming the newest partner (and then office leader) at the world’s largest employment law firm, Porpoise offers a grounded, transparent look at what growth actually looks like. He talks about leading a multigenerational team through an office relocation, why over-communication is one of his core leadership philosophies, and how empathy, listening, and clarity shape the cultures leaders create.What does it mean to influence thousands of employees through the policies you help shape? How do you guide Gen Z attorneys on the value of in-person mentorship? What shifts when you realize leadership is as much about developing others as it is about doing your own work well? Where does self-belief come from when perhaps circumstances in your early life didn’t provide it? And how can you use your lived experiences to become a more compassionate and effective leader today?Porpoise’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t linear, predictable, or polished. It’s shaped by adversity, by mentors who see something in you, by the courage to step into new roles, and by the willingness to grow alongside the people you serve. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating career transitions, or reflecting on your own journey, this episode is full of grounded wisdom about purpose, possibility, and becoming the kind of leader others trust.Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Porpoise Evans on LinkedIn.Click here to learn more about the work that Porpoise and his colleagues are doing at Littler Mendelson P.C..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.

October 20, 2025Episode 6143 min

The Fall Is the Lesson: How Resilient Leaders Learn, Adapt, and Rise

Send us Fan MailSheena Eizmendiz is a mindset coach, facilitator, consultant, and owner of The WellBiz, where she and her team equip founders and executives to elevate effectiveness, build resilient teams, and scale with integrity through executive and personal development programs. She joins Access Your Leadership for a candid, energizing conversation about courage, resilience, and the inside-out work leaders get to do to create sustainable impact…in the boardroom and in their lives.From arriving in the U.S. as a child immigrant from Cuba to launching her first practice at 23 as a newly single mom of two, Sheena shares the hard-won wisdom that comes from “building the plane while flying it.” She reflects on 18 years in private practice (NLP, clinical hypnotherapy, EFT, positive psychology with a focus on trauma and substance abuse), the evolution into corporate consulting, stacking seven DEI certifications during the pandemic, and the vision that took her from a one-room office to a multi-therapist practice with a waitlist. Along the way, she unpacks healthy relationships (with self, business, money, and team), plus the village of coaches, strategists, and masterminds that keep her sharp and grounded.What does courage look like when you act before you have certainty…and resist the urge to control? How do you transform “failure” into data, direction, and momentum? Why do vision and values outperform hustle, and how can leaders work on the business (not just in it) without sacrificing what matters most? What can parenting teach us about empowering (versus micromanaging) teams? How are Millennials and Gen Z reshaping the future of work…and what should today’s leaders learn from them? And which daily practices actually build the resilience, adaptability, and clarity to lead in a world that won’t stop changing? Sheena’s story is a masterclass in choosing impact over fear and designing leadership from the inside out. We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy and gain so much from the conversation! Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Sheena Eizmendiz on LinkedIn. If you’d like to learn more about The WellBiz, check them out on their website, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media platforms. .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.

September 29, 2025Episode 6041 min

Turning Expertise into Understanding: A Service-led Approach

Send us Fan MailSirena Dimas is a Mid-Market Employee Health & Benefits Consultant at Marsh McLennan Agency, where she helps fast-growing, multi-state companies navigate evolving compliance and ensure their people actually understand and use the benefits they’re given. She joins Access Your Leadership for a candid, insightful conversation about service-driven leadership, employee education, and the trust required to deliver on what can feel like an “expensive promise” when it matters most.Sirena shares how she went from being a young mom learning the industry from the ground up to becoming a sought-after advisor who meets people where they are…translating complex policies into real-world clarity, and bringing the same coaching mindset she uses in youth soccer to the boardroom. From retail lessons in asking better questions to leading an AYSO chapter, growing up Latina in San Francisco, and choosing integrity and transparency as non-negotiables, Sirena offers a grounded look at what it takes to build confidence, engagement, and cohesion across an entire organization.What does it look like to treat benefits not as paperwork, but as a promise employees can depend on? How do you become an expert not just in policies, but in your client’s people, culture, and context? Why do micro-habits (active listening, pausing before responding, and even a simple smile) change the tone of leadership, especially online? How does “slow is fast, and fast is slow” help teams avoid rework and build lasting trust? And how can gratitude and presence quiet the inner critic so you can lead from what matters most? Sirena’s story is an inspiring reminder that leadership is a privilege and that clarity is kind. Whether you’re building a company, leading a team, or leveling up your self-leadership, this episode is full of practical insights you can use right away.Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Sirena Dimas on LinkedIn.Click here to learn more about Marsh McLennan Agency.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.

August 26, 2025Episode 5941 min

The Power of Self-Awareness in Scaling Leadership and a Law Firm

Send us Fan MailEric Gros-Dubois is the Principal and Co-Founder of EPGD Business Law, a Miami-based firm that counsels and supports entrepreneurs and businesses through every stage of the business lifecycle. With a team of over 60 professionals, Eric has built a firm rooted in mentorship, empowerment, and a deep commitment to developing the next generation of legal talent.What happens when you invest in people early and trust them to punch above their weight? How do you balance the tension between management and leadership in a fast-growing business? What does it take to let go of micromanagement while still owning responsibility as a leader? How do you build a firm (or any organization)that outlasts you? And why is delegation, when practiced with trust and clarity, one of the most critical skills for leaders at every level?Eric shares candid stories from his own journey…from leaving the security of traditional law firms, to taking the leap into entrepreneurship, to co-founding and scaling one of Miami’s most dynamic business law firms. Alongside Hakim, he explores the nuances of mentorship, growth mindset, and self-awareness, highlighting the powerful distinction between delegating tasks and delegating responsibility, and why leadership is never limited to a job title.This conversation is packed with insights on building culture, empowering others, and leading yourself so you can lead others more effectively. Whether you’re a lawyer, a founder, or simply someone committed to your own growth, you’ll walk away inspired by Eric’s philosophy and practical wisdom.Feedback (We want to hear from you):You can connect with Eric Gros-Dubois on LinkedInClick here to learn more about Eric, his team and EPGD Business Law.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.

August 18, 2025Episode 5842 min

Net Worth vs.Net Worthwhile: Leadership Lessons in Money and Life

Send us Fan MailIsobo Amaso is a Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Advisor at SignatureFD, an Atlanta-based wealth management firm that helps clients design lives of purpose through their “Net Worthwhile” philosophy. He joins Access Your Leadership to share his unique journey from a childhood shaped by constant moves as the son of missionaries, to discovering his vocation in financial planning, and now serving athletes, families, and communities with intentionality, authenticity, and care. What happens when you start shaping the money mindset of young athletes before they turn professional? How does moving from city to city as a child prepare someone to connect with almost anyone, anywhere, as an adult leader? What does it really mean to treat financial advising not just as a career but as a calling? How do leaders ensure that their words and values are backed up by consistent action? And why is discernment (often overlooked) such a critical leadership attribute?Isobo reflects on his upbringing, his discovery of financial planning as both a profession and a vocation, and the lessons he weaves into his work with clients and communities today. He and Hakim explore powerful parallels between financial literacy, leadership, and self-leadership, including how both money and leadership are most effective when guided by clarity, confidence, compassion, and alignment with purpose.Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Isobo on LinkedIn, Click here to learn more about Isobo, SignatureFD and their Net Worthwhile.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.

August 12, 2025Episode 5741 min

From Copper to Cloud: Leadership Lessons from 35+ Years in Tech

Send us Fan MailJose Alfonso is the Owner and Managing Partner of Voiceware, an emerging information technology and telecom group specializing in delivering hosted PBX, Microsoft Solutions, and video conferencing services to businesses. He joins Access Your Leadership to share his decades-long journey in technology, from starting out as a programmer to leading a customer-obsessed company that prides itself on resolving 95% of support tickets in under five minutes. With over 35 years of experience, Jose dives into the mindset, leadership philosophy, and future-focused vision that have shaped his career.What happens when you empower your team to think and act like business owners? How does a “customer-centric or “customer-obsessed” approach transform both company culture and client relationships? Why is transparency with clients, especially during challenges, a competitive advantage? And how can self-awareness make leaders more effective at anticipating change, building diverse teams, and earning trust?Jose shares personal and professional milestones from his career, including lessons learned from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, his commitment to listening deeply to both clients and employees, and how humility, respect, and empowerment have been central to his leadership style. You don’t want to miss this leader sharing his love of leading. Enjoy the episode! Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Jose Alfonso on LinkedInTo speak to Jose directly, call (305)-503-7782 ext. 155Click here to learn more about Voiceware and their work Click here to learn more about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses ProgramDid 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/LakhdarCoachingI’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.

July 14, 2025Episode 5642 min

How Clarity and Culture Fuel 23 Years of Growth

Send us Fan MailPatricia Beitler is the Founder of Velocitas, a Miami-based marketing and PR agency that has spent over 23 years helping clients build brands, create targeted visibility, and grow their businesses through strategic marketing. She joins Access Your Leadership for a candid, insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership evolution, and building a culture that people genuinely want to be part of.Patricia shares how she went from a career in web development and government contracting to following her intuition and taking the leap into business ownership (and why listening to her gut has been one of her greatest leadership tools). From the early days of running every aspect of her agency alone to developing a tight-knit team culture that emphasizes responsiveness, professionalism, and genuine care, Patricia offers a transparent look at what it takes to grow a sustainable business without losing yourself along the way.What does it look like to create a culture that makes employees choose to stay when they have other options? How do you balance moving fast with staying intentional about your values and standards? What role does authenticity play in your reputation as a leader and as a brand? Why is self-awareness so essential when you’re building something from the ground up? How can you be more selective about who you work with, and why does that make everything better for everyone? Patricia’s story is an inspiring reminder that leadership is as much about self-trust and clarity as it is about business strategy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an aspiring leader, or simply someone reflecting on what you really want, this episode is full of insights about building a business (and a life) that feels aligned.Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Patricia Bitler on LinkedIn and Instagram, Click here to learn more about Velocitas.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.

July 7, 2025Episode 5536 min

No Perfect Time: Choosing Growth Over Comfort in Career and Community

Send us Fan MailSteven Herzberg is a Miami real estate attorney, partner at VHL Law, and a town council member for the Town of Miami Lakes. He joins Access Your Leadership to share his compelling journey from early aviation-lover to accomplished attorney and dedicated public servant. From navigating pivotal career decisions in the wake of the 2008 Recession to building a thriving law career grounded in strong client relationships, Steven exemplifies the power of clarity, curiosity, and service-driven leadership.What happens when you realize there’s no “perfect time” to take the leap into something you care about? How do you weigh security against growth when facing a fork in the road? What does it look like to lead with clarity…whether you’re mentoring junior colleagues, serving constituents, or advocating for your community? And how do you stay grounded when the stakes are high and mistakes happen?Steven shares the personal and professional milestones that shaped his path, including years spent cultivating client trust, his early decision to choose experience over salary, and his passion for aviation that still inspires him today. He offers honest reflections on learning from missteps, building a career rooted in relationships, and the importance of telling the truth…even if it feels hard.Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Steven Herzberg on LinkedIn or visit VHLLaw.com to learn more about his legal work. To reach Steven about his council service or to schedule a meeting, visit Instagram @CouncilmanHerzberg, where you’ll find links to book time directly.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/LakhdarCoachingI’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 this and previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

June 24, 2025Episode 5443 min

Trusting the Path When You Can’t See the Summit

Send us Fan MailJessica Shraybman is the Founder and Managing Partner at Shraybman Law, where she supports entrepreneurs and creatives with business and intellectual property legal counsel. She joins Access Your Leadership for a truly raw, powerful, and deeply reflective conversation about personal transformation, self-leadership, and redefining success on your own terms. Jessica shares how a major business acquisition—and its evolution—catalyzed a total deconstruction of her law firm, her professional identity, and the stories she once held about herself as a leader. From navigating the complex emotions of perceived failure to embracing motherhood, solitude, and starting over, Jessica opens up about the importance of clarity, resilience, and learning to lead herself first. What does it look like to rebuild after everything falls apart? How do you lead when the person you most need to lead is yourself? What does real courage look like when you're facing uncertainty—and still moving forward? Why is humility one of the most underrated leadership superpowers? How can embracing discomfort and obstacles actually be the path to your next big breakthrough? Jessica’s story is one of transformation, radical self-honesty, and the power of choosing growth over comfort. Whether you’re a founder, a parent, or simply someone at a crossroads, this episode is a moving reminder that real leadership starts within.Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):You can connect with Jessica Shraybman on LinkedIn and Instagram Click here to learn more about Jessica 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/LakhdarCoachingI’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.

June 17, 2025Episode 5327 min

Leading Through Loss: Choosing Love Over Control

Send us Fan MailHakim A. Lakhdar is a world-class transformational leadership coach, podcast host, and passionate advocate for self-leadership. In this powerful and deeply personal solo episode of Access Your Leadership, Hakim invites us into a raw and reflective journey through one of the most emotionally intense periods of his life—marked by the passing of his beloved grandmother, his father’s serious injury, and his mother’s painful physical challenges. All in the span of just a few weeks.In this candid and heartfelt episode, Hakim doesn't just share a story—he models what it means to lead yourself through grief, uncertainty, family dynamics, logistical chaos, and emotional upheaval. He highlights how even the most difficult moments can become beautiful when we choose to lead ourselves with love, presence, and intention.How do we lead ourselves when everything feels like it’s falling apart? What does it look like to stay grounded in love, service, and perspective when tested? How can our choices in crisis impact the collective energy of a family, a team, or a community? What happens when we shift from reacting to life to responding with purpose? How can self-leadership become our anchor when we feel completely out of control?From holding his grandmother’s hand in her final days to helping his mother navigate urgent care visits, to calmly redirecting a funeral procession to the right burial site—Hakim walks us through moment after moment that demanded self-leadership, compassion, emotional regulation, and grace.This episode is a masterclass in leading from the inside out. It’s about choosing love over fear, responsiveness over reactivity, and presence over panic.Feedback (I/we want to hear from you):Did this podcast spark something in you or get you to take action in some way? We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our conversation. You can connect with Hakim on Instagram @lakhdar_coaching, LinkedIn: /hakimlakhdar, Twitter @LakhdarCoaching, and Facebook/LakhdarCoachingWe're 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 us a line at hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com Check out previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.