Patricia 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.

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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.

Steven 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.

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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/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 this and previous episodes of Access Your Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Jessica 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.

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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/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.

Hakim 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/LakhdarCoaching

We'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.

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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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

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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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

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 hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

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

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 rplatt@plattinumconsulting.com

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.