Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career and leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hakim Lakhdar, Founder of Lakhdar Coaching, located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer career and leadership coaching for mid-to-senior professionals in all industries looking to level up their leadership game, at a significant transition point in their lives, exploring a new career direction, craving greater work & life satisfaction, or simply preparing to negotiate a promotion or raise.
Tell us about yourself
I've been a musician, an actor, stunt driver, and for the last 15+ years, I've worked in the legal profession (at the American Bar Association, Harvard Law, and Miami Law), designing and delivering professional and leadership development training programs for senior lawyers. While I loved the impact that work created with these leaders, I wanted to work with leaders 1:1 and be intimately involved in their transformations. I know how challenging it can be to be a new or undertrained leader or to be led by these underdeveloped leaders, and what motivates me each day is to ensure that leadership, which is a big responsibility and privilege, is seen as joyful and beneficial to all.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Of course, leaving a stable 6-figure salary to go off on my own was not an easy thing, but I've positioned myself as a powerful coach who has now been able to attract steady clients to support my practice and family consistently. I have recently developed a coaching program for non-legal admin staff in law firms, which is gaining a great deal of interest and momentum.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is creating structure and consistency around what you want to accomplish day-to-day. When we work for employers, we have our roles and responsibilities defined by our job description and manager, but as business owners, we pick where we want to focus our energy and attention based on our values and priorities for the business and our clients/customers. Another thing is mindset and validation... two things very much shaped by our employers when in a traditional "9-5" role. Whereas, when we're business owners, we're solely responsible for that.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Find the intersect of Jim Collin's "hedgehog" three circles concept: one circle is doing something you're passionate about, the next circle is something you can do better than others, and the last circle is doing something that compensates you appropriately. Failing to find the sweet spot with all three of these areas often results in people starting a business around hobbies and less around a true business concept. So:
- Connect with your passion.
- Be clear on your WHY. (your purpose)
- Get organized with your time, energy, and attention.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lakhdarcoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lakhdarcoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakhdar_coaching/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LakhdarCoaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakimlakhdar/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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