685: Mark Koziel is a CEO & Meat Smoker & Cigar Smoker [podcast]

Mark Koziel, President and CEO of AICPA-CIMA, shares his passion for smoking meat and cigars, and how these hobbies have helped him connect with others both personally and professionally. Mark talks about how he fell in love with grilling after being introduced to the Big Green Egg and has since embraced experimenting with different techniques and recipes—especially brisket and pulled pork. He emphasizes the importance of practice, especially when cooking for guests, and loves sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. Mark also discusses how cigar smoking unexpectedly benefited his career by fostering honest, open conversations with industry peers. He encourages professionals to embrace and share their passions, noting that these interests can strengthen relationships, build trust, and even enhance workplace culture. Mark’s story is a testament to the power of letting your true self shine beyond the job title.

Episode Highlights

· Sharing personal interests (your "And") at work creates authentic connections and strengthens relationships, both internally with colleagues and externally with clients.
· Pursuing hobbies like smoking meat and cigars provides a sense of peace, creativity, and fulfillment that balances the demands of a professional career.
· Being open and vulnerable about personal experiences, including challenges and passions, makes leaders more relatable and fosters trust within teams.
· Connecting over common interests, even if they’re outside of work, can open doors, offer valuable insights, and propel your career by creating deeper bonds and more honest conversations.
· Organizations and leaders should encourage sharing outside-work passions, as it enhances culture, encourages networking, and reminds everyone that people are more than just their job titles.