Based in Glastonbury, Connecticut, Paul “Paolo” Mozzicato serves as a risk advisor with Smith Brothers. He possesses over a quarter century of experience as a business principal and holds qualifications as a life, health, property, and casualty producer. He also maintains Series 63, Series 65, and Series 7 licenses. Paul “Paolo” Mozzicato’s focus areas include construction, real estate, transportation, and manufacturing. He designs commercial solutions spanning workers’ compensation and fleet auto, disability, and key person life insurance.
Mr. Mozzicato completed an economics degree at Boston University and pursued graduate studies in the same topic at Trinity College. He was a key contributor to the creation of the South Hartford Business Alliance (SHBA) and the South Hartford Community Alliance. The organizations work together to align business and residents’ interests.
Mr. Mozzicato maintains a strong philanthropic presence and contributes to the Hometown Foundation, which spearheads projects supporting emergency response personnel and people with intellectual disabilities. Mr. Mozzicato founded and chairs the Annual Birdies & Horsepower fundraiser, which combines golf, entertainment, and a live auction, and has contributed significantly to Connecticut Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts with driving my kids to school, which is a special time for us to connect and share a few laughs. After that, I usually stop by my local Starbucks for a coffee and a quick chat with the friendly staff and regulars—it’s a small but meaningful part of my morning routine. During my commute to work, I use the time to check in with friends and family through quick calls or messages.
Once I arrive at the office, I greet my team and get started on open tasks and action items. My day often includes meetings with clients or outreach to potential ones, depending on what’s scheduled. On some days, I’ll fit in a workout at the gym, or I might be coaching one of my kids’ sports teams, which is something I truly enjoy.
The drive home offers a chance to reflect on the day, and once I’m back, I spend the evening with my family over dinner and some quality time with the kids. Before bed, I plan for the next day and unwind with a bit of reading—usually around 30 minutes to an hour. Then it’s off to sleep, ready to do it all again.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life through a combination of discipline, planning, and execution. Every idea starts with a clear plan that outlines the steps needed to move forward. Prioritization is key—focusing on the right idea at the right time ensures meaningful progress. From there, it’s all about staying focused, adjusting as needed, and following through to completion.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing emphasis on personal motivation and self-improvement. It’s encouraging to see more people taking initiative and seeking growth. However, I believe motivation is just the spark—it’s discipline and grit that truly drive long-term success. The real impact comes from consistently doing the work, even when it’s hard or progress feels slow.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is my strong sense of personal accountability—I do what I say I’m going to do, no exceptions. I don’t negotiate with myself once a decision is made, which keeps me focused and consistent. This mindset, combined with a structured and habit-driven approach, allows me to maintain momentum even on tough days. In many ways, my attention to detail fuels this discipline and drives results.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to make the most of spare time by constantly learning something new. Every free moment is an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally. I’d also emphasize the value of dedicating at least an hour each day to reading and practicing your craft. That consistent effort adds up and becomes a major advantage over time.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that it’s okay to let others win sometimes because it fosters a positive environment and encourages mutual growth. When you adopt an abundance mentality, focusing on growing the pie, it creates a win/win scenario. By stepping back and allowing others to succeed, you can build stronger relationships and promote collaboration. This mindset shifts the focus from competition to shared success, benefiting everyone involved.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I consistently reflect on today because it helps me learn from my experiences and recognize what went well, as well as what could be improved. Taking time to review my day allows me to stay grounded and focused on my personal growth. I also believe in planning for tomorrow, as setting clear intentions and goals gives me direction and purpose. Discipline, to me, is a function of good planning—when you have a solid plan in place, it becomes easier to stick to your commitments and make consistent progress. This practice is essential for staying organized, achieving long-term goals, and cultivating a sense of accomplishment.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I find that taking a walk alone really helps clear my mind. Just a short change in environment gives me a chance to breathe and reset. The simple act of stepping away from whatever is stressing me out allows me to calm down and gain some perspective. It’s like hitting the reset button for my brain, and I usually come back feeling more grounded and better able to refocus on what’s important.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has been instrumental in growing my business and advancing in my career is genuinely caring about those I work with and service. It starts with truly listening to what they are asking, whether it’s a need, concern, or feedback. I then take the time to acknowledge their input, making sure they feel heard and understood. After that, I digest the information carefully, reflecting on how it aligns with my goals and what solutions might be most effective. From there, I make a plan that addresses their needs and sets clear steps to follow. Once the plan is in place, I execute it diligently, staying focused and adapting as needed. Finally, I review the results, reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and how I can improve moving forward. This cycle of engagement not only builds trust but also drives continuous improvement and growth in both relationships and business outcomes.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career was not moving on to a new organization when it was the right time to do so. I stayed out of a sense of loyalty, believing that sticking with the company was the right thing, but in hindsight, that loyalty sometimes held me back from opportunities for growth. What I learned is that while loyalty is important, it can also prevent you from advancing if it keeps you in a place where you’re no longer challenged or growing. Through that experience, I realized that with transparency and open dialogue, you can make a career move in a way that maintains respect and support from your current organization. By communicating openly about your goals and aspirations, it’s possible to leave on good terms while making the transition to new opportunities that help you grow professionally.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that helps me be productive is AI. I use it as a tool to help organize my ideas by breaking down complex thoughts into clearer, more manageable pieces. It also assists me in creating examples or content quickly, whether it’s drafting an email, brainstorming ideas, or developing a plan. By leveraging AI, I can streamline tasks and focus more on the creative and strategic aspects of my work, making my day more efficient and productive.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve read many books that have been valuable, but one that stands out is Mel Robbins’ book Let Them. What I love about it is the unique perspective it offers on relationships and personal growth. Robbins emphasizes that sometimes, the best approach is to let people be themselves and do what they want to do, rather than trying to control or change them. This concept really resonated with me, as it encourages acceptance and trust in others’ journeys, which can lead to more authentic and peaceful connections.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Landman, which was a great mix of nostalgia and modern storytelling. The show features throwback characters, placing them in a contemporary world, which gives it a unique and refreshing vibe. I loved seeing how these familiar, old-school personalities adapt to today’s challenges, blending humor with deeper themes. It’s a fun, clever series that keeps you engaged while offering a fresh perspective on classic character types.
Key learnings
- Every day comes and goes make the most of it.
- Motivation is only a way to get you started, and discipline and grit is what you need to accomplish your goals and ideas.
- When things get overwhelming, take a break and regroup.
- Have an abundance mentality as a scarcity mentality will hold you down.
- Always create a win/win situation.