🎙️ Virtual Spotlight: Nick Koziol
The Human Puzzle Architect Behind Terrific Connections
Welcome to Virtual Spotlight—a series where we pull back the (digital) curtain and shine a light on the real humans making magic behind their screens. From online business managers to virtual assistants, branding experts to tech wizards, these are the folks redefining what “work” looks like in the virtual world. Through candid interviews, we’ll explore how they got started, what keeps them going, and the tools, quirks, and truths that make up their work-from-anywhere lives.
🎙️ Virtual Spotlight: Nick Koziol – The Human Puzzle Architect Behind Terrific Connections
This month’s Virtual Spotlight is shining bright on a true connector, creative, and community-builder: Nick Koziol, founder of That Sounds Terrific Productions, LLC and the multi-talented mind behind a suite of engaging, impact-driven endeavors. Based out of Bliss, NY, Nick lives up to his nickname “the human puzzle architect” by making meaningful matches between people, organizations, and ideas. Whether he’s behind a podcast mic, mentoring students, or supporting data-driven innovation at the University of Rochester, Nick is all about momentum, mission, and making things terrific.
👨💻 Meet Nick: A Career Built on Connection
Nick’s professional journey started in student leadership as a Resident Assistant and Residence Hall Director, where he realized he loved helping students prepare for the real world. That love grew into a career in alumni engagement, nonprofit consulting, and ultimately into his current hybrid role as Business Engagement & Communications Manager for the Center of Excellence in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (CoE in DS&AI) and the Goergen Institute for Data Science at the University of Rochester.
In this role, he connects businesses, researchers, and industry leaders to spark collaborations that drive innovation, economic impact, and workforce development across New York State. His track record speaks volumes: from generating $1 million in economic impact through an internship partnership, to rebranding the Center to better reflect its mission, to fostering real-world opportunities for students and researchers alike—Nick is a builder in every sense of the word.
🎧 The Voice Behind That Sounds Terrific (and Terrifying)
Outside the university, Nick runs That Sounds Terrific Productions, home to two dynamic podcasts:
That Sounds Terrific: Celebrating leaders and organizations creating positive change in their communities. Each episode offers insight, encouragement, and tangible takeaways for listeners who want to amplify their own impact.
🔗 Listen hereThat Sounds Terrifying: A passion project for fellow paranormal enthusiasts, co-hosted with Jess. Expect creepy tales, strange happenings, and deep dives into the unknown.
🔗 Explore the spooky
Both shows reflect Nick’s drive to elevate stories, build community, and give people platforms to be heard.
🧰 Nick’s Toolbox
Favorite task? Hitting publish on a freshly completed podcast episode.
His not-so-favorite? The part of business where you have to close the sale. “I’m not the closer,” he jokes.
What gets him through the day? Loud music, preferably from the '90s.
Must-have virtual tools? A great background and professional mic setup. It’s all about creating an immersive environment, he much prefers a desktop station over working from a phone or tablet.
✨ Wisdom from the Virtual World
Nick’s role is technically hybrid, but virtual work has changed everything for him. "The virtual world allows me to connect with anyone. It expands my network far beyond, and I love it," he says. Through virtual meetings, social media, and email, he’s been able to build an extraordinary career centered on connection and collaboration.
Still, he’s no stranger to the skepticism surrounding remote work. In a past role, he was hired virtually but expected to commute an hour to check in face-to-face. That experience fueled his passion for proving how productive, creative, and collaborative remote work can be with the right tools and mindset.
🎯 Advice for Entrepreneurs & Creatives
Nick’s advice for anyone getting started?
“Start with something small, and something you love, so it doesn’t feel like work. Start with what brings you joy. Personalize yourself professionally.”
His approach to business blends purpose with personal brand—and it’s clearly working.
🎉 Proud Moments
One standout win in his career? A company he introduced to the CoE internship program reported over $1 million in new sales and economic impact, resulting in the creation of four new sales positions and a full-time Data Analyst role—all from two summer interns. That’s the power of connection.
🔍 Currently Working On…
Nick’s always got something brewing, but here are a few ways to connect and support his work:
🎓 University of Rochester’s CoE in DS&AI: Offering free programs that help companies tackle data science challenges.
🔗 Learn more🎙️ Looking for Podcast Guests:
Terrific guests in the 585 area doing community-impact work → That Sounds Terrific
Scary stories for paranormal lovers → That Sounds Terrifying
Nick Koziol is the real deal. A powerhouse of passion, a champion of community, and a living example of how virtual work can create terrific opportunities for growth, impact, and storytelling. If you’re not already following his work, now’s the time to plug in.
Thanks so much for featuring me!! I had a terrific time speaking with you!!!