BL-24 - Flipbook - Page 159
TRIVIAL PERSUITS
The PCA is uniquely positioned at the centre of retail
and manufacturing, with the world’s largest trade show
for premium cigars in the world’s largest market. We can
partner with many other organizations worldwide to defend,
protect, and expand the premium cigar sector for discerning
adult consumers.
INTERVIEW
Ricardo Carioni (RC):
Joshua, you’ve become one of the youngest leaders
to head a major trade association. What drives you
personally, and how did your journey lead you to the
world of premium cigars?
Joshua Habursky (JH):
Personally, I relate to the premium cigar industry being the
underdog. I moved to Washington DC, not knowing anyone,
didn’t come from a political family, and had to work three
jobs to afford intern housing and make it through graduate
school. This experience taught me a lot about sacri昀椀ce
and resilience, which are helpful attributes for running
any organisation, especially one with many demands,
personalities, and challenges.
PCA can curate and expand ideas through tools, technology,
and information-sharing that transcend borders as we tackle
global challenges. The association is nearly 100 years old,
and I am deeply cognisant of tradition and the obligation
to preserve it on behalf of our members, while ensuring the
association’s future development.
RC:
You manage a complex portfolio – advocacy,
memberships, education, global partnerships, and the
PCA Show – all under political and social pressures.
How do you prioritise and keep the organisation both
nimble and visionary?
JH:
I have a great support system of close friends and family
who have mentored me along my career path, but I have
also encountered rejection, failure, and adversity, which
have had an equal impact, pushing me towards creativity,
advancement, and success.
I started smoking cigars as an undergraduate at Washington
& Jefferson College, in the Winston Churchill Society,
where we met every week to smoke cigars and talk politics.
I entered the industry as the Director of Federal Affairs in
2019, wanting a career that combined my love of politics
and cigars. I became the Executive Director in 2024 and
the Chief Executive Of昀椀cer in 2025, working my way up
and learning from retailers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts
alike.
RC:
The PCA is both a guardian of tradition and a voice
for progress. How would you describe your leadership
philosophy, and what do you believe makes the PCA
unique among global trade organizations?
JH:
My leadership philosophy is to surround myself with good
people who have the right attitude and ambition. Most
skills can be taught, but the foundation of any successful
organization is the character of its people. From the board
of directors to the staff, the PCA has a strong foundation,
and I am proud to lead the organization even through
challenges and setbacks.
Leveraging the team’s skill sets, I don’t micro-manage and
identify project leads and support from the outset. We are
a small team that can react quickly, and everyone on staff
does the work of three or four people. When I speak about
the work of PCA to other association executives, they are
continually amazed at the output of our small team of eight,
and the scope of projects that we are working on at any
given time.
In addition to running the association, I remain a member
of the advocacy team and manage the federal government
affairs portfolio, including the White House, Congress,
regulatory agencies, and litigation. I learned quickly that I
can’t be involved in every project, and I trust our team to
deliver even when I am not. I often work with membership,
education, events, and partnerships staff on major decisions,
budgets, and communications, while allowing them to lead
as the department expert.
RC:
Education has become a de昀椀ning pillar of your
leadership. What’s your vision for PCA Education,
and how can it transform the way the world
understands premium cigars?
JH:
I want the professionalisation of the premium cigar
sector and education to be part of my legacy. PCA has an
incredible opportunity to provide educational resources to
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