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What does it really take to become a Certified Master Baker—and a true master of your craft?
In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Chef Kimberly Houston sits down with Chef Cody Middleton, professor and department head of Baking & Pastry at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach (HGTC), to explore the intersection of skill, humility, and leadership in the pastry world.
From studying at École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie under the Alain Ducasse education group to earning certifications through both the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), Chef Cody has built a career defined by excellence and integrity. But his path wasn’t a straight line—he shares how his early uncertainty led him to discover a love for pastry’s precision and science, and how each step along the way shaped his approach to teaching and mentorship.
You’ll hear:
• Why humility is one of the most important skills a baker can have
• How studying abroad in France reshaped his entire outlook on food and technique
• What the Certified Master Baker (CMB) exam really tests—and why it’s harder than it looks on paper
• The logistics lessons learned from serving high-profile guests and large banquets
• How to prepare students (and professionals) for both the creative and business sides of baking
• Why entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone—and how to define success on your own terms
• How professional certifications push the industry forward and hold chefs to a higher standard
• The one rule Chef Cody teaches every student: do the right thing, every time
This episode is a must-listen for pastry students, educators, and bakery owners who want to elevate not just their technique, but their mindset and integrity in the kitchen.
About Chef Cody Middleton
Chef Cody is a Certified Executive Pastry Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, and Certified Master Baker. He leads the Baking & Pastry department at HGTC’s International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach and has worked as an executive pastry chef for luxury country clubs throughout North Carolina and Florida, serving clients ranging from professional athletes to international diplomats.
Connect on Instagram: Chef Cody
Connect on LinkedIn: Chef Cody Middleton
Connect with the RBA
Learn more about professional certifications, education programs, and industry resources at www.retailbakersofamerica.org
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