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Beyond the Job: Learning Through Failure | A.M. Bhatt & Mostafa Analoui

Beyond the Job: Learning Through Failure | A.M. Bhatt & Mostafa Analoui

7/6/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with A.M. Bhatt, Founder of DAE and U of Next and Mostafa Analoui, Director of the M&T Bank Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Quinnipiac University. They discuss the state of workforce development in Connecticut, the factors holding back the effectiveness of workforce training, and the state’s economic disparities. Bhatt and Analoui argue that most programs focus on preparing people for specific jobs rather than teaching them how to navigate a constantly changing career landscape. The conversation explores the idea of learning through failure and the need for a shift in policy philosophy that puts human equity first.

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Shifting Industries: Building a Versatile Skill Set | BJ Kito, Jon Feld

Shifting Industries: Building a Versatile Skill Set | BJ Kito, Jon Feld

6/29/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with Jon Feld, Associate Creative Director at Rebellion Group, to discuss Feld’s publishing roots, dealing with various personalities in the workplace, and the impact of AI on the creative field. They compare the current technological shift to the emergence of the web in 1999, and point out that the value in AI comes from user expertise. The conversation touches on empathy as a core tenet, the importance of being a versatile team member, and the belief that “perfection is the enemy of good.”

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Artificial Intelligence. Human perspectives. | James Dowd, BJ Kito, Elena Anetrella, Samantha Manz

Artificial Intelligence. Human perspectives. | James Dowd, BJ Kito, Elena Anetrella, Samantha Manz

6/23/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with James Dowd, Elena Anetrella, and Samantha Manz to talk about AI as a tool for enhancement, regional economic challenges, and the resistance to adopting artificial intelligence into everyday life. The conversation explores how AI can be used to enhance human skills, comparing it to historical inventions like the calculator and abacus. The ethical debate surrounding AI-generated content is discussed, along with projections that by 2030, about 1.5 million people could be displaced from their jobs if they do not start using AI to upskill.

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The AI Evolution | James Dowd & BJ Kito

The AI Evolution | James Dowd & BJ Kito

6/17/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with James Dowd, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Creative Officer at Rebellion Group, to talk about AI’s impact on jobs and innovation, brand integrity, and future strategy. They highlight the current state of AI adoption in workplaces, the importance of brands focusing on humanity, and the nuances required for a successful business to succeed. The conversation explores Agent XQ (an internal project developed to move beyond generic output), machine learning vs. artificial intelligence, and the factors required to move forward in an AI-saturated environment.

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"Shaping CT's Future has reignited people's passion and pride in our state. We're proud to work in partnership with Virtuoso to create positive change."

Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer, CT DECD

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