Tom Connolly, PhD

In the era of AI, it is questioned how human beings are different from AI. This might give you some clue: deep reading, critical skills and beyond.

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Thanks to Hartford Business Journal for highlighting how WestConn and other CT colleges are expanding certificate and credential programs to meet workforce needs: https://lnkd.in/g7Ce5VRr. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴? The answer isn't just more graduates. It's pathways—flexible ones—for all kinds of learners. In Connecticut, we’re watching jobs shift, industries evolve, and communities weather new challenges every year. The old model of “one degree fits all” doesn’t cut it anymore. That’s why at Western Connecticut State University, we’re rethinking what access really means. Short-term credentials. Certificates. Stackable programs. Partnerships with local industry. We build options for people who need education that fits real life—not just the four-year plan. When a working parent earns a credential, or a first-generation student finds a new onramp to opportunity, that’s economic and community development in action. The real story isn’t about filling classrooms. It’s about fueling the region. Flexible pathways keep communities strong, adaptable, and ready for the future. We’re not just teaching students—we’re driving resilience, one innovative pathway at a time. Connecticut State Colleges & Universities

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Most organizations do not struggle with creating documents. They struggle with knowing what changed. That work shows up everywhere: New regulations vs. last year’s rules Contracts vs. standard language Policy updates across HR and operations Vendor proposals that all look the same This kind of comparison work is slow, manual, and easy to get wrong. It is also where risk hides. One of the most practical uses of generative AI is simple: Compare documents and surface the differences that matter. Not rewriting. Not drafting. Just identifying what changed so people can focus on decisions. I wrote a Substack post outlining where document comparison creates the most value in organizations, with concrete business examples across compliance, legal, operations, and procurement. If identifying changes across documents takes time or introduces risk, the Substack post linked below explains where document comparison pays off.

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Calling Rhode Island businesses. The Rhode Island Governor's Workforce Board has an Incumbent Worker Training Grant that reimburses 50 to 100 percent of eligible training costs. Give them a follow, a hello, and verify your eligibility. Our clients used the grant last year and we're excited it's available again as they move to their next phase of upskilling. One option they're using it for is our University of Rhode Island - College of Business Workshop Series, with lessons that include: - Time Management - Servant Leadership - Emotional Intelligence - Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Effective Communication - Strategic Career Planning - Workplace Conflict Resolution - Adaptability and Collaboration - Critical and Analytical Thinking - A Growth Mindset: Keep Learning - Multigenerational Workplace Collaboration - Project Management for Non-Project Managers Start with one. Select and bundle a few. Or, treat your team to all 12. Book a short learning convo with me and we'll find the lessons that fit your team, and compare training calendars. Start your learning convo here: https://lnkd.in/ez3AQUip #GoRhody

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Blog: Faculty or Technology? Where Colleges Are Investing Today As colleges face rising costs, the trade-off between labor, mainly faculty compensation, and capital investments like technology, equipment, and facilities is becoming increasingly visible. In our latest blog, Senior Researcher and Blog Author Michael Townsley explores how institutions have shifted spending after COVID-19 and what it might mean for the future of faculty roles in the age of Artificial Intelligence. One key insight: In 2021, colleges invested more in capital than labor for the first time, primarily driven by emergency tech upgrades. Will that trend continue? Read the full post: https://lnkd.in/e-QpG43w #HigherEducation #EducationalFinance #HigherEducationStrategy #StevensStrategy

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We’re sharing this thoughtful guide by the University of Worcester that breaks down how students and early professionals can start building their careers with clarity and direction. From identifying strengths to mapping goals, it offers real-world advice in a world where linear careers are no longer the norm. At MSI Consulting Group, we help organizations and individuals alike turn career plans into performance outcomes through strategic talent advisory, role design, and L&D enablement. . Copyrights Credit: University of Worcester #CareerPlanning #MSIConsulting #TalentDevelopment #StudentCareers #PeopleStrategy #GrowthEnablement #WorkforceTransformation

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My latest article, "4 Ways to Tackle the Workforce Crisis," is now featured in the recent NJBIZ 34th Annual Innovative State issue. With industries struggling to fill critical roles, it’s time to rethink how we approach training, education, and workforce development. This piece outlines practical steps to help close the skills gap and strengthen our talent pipeline. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eG8sDPZj #SkilledTrades #CareerTraining #FutureOfWork #LincolnTech #NJBusinessMagazine

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Tessa West at The Wall Street Journal does an excellent job of clearly identifying the skills gap many employers are seeing among Gen Z workers and, just as importantly, offers practical solutions to address it. The discussion around developing communication, initiative, and workplace judgment is especially on point. Shannon Barrett and I address these same challenges—and how universities can help close this gap—in our forthcoming book, Work Ready. #WorkReady #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #HigherEducation #GenZ #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReadiness

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Had a great time with an EMCC and friends group exploring Team of Teams Supervision. There is the leap from 1-1 to working with teams we hear a lot about as team coaching supervisors and increasingly, the shift from one team to more than one or how to have impact across an organization. Thank you for inviting me! If you are interested I've posted the in depth trainings in the chat. Daniela A. Professor Peter Hawkins Michelle Chambers, M.Ed, PCC, ACTC, CHRL,CTDP, EIA, ITCA Julie Stockton Lucy Shenouda MCC, ACTC, ESIA Tracy Cocivera, Ph.D., C.Psych. Inge Simons Sue Coyne PCC, ACTC Michael Cooper Dumi Magadlela PhD PCC Mike Atkins, CD, MA, PCC Melanie Boyd-Brown Andria Gillis, PCC, ACTC Judy Wolf (MCC, ACTC, ESIA, ITCA, EIA) Jonathan Sibley Naysan Firoozmand

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