

87:60 by Virtuoso
Rebellion Group
How are the greatest leaders able to recall, leverage, and translate prior experiences into insights for decision-making? Co-hosts BJ Kito & Steve McLoughlin seek to shed light on the experiences that most leaders rely upon (consciously or subconsciously). It's an instinct developed through consistency, focus, and determination -- 24/7, 365 days a year...or, 8760 hours a year. This is the 87:60 podcast.Experience isn’t gained in an instant, progress is seldom made in a day, and success doesn’t just manifest through sheer force. There’s more to success than a 24/7 grind. More than a “why” others can validate. More than intuition, instinct, gut feel… and perhaps a little bit of luck. Visionary leaders and entrepreneurs have an eidetic mind for experiences. It’s here they amass knowledge and instincts to fuel an extraordinary ability to innately forecast outcomes of various scenarios in real time. To see their optimal future reality and identify the decisions that get them one step closer. The 87:60 Podcast digs into how the greatest leaders are able to recall, leverage, and translate prior experiences into insights for decision-making. We ask, what are they able to see in the future that gives them the confidence to “trust their gut” and remain steadfast when others doubt them? And, how do they build a business when the clarity of the way forward is largely held in the cipher of their mind?
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 11, 2025 • 52min
Sports Innovation: Connecticut's Untold Story
Rob Thompson, a sports and innovation expert with ties to the Walter Camp Football Foundation, dives into Connecticut's vibrant sports legacy. He reveals how the state was pivotal in the birth of American football and discusses economic growth through sports innovation. From the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness rights for college athletes to the evolution of sports broadcasting with ESPN, this conversation challenges the common perceptions of Connecticut's sports identity and hints at the future of sports tech.

Apr 10, 2025 • 45min
In the News: Sports Headlines, Influencers & the Business of the Game
In this episode of 87:60, we tackle the hottest topics in sports today! We discuss the controversy surrounding the "torpedo bat" and its impact on baseball, analyze the continued dominance of major sports leagues, and explore the explosive influence of athletes-turned-influencers. Plus, we dive into the exciting rise of women's sports and the innovations changing how we play and experience the games we love. Get ready for some hot takes as BJ Kito, James Dowd, and Steve Mcloughlin sit down to talk about all things sports.

22 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 41min
Fractional CMO Unpacked: Marketing Leadership on Demand
James Dowd, Chief Creative Officer, dives into the intriguing world of fractional CMOs. He and his fellow experts discuss the growing trend of part-time executives and whether they bring full-time impact. The conversation navigates the challenges and misconceptions of hiring fractional leaders, focusing on the balance between immediate results and long-term vision. They also highlight the evolving CMO role, the importance of strong relationships in marketing, and the necessity of effective storytelling in a data-driven landscape.

Mar 26, 2025 • 36min
AI vs. Authenticity: Is There a Perfect Balance?
In this episode of 87:60's internal series, BJ Kito, Steve McLaughlin, and James Dowd confront the complexities of AI, from its ethical implications to its impact on creativity and strategy. They highlight the dangers of misinformation and over-reliance, particularly with tools like ChatGPT.The team emphasizes the importance of human creativity and authenticity in an AI-influenced world. They grapple with balancing AI's efficiency with maintaining genuine audience connection. Ultimately, they question AI's true value, stressing the critical role of human insight.

25 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 32min
Virtuoso Insider: Beyond the Traditional Consultancy
Bryn Tindall, CEO & Owner at Rebellion Group, dives into the flaws of traditional consultancy and the gap between strategy and execution. He discusses how exploring deeper human understanding can drive real growth. The podcast critiques reliance on online data, advocates for innovative strategies, and emphasizes the value of tailored insights over superficial metrics. Tindall argues that smaller teams often deliver better results, urging businesses to embrace disruption and seek meaningful partnerships to foster innovation.

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 5min
CT Senate Insider: AI & Cybersecurity
Connecticut state senators Tony Hwang and James Maroney dive into the pressing world of AI and cybersecurity. Hwang, an advocate for responsible tech innovation, emphasizes the importance of public education and collaboration across government and industry. Maroney discusses the challenges of workforce displacement and the necessity of strong data privacy laws. Together, they explore innovative AI applications in manufacturing and healthcare, stressing the balance between regulation and growth. Their insights highlight the state's proactive approach to harnessing AI for the public good.

Jan 10, 2025 • 29min
CT's Entrepreneurial Spirit w/ Governor Ned Lamont
Governor Ned Lamont joins BJ to discuss how his entrepreneurial background helped shape his leadership today. As Connecticut's first businessman-turned-governor, he discusses the economic importance of supporting startups, fostering innovation, and creating a supportive environment for business growth in the state.The Governor and BJ are joined by Kevin Masse, an entrepreneur who moved to CT after finding it to be the perfect place to start his business.Tune in to hear Governor Lamont's vision for the future of Connecticut, and what it will take to achieve it.

Nov 5, 2024 • 60min
Special Guest Senator Richard Blumenthal
Senator Richard Blumenthal dropped by the Virtuoso studio to chat about cybersecurity, the privacy of children online, and how AI might threaten it all. Joining Sen. Blumenthal and host BJ Kito are cybersecurity expert Sal Marino from Charles IT and Greg Bordonaro, editor at the Hartford Business Journal.

Nov 5, 2024 • 56min
Dennis Denniger: From ESPN to Innovating Sports Broadcasting
In this episode, Emmy-award winning television production executive Dennis Denniger takes us on a journey through the evolution of sports broadcasting. Currently a Professor at Syracuse University, Dennis was named Falk College Faculty Member of the Year in 2014 and played a key role in founding the sports communications graduate program at the Newhouse School. With a 25-year tenure at ESPN, he led production teams for studio programming, live remote events, and digital video platforms, witnessing and contributing to ESPN's transformation from startup to a household name.Beyond academia and broadcasting, Dennis is a prolific author, sharing insights into sports television in "Sports on Television" and exploring the Super Bowl's evolution in "The Football Game that Changed America."Dennis Denniger is not just an educator and author; he's a technological innovator. He introduced the digital instant review technology "Shot Spot," now ubiquitous in major tennis tournaments and known as "Hawkeye" in various professional sports leagues.Join us for a captivating conversation as Dennis Denniger reflects on his career, the evolution of ESPN, and the intersection of technology and sports broadcasting that has shaped the industry we know today.

Nov 5, 2024 • 49min
Meet Bernt Ullmann, The Man Behind the Brands
Join us for an exciting conversation with Rebel's Chief Strategy Officer BJ Kito and Bernt Ullmann, who is often referred to as “The Man Behind the Brands.” Mr. Ullmann has been the trusted business acceleration expert by top fashion moguls and CEOs such as Daymond John, Eddie Lampert, and Tommy Hilfiger.You'll hear first-hand how Bernt went from a pizza entrepreneur to one of the world’s leading experts in celebrity brand development, brand management, licensing and distribution, and monetization having contributed to the successful launches of brands for clients including Jennifer Lopez, Adam Levine, Nicki Minaj and many others. The brands he has worked with have generated over $6 billion in global sales. This episode gets at the heart of understanding what a "brand" really is, why you should think BIG, and how seeing through the noise is the best pathway to reaching your vision.


