Your Company Isn’t Built for the Way Work Actually Happens

Work has changed faster than most companies have.

AI accelerates execution. Teams work across functions. Decisions happen in real time. But many organizations are still structured around outdated systems, reporting lines, and workflows that create friction instead of momentum.

As companies grow, communication slows, accountability blurs, and leaders spend more time coordinating than building.

At Forum @ 535, founders and executives leading companies generating $5M+ in annual revenue will come together for a candid discussion on organizational velocity, operational drag, and what modern businesses must rethink to stay adaptable and competitive.

Because the next competitive advantage may not be intelligence.

It may be how fast your organization can move.

Event Agenda

3:00 PM — Arrival + Networking

3:30 PM — Welcome Remarks

4:00 PM — Keynote: Steve Spiro

4:15 PM — Panel

5:00 PM — Networking

Welcome Speakers

Our roster of leaders is growing. More speakers to be revealed soon.

Sen. Ryan Fazio

Connecticut State Senator, Connecticut General Assembly

Connecticut State Senator representing Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan, and Ranking Member of the Energy & Technology and Finance Committees. Before entering public service, Ryan built his career in the private sector working across energy, agriculture, and commodities markets. Known for his focus on economic competitiveness, energy policy, workforce development, and business growth, he brings a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Connecticut employers and entrepreneurs.

A.M. Bhatt

Founder, dae & U of Next

Founder and CEO of dae, a nonprofit educational organization focused on developing the next generation of humane technologists, with campuses in New Haven and Stamford. Also founder of U of Next, an organizational development firm advising companies across technology, pharmaceutical, and financial services industries on leadership, innovation, and transformative change. Over the past 25+ years, A.M. has worked with organizations including Pfizer, Meta, Siemens, Novartis, and American Express, helping leaders navigate complexity, organizational evolution, and long-term growth.

Mostafa Analoui

Director of M&T Bank Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Quinnipiac University

Carlton Highsmith Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Director of the M&T Bank Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Teaching Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at Quinnipiac University. With a career spanning industry, venture development, research, and higher education, Mostafa has worked at the intersection of innovation, commercialization, and business growth. His work focuses on helping entrepreneurs, organizations, and institutions turn ideas into scalable ventures while building the ecosystems that support long-term innovation and economic impact.

Brendan Theroux

Vice President, KeyBank

Through KeyBank, Brendan partners with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, contractors, and professional service firms throughout the Northeast. Focused on helping middle market businesses navigate growth through financial strategies supporting working capital, capital investments, and acquisitions. Serving as MC for Forum@535, guiding conversations centered on leadership, organizational growth, and the realities of scaling modern businesses.