On February 10, 2026, Ventura Unified School District’s (VUSD) Ventura Adult and Career Education (VACE) will host a Practical Executive Level Workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) for business owners and organizational leaders, marking a strategic shift in how the institution supports local employers and workforce development.
“This is about meeting our community where it is,” said Scott McNutt, Principal at Ventura Adult and Career Education. “Technology is changing the world faster than traditional education models can respond. One way we’re evolving our approach is by providing timely, applied learning on relevant and emerging topics. When we asked local leaders what they most wanted to understand right now, AI rose to the top.”
Artificial intelligence is reshaping nearly every aspect of business, from marketing and hiring to operations, business models, and leadership. Yet many small and mid-sized organizations continue to struggle with where it creates real value and how to adopt it responsibly.
VACE designed the session specifically for busy executives responsible for developing their teams and growing their organizations. The workshop is a 2.5-hour, executive level session intended to encourage candid discussion, peer learning, and real-time Q&A among leaders over breakfast. The session will be led by Sean Bhardwaj, Managing Partner at Breakthrough Growth Partners, bringing a practical, real-world perspective on AI rather than an academic one.
A VUSD alum and local business owner, Bhardwaj has led AI initiatives from early exploration through enterprise-scale adoption at organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 20 companies. He now serves as a fractional CTO and advisor, helping non-technical leaders translate emerging technologies into measurable improvements in productivity, decision-making, and organizational growth.
“Business leaders already know they need to do something about AI,” said Bhardwaj. “What they need is clarity about what it means for their organization, how to apply it in their specific context, and where the real risks are, so they can adopt it in a way that supports their people and their goals.”
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI applies to their organization, where it can improve productivity and decision-making, and how to avoid common pitfalls that stall adoption efforts.
By starting with the leaders best positioned to set direction, allocate resources, and shape culture, VACE aims to create a stronger foundation for broader AI upskilling across entire organizations, not just management teams. The briefing represents the first in a series of executive-focused workshops, courses, and programs VACE plans to introduce as part of a broader effort to remain responsive to the evolving needs of the local community and economy.
Hosted at Ventura Adult and Career Education, the event is sponsored by Ventura County Credit Union and Brian Barry from Lighthouse Leadership Group. The briefing was developed with input and support from local business leaders and regional economic organizations, including the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, ensuring it reflects real employer needs.
Business owners, executives, and organizational leaders across Ventura County and surrounding areas are encouraged to register in advance as seating is limited.
Event details and registration: https://aiforbusinessbreakthrough.eventbrite.com
