In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Tom Alexander, co-founder and CEO of Holistic, for a candid conversation about the future of work and what a great employee experience really looks like.

Tom shares lessons from working in Chicago's tech scene at "1871" and the mayor’s office, and explains why many executives say people are their most important asset yet lack the language and systems to manage the people experience with the same rigor as revenue. They dig into the pendulum swings in today’s workplace, the role of DEI as an integrated part of culture rather than a stand-alone program, and how AI can free up the hours we spend on low value tasks so humans can focus on creativity, empathy, and problem solving.

They also talk about location and remote work, the responsibility that comes with flexibility, and why internal and external community both matter.

Tom’s core model is simple and powerful, sit on the same side of the table and look at the world together.

If you care about building healthy teams, thriving companies, and a stronger Austin ecosystem, you will love this conversation.

This show is sponsored by Calavista Software, software development without drama.

Austin Tech Connect is sponsored by Calavista Software: Software Development without the Drama.

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singers sits down with long-time friend and Austin tech leader, Sam Goodner. Sam arrived in Austin in 1992 after growing up in Europe and serving in the Swiss Army Special Forces. He cut his teeth at Dell, then co-founded what became Catapult Systems. Along the way he helped launch product companies like Inquisite, guided Catapult to be Microsoft’s top global partner, and sold the firm in 2013. After a family year of world travel, he returned to scale a parking technology company from early plateau to nine figures in revenue and a unicorn valuation as an investor and president.

Sam’s new book, "Like Clockwork, Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision", captures the discipline behind those outcomes. We dig into his core theme of operational scalability, the moment every founder must move from hero mode to building systems that run without them. He shares the question he asks mentees at Capital Factory, what are you best in the world at, and why you cannot hire a sales team until you codify the part of the business that actually creates revenue. We walk through what a real sales playbook includes, target personas, how to get in the door, common objections, the follow up cadence, and what a winning proposal looks like.

Sam also talks about decentralized decision making, including a turning point when he stepped away for a family emergency and returned to find the company running better because leaders were truly empowered. The book is rich with Austin case studies, Randy Cohen at Ticket City and the power of an unforgettable first day experience, Deep Eddy’s brand ambassador playbook that scaled consistent execution at festivals, and BuildASign’s culture of giving back with free welcome home banners for military families, a program that became a defining part of who they are.

We widen the lens to community. Sam credits EO, YPO, Capital Factory, and yes, the Austin Technology Council, for the peer learning that served as his real world MBA. We agree that in an AI-driven world, human relationships are a top currency. Companies do business with people, not bots, and Austin’s future stays bright when leaders show up, share ideas, and collaborate.

If you are building in Austin, this conversation is a field manual for moving beyond hustle into durable systems and culture. Sam’s book is available now, including an audio version in his voice.

You can get a copy of Sam's book at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Like-Clockwork-Business-Swiss-Precision/dp/B0FLQK1Y8S?maas=maas_adg_9B76058E55B6D37D545B03D65E88C453_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, the official podcast of the Austin Technology Council, Thom sits down with returning guest Michael Ward Jr., the social entrepreneur behind Universal Tech Movement. Formerly known as Austin Urban Tech Movement, UTM is an EdTech nonprofit on a mission to connect communities to the tech industry through workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement. Michael shares how his own journey into tech began with a simple nudge from a recruiter, and how that spark fuels his commitment to help more people discover meaningful careers in technology.

The conversation explores what it really means to build an ecosystem where anyone can thrive. Michael challenges old gatekeeping habits and makes a compelling case for skills, competencies, and real experience as the true currency of opportunity. The two dig into apprenticeships as a proven path to cultivate talent, reduce barriers, and create on-ramps for entry level through senior roles. They also talk about Austin’s momentum around collaboration, digital equity, and broadband expansion, while calling for more inclusive tables, better metrics, and a community wide mindset that values potential as much as pedigree.

Thom and Michael connect the dots between tech and every other business in a modern city. From home services to healthcare, every organization uses technology and needs engaged techies who are curious, willing to learn, and ready to contribute. Michael shares his dream of a regional matchmaking model for talent, where employers interview candidates for the broader tech industry, not just a single opening, which would accelerate placements and unlock opportunity across the ecosystem.

If you care about workforce development, inclusive hiring, and building a stronger Austin, this episode is a must listen. You will leave with practical ways leaders can show up for community, expand access, and rethink how we identify and grow talent.

Thank you to our sponsor, Calavista Software, for supporting Austin Tech Connect and the Austin Technology Council.

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, host Thom Singer welcomes back Brett Hurt, one of Austin’s most recognized serial entrepreneurs. Brett first appeared on the show in December 2022, and now returns following the recent sale of his company, Data.World, to ServiceNow. Known for his lifelong dedication to technology and community, Brett shares candid insights into the journey that brought him here and the bold vision that is now guiding his next chapter.

Brett reflects on the timing of the acquisition, ServiceNow’s ambitions in enterprise AI, and why Data.World’s knowledge graph and 82 patents made it an ideal partner for a company accelerating toward the future of artificial intelligence. He takes listeners inside the rapid evolution of AI over the past two years, explaining how Data.World was uniquely positioned to ride the wave of change spurred by ChatGPT’s explosive adoption and the broader race for generative and enterprise AI.

But the conversation quickly moves beyond business headlines. Brett opens up about his decision not to join ServiceNow and instead launch a new holding company, Love Conquers Fear. This initiative spans a podcast, a forthcoming book, targeted investments through Hurt Family Investments, and future entrepreneurial ventures. Each effort centers on a single mission: helping humanity navigate the coming decade and reach what Brett calls “the Age of Abundance for All.”

Listeners will hear Brett discuss why he sees love, not fear, as the driving force humanity needs to embrace in order to use AI, quantum computing, robotics, and other exponential technologies for good. He shares stories that shaped his optimism, including a moving encounter with an Uber driver from Chad that reinforced his belief in abundance as a universal goal, not just a privilege of the wealthy.

The episode also revisits Brett’s widely praised presentation at MIT, where he explored the hard problem of consciousness, the spiritual implications of advanced technology, and why he believes humanity is facing what he calls “God’s final exam.” With characteristic energy, he argues that while the risks are real, our core nature is good, collaborative, and capable of choosing a future of prosperity and connection.

Finally, Brett and Thom turn their attention back to Austin. From Tesla’s rapid growth to breakthroughs in health tech, robotics, and consumer products, Brett outlines why Austin’s ecosystem is stronger and more diverse than ever—even as he warns about the importance of inclusivity and forward-thinking policies.

This is a wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation that blends entrepreneurship, technology, and vision with an unmistakably human touch.

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Carlisha Robinson, a seasoned product leader, consultant, and longtime Austinite whose career journey mirrors the rise of Austin’s technology ecosystem. Carlisha describes herself as a “serial product manager,” but her story reveals so much more... she is a connector, a problem solver, and a mentor who has played a pivotal role in shaping companies through decades of change.

Carlisha’s path began at Grambling State University in Louisiana, where she earned her degree in computer science before joining IBM in the early 1990s. Like Thom, she made the move to Austin in 1991, a decision that proved to be both personally and professionally transformative. Back then, IBM was one of the few major players in town, and her internship turned full-time role placed her squarely inside the heart of Austin’s emerging tech industry.

From there, Carlisha spent nearly 20 years at BMC Software, during what she calls the “boom-boom days” of Austin tech. At BMC, she thrived in an environment that valued growth, mentorship, and opportunity. She moved through roles in engineering, QA, consulting, and professional services before finding her true passion in product management. Guided by mentors like Joyce Durst, she learned how to apply her skills across disciplines and build solutions that mattered. BMC became more than a job... it was a family and a launchpad for her career.

But Carlisha wasn’t content to stay comfortable. She embraced pivots, shifting industries while carrying her expertise with her. After BMC, she moved into intellectual property management at Inography, e-commerce platforms, and even retail giants like Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock. Each role stretched her perspective and reinforced her belief that core skills like focus, pace, and execution translate across industries.

Today, Carlisha runs her own consulting firm, CBR Ventures, where she helps startups and mid-sized companies scale with clarity and confidence. Her specialty lies in guiding founders who have great ideas but are stuck in the chaos of distraction. For Carlisha, success is about helping teams focus on what matters, ignore the noise, and deliver value to customers.

In this conversation, she and Thom discuss the importance of transferable skills, the courage to pivot, and the role of mentorship in building careers. They share personal stories of how curiosity... and the willingness to try something new opened doors across industries. They also reflect on the unique Austin ecosystem they’ve both witnessed evolve over the past 34 years, from a small college town to a global hub of innovation.

Carlisha also offers advice for the next generation of leaders: show up. Whether at conferences, think tanks, or community gatherings, opportunities come from human connection. For introverts and extroverts alike, being present is the key to building the network that sustains long-term success.

If you want to hear the story of someone who has lived through the evolution of Austin tech and continues to shape its future, this episode with Carlisha Robinson is a must-listen.

This episode of Austin Tech Connect dives into one of the city’s most impactful youth programs: Camp Enterprise, a Rotary Club of Austin initiative that has been shaping young entrepreneurs for more than four decades. Hosted each February, Camp Enterprise brings together high school juniors from across Central Texas for an immersive, three-day experience focused on building real-world business skills.

Our guests, Rick Rowell and Gaines Bagby, share how the program works and why it continues to have such a lasting influence. Students are placed into teams, assigned key leadership roles like CEO, CMO, or CFO, and given the challenge of creating a physical product-based business from scratch. Over the weekend, they develop business plans, refine their ideas, and present them in a high-energy, “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition. Along the way, they discover hidden strengths... whether it’s a knack for numbers, a talent for marketing, or the confidence to lead a team.

Rick and Gaines talk about the importance of exposing students to entrepreneurship early, especially those who might not have access to such opportunities through their schools or communities. While many participants come from schools with established business programs, the Rotary team works hard to reach a diverse mix of students, including those from underrepresented areas. They share stories of parents beaming with pride as their children discover new passions, and of students who leave the weekend seeing an entirely new path for their future.

We also explore the broader mission of Rotary in Austin... how service above self, community engagement, and leadership development are woven into programs like Camp Enterprise. This episode is an invitation to the tech community to get involved, help spread the word, and ensure that every young person with an entrepreneurial spark has a chance to see what’s possible.

This Week's Guest: Bonnie Caver, Founder of Reputation Lighthouse

In this episode, Thom Singer welcomes Bonnie Caver, a respected communications strategist and longtime Austin tech leader, to explore the topic of responsible AI implementation. With decades of experience in reputation management, change strategy, and executive leadership support, Bonnie shares how AI is reshaping the way organizations operate... and why the smartest companies are approaching implementation with caution, clarity, and care.

Bonnie traces her career path from college athletics and Special Olympics Texas to launching her own firm and helping mid-sized growth companies across industries protect and grow what she calls their “reputation currency.” She discusses why her company chose not to focus on AI tools but instead on helping businesses make smarter, more aligned decisions around how and when to use AI.

The conversation covers how companies can avoid reputational risk, how to stay competitive while maintaining a human-centered brand promise, and why AI implementation should start with understanding business problems, not tool selection. Bonnie and Thom also reflect on how Austin’s tech ecosystem has changed over the years, from its early days of organic community building to today’s sprawling and more fragmented landscape.

Bonnie offers a clear warning: companies that chase AI without purpose will either waste money or end up looking like everyone else. The path forward, she argues, is through vision, values, and strong internal processes that make AI adoption effective and responsible. From corporate governance to team retraining, from customer experience to brand alignment, responsible AI is not a tech initiative—it’s a leadership mandate.

They close the episode with a discussion on the future of talent, mergers and acquisitions, and the pressure on startups to build sustainable businesses instead of just sellable products. Bonnie also shares concerns about Austin’s tendency to build with the goal of acquisition rather than long-term growth, and how that mindset must evolve if the region wants to stay competitive in an AI-driven era.

This conversation is a must-listen for founders, executives, marketers, and anyone navigating the intersection of innovation, responsibility, and reputation in today’s fast-moving business landscape.

If you’re finding value in these conversations, please share the podcast with your colleagues. The Austin tech community grows stronger when we amplify the voices of leaders who are doing meaningful, thoughtful work. That’s why we call this podcast Austin Tech Connect.

Austin Tecnology Council

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Joe Wolfel, CEO of Terradepth and former Navy SEAL, to explore the intersection of military discipline, ocean technology, and entrepreneurship. Joe shares his journey from leading special operations missions to building one of the most innovative ocean data companies in the world... right here in Austin, Texas.

Joe opens up about the founding of Terradepth and its mission to create a “Google Earth for the oceans.” Teradepth is pioneering ocean transparency through autonomous robotics, real-time data collection, and advanced software platforms. From supporting NOAA to major oil and gas companies, their work has the potential to redefine how we understand and manage our oceans.

The conversation covers the challenges of building a deep tech company in a landlocked city, the overlap between space and ocean technologies, and the cultural and strategic advantages Austin brings to emerging industries. Joe and Thom also reflect on environmental responsibility, data sharing, and how next-gen ocean tech can drive smarter global decision-making.

If you're interested in blue tech, data-driven sustainability, or the future of Austin’s tech ecosystem, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

About Joe Wolfel:

Joe Wolfel is the CEO of Terradepth, leading the company's mission to unlock the potential of subsea data for industries such as energy, environmental science, and defense. Prior to his leadership role at Terradepth, Joe served as a Navy SEAL, gaining valuable experience in teamwork, resilience, and operational excellence. His time in the SEALs has shaped his approach to leadership and his commitment to tackling complex, high-stakes challenges. Additionally, Joe has been involved with Exbellum, further broadening his impact in advancing innovative solutions for both national security and commercial markets. At Terradepth, he continues to drive forward-thinking strategies and partnerships to reshape the future of ocean exploration and data accessibility.

About Terradepth:

Terradepth, Inc. delivers ocean data better than humanly possible through innovative subsea-to-cloud technologies. By combining autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), low-carbon survey services, and the Absolute Ocean cloud-native data platform, Terradepth is redefining how the world explores and understands the ocean. From scalable seabed mapping to intuitive data management and analysis, Terradepth enables faster, smarter maritime decisions across energy, infrastructure, and defense sectors. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Terradepth is pushing the boundaries of ocean exploration to unlock deeper insights for a sustainable future.