Tyson Tuttle on Leadership, Innovation, and Austin’s Tech Evolution

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Tyson Tuttle, the former CEO of Silicon Labs and one of the most influential figures in Austin’s technology landscape. Tyson shares an inside look at his remarkable journey from a hands-on engineer to a purpose-driven CEO who helped shape one of Austin’s most respected semiconductor companies. The conversation explores how curiosity, courage, and collaboration guided his leadership approach and how his experiences continue to inform his perspective on innovation and community today.

Tyson reflects on the early days of Austin’s tech scene and what it took to help Silicon Labs scale from a local startup to a global industry leader, all while maintaining a strong sense of culture and connection. He discusses how leadership evolves through different stages of growth and why adaptability, humility, and trust are essential for navigating constant change. Listeners will also hear about the lessons he learned through transitions, both personal and professional, and how purpose and people have always remained at the center of his work.

Beyond business, Tyson and Thom dive into the broader questions facing Austin’s future as a tech hub: How can the region continue to innovate while staying true to its collaborative roots? What role does mentorship play in developing the next generation of leaders? And how can technology serve humanity rather than overshadow it? This conversation is more than a retrospective... it’s a thoughtful look at what it means to lead, connect, and contribute in a world where community is every bit as important as code.