Austin Next

We are hitting the road again and learning about all the other "emerging" ecosystems. This time we are heading to the Southeast and making pitstops in Atlanta and Nashville. We are joined by Blake Patton, Managing Partner Tech Square Ventures, and Brian Moyer, President and CEO at the Greater Nashville Technology Council to discuss their regions. We discuss their history, what's the secret sauce that is driving their growth, and how are they adapting to the changing dynamics of work and innovation. What's next everywhere else! -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

This is another in our Unique to Austin series where we look at what gives Austin its special sauce. There is nothing more unique about Austin than SXSW. Over the past 30 years, Austin has grown, matured, and adapted to everything new, and SXSW has as well. Today, after two years of dealing with the pandemic, SXSW is back and it’s live. From March 11 through the 20th, there will be hundreds of presentations across dozens of topics, as well as workshops, seminars, screenings, and of course music. Today we are joined by Hugh Forrest, SXSW's Chief Programming Officer to talk about the event's history, this year's event, how it integrates/mirrors/supports the Austin ecosystem, and what the future holds. SXSW helps define...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

A key enabler of Austin’s growth are the unique institutions, events, and infrastructure that only exists in our region. In 2018, Army Futures Command chose our city as its base of operations. We wanted to learn why, how it connects with our broader innovation ecosystem, and what role it plays in empowering our future growth. We spoke with Brance Hudzietz, Corporate Ventures lead and Entrepreneur in Residence for The Army Applications Laboratory a division of the Army Futures Command to help answer these questions. What's unique to Austin creates...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Over the course of the pandemic, migration trends already taking place were accelerated. It’s an open secret that the middle of the US is now a key engine of our nation’s growth. We’ve seen the ups and downs economically, mostly tied to manufacturing. But today, places like Austin, Denver, Chicago, and Nashville are tech and innovation hubs as well. We wanted to explore the growth and changes in this region in more detail, and so we are joined by Dale Buss, the founder and executive director of The Flyover Coalition. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Austin is not the only ecosystem in the news as the next big thing. The past few years have seen massive disruption, geographic migration, and increased capital flows outside of the traditional big innovation centers of Silicon Valley, New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. We want to see what these other growing regions are up to, what's accelerating their next phase, and what can we learn from each other? We are joined by Jackie DiMonte Partner at Chicago Ventures, Charlie Lass Founder and CEO of Dallas Inc, and Fred Grier the former Technology and Life Science Reporter of the San Diego Business Journal to discuss their respective regions. What's next everywhere else!  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

For Austin to solidify its role as the next great innovation powerhouse, we must research what has come before and what are the trends pushing us forward. One area of study that greatly affects our future is the exploration of the very nature of progress itself…what is it, what drives it, and how does it affect our region’s future? Today we are talking with Jason Crawford, Founder and CEO of the Roots of Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a new philosophy of progress.  How we view innovation and progress lays the foundation for...What's Next Austin?  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

We continue our conversations about talent, who companies need and how to get them. Are we positioned for the future needs of our region and its sectors? We’ve talked about the pipeline, we’ve discussed middle management, it’s time to turn to executive talent. More than any time in the past, it is the decision-making prowess of a senior team that drives its success, or its failure. Top tier talent isn’t grown overnight. The question for Austin firms is do you nurture your internal talent, recruit to the region, or is it the dog eat dog world of Austin companies pulling from the same local pool. To help us understand how Central Texas businesses are dealing with this challenge is Lisa Novak, VP Employee Experience at data.world.   How does executive talent shape...What's next Austin?  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Talent remains a hot topic in everyone of our discussions. Do we have enough workers, do we have the right skill sets, how are we positioned for the future needs of the region and sectors? We have demand for high end manufacturing workers, more frontline healthcare staff, and other more stereotypical blue collars. Migration is one method to grow our talent base, but the other and likely more sustainable is to develop our homegrown labor force.   Today we speak with Garrett Groves, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives for the Austin Community College District on how they are building this talent pipeline for the region. The next generation of workers will drive...What's next Austin. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Everyone we have interviewed on the podcast has mentioned talent as a key issue facing Austin as it quickly ramps up its innovation ecosystem. And a big part of that is developing mid-level managers that can make decisions and propel businesses forward. Joining us is Bjorn Billhardt, CEO of Abilitie to discuss how we are training these managers and the talent battle the region faces. The next generation of leaders will drive...What's next Austin. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Over the course of this podcast, we have explored the Austin ecosystem from a variety of different angles. The sectors here, the major trends, and the entrepreneurial support system. One question that has percolated through has been why has Austin continued to punch above its weight when it comes to funding, startups, growth, etc. What is it about Austin that is resonating beyond our borders? Today we explore our observations of the Austin Narrative and the regional superpowers that are underlying it with Amber Gunst, CEO of the Austin Technology council.The stories that travel are helping shape…. What’s Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack