Austin Next

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

The innovation space is wider and more expansive than the traditional tech verticals. It extends to the food we eat, the health/beauty solutions we use, the products we utilize to clean our home, and many more. Joining us is Kirstin Ross, Managing Director of SKU a CPG focused accelerator here in AustinAustin's reach expands beyond the city into every store and for every consumer...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The space race runs through Texas now. All types of rockets, satellites, control software, and the underlying infrastructure of the industry are being created and grown here in Austin. Our Austin Sector Deep Dive Series continues with Melanie Stricklan, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace & Michael Ciannilli NASA's Director of the Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program. Is the final frontier...What's Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Austin is more than the live music capital of the world or the latest tech-wonderland. Central Texas has a notable and growing manufacturing base as well. Today, we’re going to go deeper into this part of our home and try to better understand where our manufacturing industry comes from and where it’s going. Joining us is Ed Latson, Executive Director of the Austin Regional Manufacturing Association.We build things in Austin...What's next Austin -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Venture capital is just one source of funding available to early-stage companies. These sources both compete with and complement VC money. They range from existing methods such as angels and debt vehicles to new sources like crowdfunding. Austin is home to a growing variety of options for this alternative capital and so we are going to try something new with this episode. In this episode, we have 4 mini-interviews with individuals that are active in this space. Nick Spiller, fundraising coach and host of the Beta Business podcast; Rick Timmins, former board chair of CTAN; Elizabeth Jennings, Board Member for SWAN Impact Network;  and Kyle Robertson, entrepreneur, and free-agent investor. They provide a look at the organizations and players in town and also provide differing perspectives on the fundraising environment. With capital flowing we can move towards...What's next Austin?  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

As we continue our look at the Austin capital environment, we turn to the newcomers to the region. Over the past 18 months, we have had numerous VC firms either opening up offices here or an outright move. This influx of capital is one of the many drivers for why 2021 has been a historic year in Austin startup fundraising.   In this episode, we talk with Garheng Kong, Founder and Managing Partner of HealthQuest Capital. HealthQuest is one of those new firms that has newly put a presence in the Austin region. Drawing new capital into the ecosystem is a driving force of...What's next Austin?  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack