Austin Tech Connect: The Podcast For The Austin Technology Ecosystem, Business Leaders, and Tech Entrepreneurs!

Joe McCall, co-founder of Melelem with a rich history in Austin's tech, and Nik Kairinos, a lifelong AI expert, dive into the transformative power of meta-learning in AI. They discuss how Melelem’s real-time learning can change the game for LLMs, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions. The conversation reveals challenges like AI hallucinations and the necessity for more personalized models. Joe reflects on Austin’s tech evolution, while Nik highlights the rapid advancements in AI and the role of collaboration in driving forward the city's innovation.

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, the Austin Technology Council CEO, Thom Singer, sits down with Piyanka Jain, CEO of Aryng, to cut through the AI buzz and get to the real impact of artificial intelligence in business. With over 20 years of experience,,, building AI models long before it was trendy... Piya shares her insights on: ✅ The biggest hiring mistakes companies make when bringing on AI talent ✅ Why most AI investments are wasted (and how to avoid it) ✅ The role of first-principles thinking in driving business growth ✅ How Aryng is changing the game with Enola, a 24/7 AI-powered business analyst If your company is thinking about AI strategy, hiring an AI expert, or just trying to keep up with the rapid changes in tech, this episode is packed with must-know insights. 🔗 Connect with Piyanka Jain: Aryng.com | or on LinkedIn.  Don’t forget to subscribe to Austin Tech Connect for more conversations with the best minds in tech!

All Companies are Tech Companies: In the modern era, all companies are tech companies. We used to have a line between traditional business and tech.... but now that line has blurred. People do not often think about how businesses in all industries rely on, create, and utilize technology.   In this interview, Thom Singer talks to Harsha Bellur, the CIO at Texas based James Avery Jewelry.  This 70 year old company now uses tech in design and manufacturing, as well as all other aspects of their business. Harsha has had an interesting career journey, from working in his fathers business in India as a teenager to begging a CIO with a masters degree and an MBA.   Tune into the Austin Tech Connect podcast to hear his story and his advice.  

This week on Austin Tech Connect we tackle the world of government policy, and why it matters to Austin’s small and mid-sized tech companies. Our guest is Lindsay Ries, Director of Government Affairs at TECNA (The Technology Council’s of North America).   Lindsay has two decades of experience in Washington DC policy, and is committed to helping growth oriented technology companies have their voices heard on Capitol Hill.   In this interview she talks about how the Austin Technology Council and TECNA are working to influence and educate our elected officials on policy that matters to tech.   AI, Tax Policy, Energy Policy, Chips Act, Tariffs, etc.. will all impact the bottom line of our local entrepreneurs. There are many things now being proposed and tech cannot just wait and see what the elected officials do.... we must be involved in the creation of these policies.    The Austin Technology Council cares about these issues, and wants to ensure that Austin has a seat at the table for these discussions.  Join ATC now and support our connection to TECNA.

In this episode of the Austin Tech Connect podcast, we dive deep into the transformative power of being actively involved in a trade association like ATC. Thom Singer, CEO of the Austin Technology Council, unpacks why participation is about more than just attending events—it’s about building connections, creating opportunities, and contributing to something bigger than yourself. Discover how involvement can accelerate your career, strengthen your company, and help drive innovation and collaboration across the entire industry. Thom highlights the tangible benefits of membership, including professional development, increased visibility, and the chance to influence the direction of the tech community in Austin. We also explore the ripple effects that engagement has on the broader community. When individuals and companies come together through associations, they not only solve immediate challenges but also create a foundation for long-term growth, innovation, and resilience. If you’ve ever wondered how being part of an association like ATC can help you grow personally and professionally while contributing to the success of your industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to get you motivated. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting out in the tech world, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the power of participation. Tune in to learn how you can make a bigger impact—on yourself, your company, and the community—by getting involved and staying engaged.

This week's episode we talk to author Geoff Woods, author of The AI Driven Leader: Harnessing AI To Make Smarter, Faster Decisions.   In this interview we talk about the fast changes in AI and how leaders can use it to think strategically and make better decisions.  Plus, in a live demonstration... we ask AI for insights on how the Austin Technology Council can keep expanding to meet the changing needs of Austin.   About Geoff Woods Geoff Woods is the #1 international bestselling book, #1 international bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, host of the AI-Driven Leader podcast and the Founder of AI Leadership. As the former Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel & Power, his guidance helped their market cap grow from $750 million to over $12 billion in four years. He also co-founded the training and consulting company behind The ONE Thing, where he coached and advised companies with annual revenues from $10 million to $60 billion. About AI Leadership AI Leadership is transforming how executives use AI to gain a strategic edge. Founded by Geoff Woods, the company empowers leaders to elevate their strategic thinking, align technology with growth goals, and drive competitive advantage. AI Leadership offers consulting, executive training, and a proprietary AI tool that acts as a thought partner, guiding leaders in focusing on what matters most. The AI-Driven Leadership Collective, a curated network of forward-thinking executives, ensures leaders stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. With a mission to equip executive teams worldwide, AI Leadership redefines leadership in an AI-driven world.

This week on the podcast we talk with Kathi Haralson, the executive director of Pop-Up Birthday.  This local charity serves kids of all ages in the forster care system by making sure they are celebrated on their birthdays.  The non-profit is a favorite of many local tech companies who donate their time and money to support this cause.     Kathi shares the history of the organization, the need in our community, and a variety of ways local tech companies help them in their mission.       About Kathi Haralson:   Kathi Haralson is the current ED of Pop-Up Birthday and before that was the Executive Director of the Eanes Education Foundation where she raised over $3 million each year and funded the salaries of over 200 teachers.  Before becoming an ED, Kathi was the Development Director for Partnerships for Children and served as the President of The Junior League of Austin and started 2 programs, FIT and Kids Giving Back while purchasing the property for the League’s new headquarters. Committed to the community in which she works and lives, Kathi has volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House, Dell Children’s, Partnerships for Children, Tarrytown Methodist Church, AFP and Impact Austin.   Kathi sits on the board of Helping Hand Home and was previously the chair of the HHH Crystal Ball. Kathi has 2 daughters, Kaitlee- a graduate of The University of Texas and Riley- a recent graduate of Washington and Lee University and an extremely supportive husband of 30 years, John Haralson.   About Pop Up Birthday:   Laila Scott, the founder of Pop-Up Birthday, is a mom of three boys and community volunteer. She decided to use her talents to celebrate children in foster care. Laila's guiding mission was to fill a child’s heart with joy during a time of crisis.   In July 2014, she started Pop-Up Birthday by creating her first birthday in a box for a little girl who simply wished for a Frozen birthday party. The idea and joy multiplied, and today, Pop-Up Birthday has celebrated over 8,000 birthdays!   Pop-Up Birthday continues to provide over 100 birthdays each month to children impacted by the foster care system in Central Texas.  In the last 2 years, Pop-Up has seen growth in dollars raised, children served and volunteer experiences.  Our mission is to provide joy, hope, and normalcy to children in foster care through a personalized birthday experience.   Pop-Up Birthday believes that every child deserves to be celebrated!   

This episode is the audio from the featured panel at the 2024 C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank.  The discussion is about the state of funding for Small and Mid-Sized Tech Companies.  The session was sponsored by MUFG.   The panelists brought sharp perspectives from the world of Banking, VC, Law, and company points of views.  Thanks to Andrew Cozewith (MUFG), Jenifer Smith Smith (Latham & Watkins), Linda Ginac (TalentGuard), and Andrew Vogeley (Sapphire Ventures) for their great insights shared in this panel.   The Austin Technology Council's "C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank" took place on October 28th at St. Edward's University.  Over 100 local leaders from the tech community participated in a half day of deep discussions about topics that matter to the future of the Austin tech ecosystem.    If you are active in the Austin tech ecosystem...we invite you to plan now to attend the 2025 "C-Suite Summit" next year!!!

This week on the Austin Tech Connect podcast is one of the most fun conversations you will find on any tech blog.  Local entrepreneur Taylor Capito from GenRAIT joins host Thom Singer for a look at tech impacting humanity, innovation, mentors, inspiration, Star Trek, and the movie Flubber.   Taylor is the perfect example of leaders who make a difference in our Austin tech ecosystem.  She shares her story and her views of what makes Austin great.  She also goes deep into ways to "Go Change It" if you see things that need attention.  Taylor is a real "DOER".... and if you do not know here company, GenRAIT.... you should be getting to know all that she is doing to change the world.   She is one who believes deeping in collaboration and thinks in tech, life, and Austin, we need to break down silos....and find ways to share and work together.     About Taylor Capito:   Taylor Capito is a passionate founder and CEO dedicated to revolutionizing the use of biological data to enhance health and longevity. With a background in cybersecurity, big data, and AI/Machine Learning, Taylor’s personal health journey inspired her to undertake the mission to transform the life sciences sector. She has significant experience as a leader in product-driven development practices, having led initiatives at Cisco and Palo Alto Networks. As the founder of GenRAIT, Taylor continues to innovate in the life sciences tech space, empowering researchers to leverage data for groundbreaking discoveries.   About GenRAIT:   GenRAIT stands at the vanguard of merging genomic research with cutting-edge AI technology, aiming to revolutionize personalized medicine. GenRAIT's platform, GenLab, allows researchers to leverage the vast, untapped potential of genomic data in their drug discovery and diagnostic research. At GenRAIT, we believe in the power of collaboration and want to partner with researchers to unlock the future of discovery. The goal: targeted, predictive modeling is possible in biology, and people live longer, healthier lives as a result.

In this captivating episode of Austin Tech Connect, host Thom Singer sits down with Dr. James Truchard, founder and former CEO of National Instruments, one of Austin's greatest homegrown success stories.   Dr. Truchard shares his journey from moonlighting Ph.D. student to tech industry pioneer, offering invaluable insights into building a sustainable company and fostering innovation. Listeners will be inspired by Dr. Truchard's tales of early entrepreneurship in Austin, his visionary approach to business strategy, and the critical role of community in nurturing a thriving tech ecosystem. He discusses the evolution of Austin's tech scene, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global innovation hub, while also addressing the challenges that come with rapid growth. As a recent inductee into the Austin Tech Hall of Fame, Dr. Truchard reflects on the mentors who shaped his career and the importance of giving back to the community. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as he shares his current passion project: applying his problem-solving skills to Alzheimer's research. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the past, present, and future of Austin's dynamic technology landscape. Tune in for a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and the power of community in building a successful tech career and company.