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

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Mat Kordell, Co-Founder and COO of CyberStreams, for a conversation that hits at the heart of entrepreneurship, community, and opportunity. Mat shares how his journey from working the help desk to running a multi-location MSP wasn't fueled by luck or algorithms... it was powered by human connections. From networking events to industry meetups, Mat's biggest business moves came from showing up. He didn't meet his co-founder, business partner, or acquisition targets through cold emails... he met them in person. Now based in Austin, Mat talks about the value of being part of a thriving tech community, what makes Austin special, and why entrepreneurs need to get out of their silos and into the room where things happen. Whether you're building your first company or thinking about your next move, this episode will inspire you to invest in real relationships and think long-term about your role in shaping the future of your city.

In this special episode of Austin Tech Connect, host Thom Singer takes listeners behind the scenes of the Austin Tech Hall of Fame ... a community-driven initiative launched by the Austin Technology Council to celebrate the individuals who have shaped Austin into a world-class tech hub. With the second annual celebration on the horizon, Thom shares the "why" behind this important program, how it was inspired by a brief start in 2013, and why the current version is being thoughtfully rolled out as an 8-year launch. Each year, eight foundational figures from Austin's tech history will be inducted, honoring the more than 60 leaders who helped build the ecosystem we enjoy today. Thom explains the nomination process, the addition of an annual current-year inductee, and the special First-Time Founder Award... which highlights up-and-coming entrepreneurs making waves in the local scene. He also emphasizes the grassroots nature of this program and encourages everyone in the community to get involved, from nominating candidates to attending the event in May. If you care about the past, present, and future of Austin's innovation economy, this episode is your roadmap to how the Hall of Fame is helping weave a stronger, more connected tech community.

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Pat Dixon, President of DPAS, to discuss the intersection of operational technology (OT) and cybersecurity in industrial facilities. Pat shares insights on the evolution of industrial tech, how automation has shaped industries like water treatment and manufacturing, and the security risks unique to critical infrastructure. Key topics include: The 4th Industrial Revolution and how industrial facilities were ahead of mainstream tech in digital automation. The growing threat of cyberattacks, not just from the internet but from physical vulnerabilities like USB drives. The challenges of maintaining legacy systems, with many facilities still relying on outdated tech. Why securing industrial operations requires a different mindset compared to financial or traditional IT security. The importance of cross-disciplinary learning, how industrial tech can influence mainstream technology, and what Austin's future growth might look like. Pat also shares his journey in engineering, the founding of DPAS, and his perspective on the future of Austin's tech infrastructure, particularly around power and water security.

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!