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

Austin Technology Council

Austin Tech Connect is the go to podcast for all things Technology in the Austin, Texas region. The show is hosted by the CEO of Austin Technology Council, Thom Singer. For over two years this show has highlighted local tech leaders who make a difference in the Austin tech ecosystem. Each week Thom sits down with leaders in technology & business from the greater Austin area to explore success stories, business advice, and visions for the future of Austin Tech. The Austin Technology Council has been bringing people together and serving the local tech ecosystem for over 32 years. If you are looking for the "Whose Who" of the Austin Technology Community, you need to be listening to the Austin Tech Connect Podcast. The Austin Tech Community is vibrant ecosystem of companies, non-profits, universities, and government agencies that are committed to keeping Austin as a leading technology center. Over the past three decades the city of Austin, Texas has transformed from a college town that is the State Capital, into a fast growing tech center. Homegrown startups grow into international leaders, and many other companies have opened offices in Austin or moved their headquarters. The future of Austin is looking good and this podcast is the show that will expose you to the visionary thought leaders who are mapping out the path to tomorrow.

  1. APR 29

    Photonic Computing Comes to Austin: Bruno Spruth on AI Infrastructure

    Bruno Spruth - CTO at Q.ant In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer talks with Bruno Spruth, the newly appointed CTO of Q.ant, a German deep tech company expanding into the United States with its U.S. headquarters in Austin. Q.ant is working on one of the biggest challenges facing the future of AI, energy consumption. As AI systems grow, the demand for compute power continues to rise, and Bruno explains why that creates both a major constraint and a major opportunity. Q.ant's approach centers on photonic compute acceleration, using light, or photons, instead of traditional electronics to help reduce power needs and unlock new possibilities for AI infrastructure. Bruno shares his journey from Germany to Austin, including his long career at IBM, his move into startup life, and why the pace and challenge of Q.ant's work made this opportunity so compelling. He also explains why Austin is the right place for Q.ant's U.S. expansion, citing the city's growing hardware ecosystem, talent pool, quality of life, and the practical advantage of overlapping work hours with Europe. The conversation also touches on Austin's deep tech history, IBM's role in shaping the local ecosystem, the importance of taking on hard technical challenges early in a career, and why Bruno believes this moment in photonic computing feels like the early days of the computing industry. Q.ant is currently building its Austin presence and plans to hire across photonics, integrated circuit design, digital systems, software, and compiler work. For those interested in AI infrastructure, hardware, or deep tech, this episode offers a look at why Austin continues to attract companies working on hard problems with global impact. Austin Tech Connect is sponsored by Calavista Software, software development without the drama. Since 2001, Calavista has been trusted by startups and Fortune 100 companies alike for their custom software needs.

    25 min

  2. APR 23

    From Grief to Purpose, Michael McCown on Building LinnESync

    Some episodes of Austin Tech Connect are about startups, leadership, and innovation. This episode is about all of those things, but it is also about grief, courage, and purpose. In this conversation, Thom Singer talks with Michael McCown, founder and CEO of H27 Technologies, about the deeply personal story behind LinnESync. Michael shares how a season of unimaginable loss changed his family's life and ultimately shaped his mission to build technology that could help communities and emergency teams coordinate more effectively in times of crisis. Michael speaks openly about what he witnessed during the July 4th flooding in Central Texas in 2025, the compassion and professionalism of first responders, and the real-world communication challenges that can emerge when multiple agencies and volunteers are trying to work together under intense pressure. He is thoughtful in the way he tells this story, and clear that this work comes not from criticism, but from a desire to help support better coordination in the future. He also shares the vision for LinnESync, a platform designed to provide better visibility into resources, missions, incoming support, and response coordination. For Michael, this is about more than building a company. It is about building something useful, accessible, and grounded in service. This episode is moving, human, and ultimately about what can happen when someone decides to turn pain into action. ******************* Austin Tech Connect is the official podcast of the Austin Technology Council, and a leading tech podcast in Central Texas.   Thank you to the sponsor of Austin Tech Connect: Calavista Software

    35 min

  3. APR 16

    The Future of Engineering Is the Product Engineer with Balazs Barna from Wise

    What does it mean when an top local leader in engineering says, "We don't hire engineers"? In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Balazs Barna, Head of U.S. Engineering at Wise, to unpack that statement and explore what engineering leadership looks like in an AI-driven world. Balazs explains that Wise is not looking for people who simply execute tickets. They want "product engineers"...  professionals who can think beyond code, understand customer pain points, evaluate whether a problem is worth solving, and build with the business outcome in mind. The conversation digs into how AI is changing the day-to-day work of engineers, but also why the fundamentals still matter. Balazs argues that AI is a powerful amplifier. It can speed up development, improve testing, and make teams more productive. But it cannot replace human judgment. Organizations still need people who can think clearly, understand tradeoffs, and make sure they are solving the right problems, not just building things faster. Thom and Balazs also talk about what companies get wrong when adopting AI. Too many organizations remain overly top-down or fail to give their teams enough autonomy to choose tools and think critically. At Wise, engineers are encouraged to use leading AI tools, stay close to trends, and remain grounded in first principles. Curiosity, business understanding, and customer awareness are now essential traits for technical talent. The discussion also turns practical for mid-career professionals. Balazs shares his advice for engineers who feel uncertain about how AI may affect their future: learn the tools, stay engaged, and build new skills now. He describes taking time himself to immerse in AI-assisted building so he could better understand what his teams are experiencing. His message is clear: the people who stay close to these changes will be in the best position to take advantage of the new opportunities that AI creates. The episode closes with a broader look at Austin. Balazs reflects on why Wise chose Austin for its U.S. headquarters, what makes the city strong as a tech hub, and why community engagement matters. He also shares thoughts on where Austin can improve, including the need for more meetups, more gatherings, and more visible leadership across the local tech ecosystem. This is a thoughtful conversation about engineering, leadership, AI adoption, and the kind of community Austin needs if it wants to keep building for the future. Key topics in this episode: Why Wise says it hires "product engineers," not just engineers How AI is improving productivity but not replacing judgment What strong engineers still need to understand in an AI era Why autonomy and curiosity matter inside engineering teams Advice for mid-career engineers adapting to rapid change Why Austin stood out as the right place for Wise to grow What Austin tech is doing well, and where the community can do more ******************* Thanks to the Sponsor of Austin Tech Connect - Calavista Software

    28 min

  4. APR 10

    Behind the Data on AI at Work, with Dr. Nick Hallman

    In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Dr. Nick Hallman, professor at The University of Texas at Austin, to talk about one of the biggest business questions of the moment, how companies are actually using AI, and whether they are measuring success the right way. Drawing on research conducted with KPMG, Dr. Hallman shares what his team learned from studying real workplace interactions with large language models over time. What makes this conversation especially interesting is that the study did not just look at whether employees were using AI. It looked deeper. Dr. Hallman and his colleagues were able to examine prompts, responses, and patterns of use across months of professional activity. That gave them a far richer picture of what productive AI adoption really looks like, and what many organizations may be missing when they focus only on usage volume. One of the biggest surprises? Most AI use was not especially advanced. Dr. Hallman explains that roughly 90 percent of the activity they observed was centered on writing help, things like cleaning up emails or improving wording. Useful, yes. Transformational, not really. The more sophisticated uses involved clearly defined tasks such as analysis, coding, and creating tangible work product. Those higher value outcomes tended to come when users were specific about what they wanted and what a successful output should look like. Another unexpected finding was that senior people often used AI more effectively than junior employees. Dr. Hallman suggests that may be because strong AI use mirrors strong delegation. Leaders who know how to clearly assign work to people are often better at directing an LLM. That insight challenges the assumption that younger workers will automatically be the most advanced AI users just because they are more comfortable with technology. The conversation also explores how companies should think about training and evaluation. If raw usage is not the best metric, what is? Dr. Hallman points to more meaningful signals, including whether people iterate with the model, refine their requests, and move beyond one-shot prompts. He also stresses that the best way to improve is through practice. The more people experiment, at work and at home, the more they begin to understand what AI can do well, where it falls short, and how to ask better questions. This episode is a smart, grounded look at AI in the real world. It is not hype, and it is not fear-based. It is a practical conversation about what happens when organizations move past buzzwords and start paying attention to how people actually work with these tools every day. About the Guest Dr. Nick Hallman is a professor in the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, where he teaches data analytics and Python to accounting students and conducts economics-based research related to the auditing profession. In this conversation, he shares insights from a research collaboration with KPMG focused on how employees are using AI in professional settings. Key themes from this episode AI usage numbers do not tell the whole story. Most workplace AI use is still basic writing support. The best AI results come from specificity and iteration. Senior leaders may be better AI users because they are better delegators. The fastest way to become more effective with AI is simple, use it more often. Sponsor: Austin Tech Connect is supported by Calavista Software, software development without the drama. Trusted by startups and Fortune 100 companies alike.

    34 min

  5. APR 1

    What Commercial Real Estate Reveals About Austin's Tech Economy (with Taylor McHargue)

    In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Taylor McHargue of Cushman & Wakefield. Taylor is a new board member at the Austin Technology Council, and is a good example of the next generation of people in the tech ecosystem that want to show up and help build the future for all. In this interview we explore what the commercial real estate market can tell us about the current state of Austin's tech economy. It is a timely conversation, because office space is no longer just about square footage. It has become a reflection of hiring, funding, culture, confidence, and where companies believe they are headed next. Taylor explains that in the boom years, especially around 2016 to 2018, tech companies often leased more space than they needed and signed longer terms because growth felt inevitable. Today, that mindset is gone. After the disruptions of the pandemic, many executives carry real caution about long leases and unused space. Companies are now trying to match their footprint closely to current needs, with far less appetite for risk. The conversation also highlights how Austin's office market has evolved since COVID. While vacancy remains high on paper, Taylor notes that activity has picked up, especially among technology firms, and especially since the start of 2026. Some of that momentum is tied to AI-related companies, while broader return-to-office trends are also playing a role. Many firms are no longer debating whether they will gather in person at all. Instead, they are figuring out what kind of office strategy best supports collaboration, flexibility, and growth. One of the biggest takeaways is that not all office space is equal. The buildings performing best are highly amenitized, well located, and often move-in ready. For many companies, office space is now a recruiting and retention tool. That means coffee shops, fitness centers, conference amenities, and proximity to the areas where talent wants to be matter more than ever. Taylor describes the market as a tale of two worlds: some buildings struggle, while others attract most of the serious demand. This episode offers a smart window into where Austin tech is today, and where it may be headed next. ******************** Ausitn Tech Connect is sponsored by Calavista Software ******************** The Austin Technology Council exists to help Austin's fast growing tech community stay connected, collaborative, and engaged. As the ecosystem gets bigger and more complex, ATC creates space for the conversations and relationships that help people find their place in the bigger story of Austin tech. We believe strong communities do not happen by accident, they are built through trust, shared ideas, and leaders who show up. That is the role ATC continues to play as Austin's tech future unfolds.

    35 min

  6. MAR 18

    Startup Ecosystems with Paul O'Brien

    This episode  of "Austin Tech Connect" (the official podcast of the Austin Technology Council) features a conversation between Thom Singer (CEO at ATC) and Paul O'Brien about Paul's new book "Startup Ecosystems." Paul discussed his career journey from Michigan to Silicon Valley to Austin, where he has lived for 17 years working in public affairs for startup ecosystems. They explored how Austin's tech ecosystem has thrived through effective marketing and storytelling, contrasting it with other cities.    Paul explained how his book builds on Brad Feld's earlier work (Feld's book "Startup Communities" was a pivotal work for Startups) by providing a more current economic and pragmatic approach to developing startup communities, emphasizing the importance of proper mentorship, marketing fundamentals, and policy development. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities for Texas's growing tech ecosystem, particularly the potential for collaboration across the state's major cities. ************* Austin Tech Connect is sponsored by Calavista Software

    46 min

  7. MAR 3

    New to Austin - with Entrepreneur Christine McDannell

    The episode of Austin Tech Connect is an interview with Christine McDannell, an M&A advisor who recently moved to Austin from San Diego. Christine discussed her entrepreneurial journey, including her experience selling multiple companies and founding The Magnolia Firm, which specializes in helping digital businesses and SaaS companies find buyers. She explained her unique approach of turning away 95% of potential sellers to focus on high-quality listings and offered insights into the current market challenges, such as finding willing sellers. Christine also shared her perspective on Austin's tech community, highlighting its welcoming nature and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The conversation concluded with Christine emphasizing the unique culture of Austin and encouraging listeners to visit the city, while Thom Singer, the host, expressed his hope for Christine's continued involvement in the Austin tech community. Every week on this podcast, the Austin Technology Council wants to introduce you to people in the community from companies of all sizes. Austin is not just start ups, or big companies, our tech ecosystem is a perfect collaboration of many things. When our community can revisit connections over silos, we set ourselves up for the future.  Austin Tech Connect is sponsored by Calavista Software.

    26 min

  8. FEB 26

    Irresistible Change with Phil Gilbert

    In this episode of the Austin Tech Connect podcast, Thom Singer interviewed Phil Gilbert, author of "Irresistible Change: The Blueprint for Earning Buy-In and Breakout Success," about his career in technology and his experiences transforming IBM after its acquisition of Lombardi Software. Gilbert shared his journey from founding a PC consulting company in the 1980s to leading design at IBM, where he implemented a successful change management program that improved employee engagement and market share. They discussed the changing landscape of Austin's tech community, with Gilbert expressing concerns about the loss of community spirit and corporate citizenship. The conversation highlighted the importance of understanding Austin's rich tech history and the need to rekindle the city's entrepreneurial and collaborative culture.   Austin Tech Connect is the offical podcast of the Austin Technology Council and is one of the top Austin tech podcasts.     Austin Tech Connect is sponsored by Calavista Software.

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Austin Tech Connect is the go to podcast for all things Technology in the Austin, Texas region. The show is hosted by the CEO of Austin Technology Council, Thom Singer. For over two years this show has highlighted local tech leaders who make a difference in the Austin tech ecosystem. Each week Thom sits down with leaders in technology & business from the greater Austin area to explore success stories, business advice, and visions for the future of Austin Tech. The Austin Technology Council has been bringing people together and serving the local tech ecosystem for over 32 years. If you are looking for the "Whose Who" of the Austin Technology Community, you need to be listening to the Austin Tech Connect Podcast. The Austin Tech Community is vibrant ecosystem of companies, non-profits, universities, and government agencies that are committed to keeping Austin as a leading technology center. Over the past three decades the city of Austin, Texas has transformed from a college town that is the State Capital, into a fast growing tech center. Homegrown startups grow into international leaders, and many other companies have opened offices in Austin or moved their headquarters. The future of Austin is looking good and this podcast is the show that will expose you to the visionary thought leaders who are mapping out the path to tomorrow.

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