Austin Eras

Austin isn’t just built by founders—it’s shaped by the people who help them be seen.

In this episode of Austin Eras, Adam sits down with John King—venture builder, storyteller, and community leader whose career has been defined by one core idea: giving others a voice.

From his early days helping elevate Austin’s clean tech ecosystem to joining SparkCognition in the early days of AI—and now launching companies through WorldQuant Foundry—John has been at the center of some of the city’s most important growth moments.

But his story goes deeper.

Growing up feeling unheard, John found purpose in amplifying others—whether advocating for students, shaping industry narratives, or helping founders clarify who they are and why they exist.

John continues that work through his role as Chair of the Austin Under 40 Advisory Board, helping guide the next generation of leaders and deepen the event’s impact for the Austin Sunshine Camps and across the city.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The real impact behind Austin Under 40—and why it matters
• What it really means to “give a company a voice”
• The early days of AI in Texas and building an AI unicorn
• Why storytelling is the foundation of every successful startup
• How Austin’s culture of collaboration sets it apart
• How venture studios are building the next generation of companies

And ultimately, a bigger question: What makes Austin work—and how do we protect it as it grows?

This episode is a look at the people behind the progress—and the power of community in shaping a city’s future.

Get in touch with John King

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmking512/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmk512/

WorldQuant Foundry

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldquantfoundry/
• https://www.worldquantfoundry.com/

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

The best nights at the ballpark often have very little to do with the game itself. In this episode, Adam talks with Tim Jackson, General Manager of the Round Rock Express, about how the franchise has become Central Texas’s “front porch” by blending servant leadership, creative promotions, and a fan experience that goes far beyond the game itself. Tim also shares what it really takes to build something that lasts, and how community, entertainment, and leadership come together to create an experience that keeps people coming back year after year.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

⚾ More Than Baseball: It’s an entertainment and hospitality business, not just a team

🧢 Legacy Leadership: The Ryan Family vision and a community-first approach

🎆 Fan Experience: Promotions, fireworks, and creating unforgettable ballpark moments

⚾ Career Journey: From mascot duties to GM 

🏙️ Future Growth: The evolving role of minor league baseball in a growing city

Get in touch with Tim Jackson: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-jackson-08567536      

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmyj44/ 

Round Rock Express:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/round-rock-express/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExpressBaseball 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrexpress/ 

Website: www.RoundRockExpress.com 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RRExpressBaseball

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

What if the rise of Austin as a global hub for music, film, tech and culture can be traced back to one event?

For more than three decades, Hugh Forrest helped shape SXSW into one of the most influential gatherings in the world. In this episode, he reflects on the early days of SXSW and the creative energy that helped it grow alongside the city of Austin. Hugh shares his perspective on the people, moments, and culture that helped shape both the event and the city.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎶 SXSW’s Austin Impact: The festival helped shape the city’s identity

✨ The Magic of SXSW: Creativity, culture, and innovation collide

🚀 Early SXSW Growth: A regional event became a global stage

🏙️ Austin’s Role: The city’s culture fueled SXSW’s success

🎤 Iconic Moments: Influential figures and unforgettable stories

🔮 Looking Ahead: The future of SXSW and Austin’s evolution

Get in touch with Hugh Forrest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrest/ 

Website: www.hughforrest.com 

Gather and Grow Experiences:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gather-grow-experiences/   

Website: www.gatherandgrowexperiences.com   

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

What if the future of public education isn’t about working harder, but redesigning leadership entirely? In this episode, Dr. Lindsay Whorton shares her journey from Missouri classrooms to leading one of Texas’ most influential education nonprofits. Drawing lessons from sports, global study, business culture, and her own experience as a foster parent, she challenges the way we’ve structured schools for generations. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎓 Lindsay’s Fifth-Grade Aha Moment: The early spark that set her on a path toward teaching and leadership

🏀 Winning, Losing, Leading: What basketball taught about sustainable success

🛒 H-E-B Leadership Model: Why business culture offers clues for school transformation

🏫 New Leadership Architecture: Moving beyond the overextended principal model

🚀 What’s Next for Holdsworth: Redesigning systems for sustainability

Buy the Book: A New School Leadership Architecture: A Four-Level Framework for Reimagining Roles. Now available on Amazon: https://shorturl.at/LphJA

Get in touch with Dr. Lindsay Whorton:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-whorton-9685aa26/

Website: https://holdsworthcenter.org/a-new-school-leadership-architecture/

Holdsworth Center:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holdsworth-center/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoldsworthCenter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holdsworthcenter/

Website: https://holdsworthcenter.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHoldsworthCenter

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Austin’s growth didn’t happen by accident. In this episode, Adam sits down with A.J. Bingham, founder of The Bingham Group, to explore the trust, relationships, and leadership that quietly shape the city behind the scenes. A.J. explains how reputation, consistency, and long-term relationships drive real influence and civic leadership in Austin.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏙️ Austin’s Evolution: How the city changed from the early 2000s to today 

🤝 Trust Over Power: What lobbying actually looks like behind the scenes 

🧭 Finding Your Place: How newcomers can truly get connected in Austin 

🧠 Leadership & Legacy: Civic responsibility, boards, and long-term impact

🔮 What’s Next for Austin: Infrastructure, growth challenges, and long-term vision

Keep up with A.J. Bingham:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbingham

Personal Instagram: @gobingham

The Bingham Group:

https://www.binghamgp.com/

Company LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/binghamgp

Company Instagram: @binghamgp

The BG Podcast: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/0fFYrdYFPf1ZAmBLGZYaCO

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Join Adam as he sits down with civic leader and storyteller Adam Powell to explore Austin’s vibrant transformation and unique history. From leadership journeys to the future of the city’s cultural landscape, this episode captures the spirit of Austin’s growth and legacy. Discover how history and community intertwine in the heart of Texas!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏙️ Austin’s transformation into a modern boomtown

📚 Adam Powell’s passion for preserving history

🗳️ Running a grassroots city council campaign

🎥 Making local history popular on TikTok

🏛️ Austin History Center’s grand reopening 

Get in touch with Adam Powell:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adampowellatx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-powell-92248a115/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adampowellatx/?hl=en

Austin History Center Association: 

Website: https://austinhistory.org/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@austinhistory

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinHistoryCenterAssociation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinhistory/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-history-center-association/

🤝 Connect with Adam & Collective Advisors

📅 Book your appointment now → https://www.collectiveadvisors.com/#contact

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

In this expansive episode of Austin Eras, Adam Flagg sits down with Dr. Clay Johnston, founding dean of the Dell Medical School at UT Austin and Chief Innovation Officer of Harbor Health, one of the most ambitious healthcare reinvention efforts in the country. Discover what happens when bold leadership and innovation come together in Austin’s dynamic medical scene. 

We’ll dig into how Harbor Health is reinventing healthcare, from pioneering value-based models to challenging industry norms. Technology, vision, and a passion for patient outcomes set the stage for a new era in medicine. Don’t miss what might be the next big leap in healthcare.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Roots & Personal Life: adopting his children, upbringing, and the values that guide his work

🩺 Moving into Medical Leadership: why he shifted from clinical work to healthcare system reform

🏥 The Rise of Value-Based Care: why traditional systems fail, and what Harbor Health is fixing

🤖 AI & Vertical Integration: the technology and structure redefining modern care delivery

🔮 What’s Next for Healthcare: Dr. Johnston’s predictions on AI, patient behavior, and the future of medicine

About our guest:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-claiborne-clay-johnston-45726/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harbor-health-team/posts/?feedView=all 

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarborHealthTeam 

Company Website: https://harborhealth.com/ 

Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCma8DHBCyBE3kRLYBLRylyg

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode, Boot Civil Founder & CEO Nhat Ho joins us to talk about growth, leadership, and what it means to shape a community with intention. We explore how personal experiences, professional passions, and a deep connection to place influence the way someone shows up in their work. The conversation reminds us that people who care enough to guide a city thoughtfully ultimately build its future. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧭Nhat’s journey from Vietnam to Austin and how it shaped his civic values

🏞️The complexity and community impact of Colony Park

🌆Austin’s rapid-growth challenges- affordability, zoning, water, and infrastructure

💼Why Nhat founded Boot Civil

🤝Nhat’s vision for belonging, culture, and legacy in a growing Austin

Learn more about Boot Civil: 

https://www.bootcivil.com/ 

Nhat on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhatho/

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

How does a city like Austin keep thriving without losing its soul? In this episode, Adam interviews Matt Curtis, founder of Smart City Policy Group and former Deputy to two Austin mayors. They talk about Austin's incredible transformation into a "boomtown" and what it takes to cultivate civic leadership for the city's future.  Discover the stories, challenges, and solutions that reveal how Austin’s leaders, and everyday citizens, can shape the next chapter of the city’s story.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏙️ Austin’s Evolution: from quirky town to global innovation center

🚀 Smart City Policy Group: helping cities navigate innovation and regulation

🤝 Leadership Gaps: why Austin needs new civic leaders to step up

🚉 Regional Growth: how coordination and rail could define Central Texas’ next era

🎯 Mentorship & ACES: developing the next generation through civic education

Get In Touch With Smart City Policy Group:

Website: https://smartcitypolicygroup.com

Email: [email protected]

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Born and raised in East Austin, Councilmember José Velásquez brings heart, grit, and authenticity to City Hall. In this episode, he shares his journey from a childhood shaped by hard work and activism to becoming one of Austin’s most community-driven leaders. Velásquez also discusses pressing issues facing Austin, such as housing, gentrification, and the importance of direct constituent engagement. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🌞 Sunshine Camp Lessons: early leadership and life-changing experiences

🏛️ Activist to Councilman: transitioning into public service and advocacy

💔 Family Tragedy: how the loss of his brother shaped his leadership and compassion

📚 Service Over Self: the lesson that drives every decision José makes

🏠 Affordability First: tackling Austin’s housing and displacement challenges head-on

🗣️ Politics with Heart: listening, understanding, and communicating effectively

Get in touch with Council Member José Velásquez:

https://www.austintexas.gov/department/district-3

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.austineras.com/

Call: 512-387-2333

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-bTMj5WY-4LduZI50w8bvQ/?sub_confirmation=1