Brian Batch's journey began in 2008 when he joined Thunderbird, a coffee shop owned by Ryan McElroy, as a barista. The two quickly bonded and worked together to grow the business. Eight years later, seeking a new challenge after years of travel and inspired by a fateful friendship with a mysterious Master Biscuit Whisperer, they developed the concept for Bird Bird Biscuit. Committed to excellence, Brian and Ryan dedicated two years to perfecting each recipe, testing hundreds of batches to ensure an exceptional dining experience. In June 2018, Bird Bird Biscuit opened its doors, meeting an overwhelming response from guests eager for high-quality chicken and biscuits. Since then, Brian has focused on improving Bird Bird Biscuit, making each day better, one bite at a time. The journey continues.

Bird Bird Biscuit
https://www.birdbirdbiscuit.com/
 

Locations in Austin:
2701 Manor Road
(512) 761-4922

1401 W Koenig Lane
(512) 551-9820

Wen Zhang is a partner at INNW Institute, a marketing consulting firm dedicated to helping tech entrepreneurs and leaders scale their businesses. A serial entrepreneur, Wen has successfully launched businesses, expanded their global market presence, and managed large-scale operations at a Fortune 100 company. In 2023, INNW supported 103 founders across five cohorts, raising over $53 million in funding.

Wen holds a Master's in Marketing and Advertising from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from Duke University.

TedX Talk
https://youtu.be/N7rYraDwHyc

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

Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Austin, Texas, known for her expertise in relationships, trauma work, and sex therapy.

With a focus on supporting first responder couples and addressing men's issues, Kristal offers a unique therapeutic approach rooted in understanding male psychology and the challenges faced by men in contemporary society.

Her development of The STRONG model of Relational Therapy, which blends trauma-informed and attachment-based methods, has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the domain. Her recent book, "STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man," offers practical guidance for navigating contemporary relationships.

Kristal's dedication to advancing men's mental health advocacy extends beyond her clinical practice. As a trainer, consultant, author, and public speaker, she actively promotes awareness and education on the importance of men's mental health and wellness as well as the impact of trauma on relationships.

Kristal's insights have been featured in publications such as Newsweek, HuffPost, The Good Men Project, and Time, and she has appeared on podcasts discussing masculinity, mental health, and relationships

Call: 512-887-8036 or Schedule a Time
Visit: www.austinstrongrbc.com
Email: [email protected]
FB: facebook.com/strongloveatx
Instagram: @atxtherapist
Book: https://www.strong.love

Igor Vainshtein is a best-selling author, startup addict, entrepreneur, and the creator of Entrepreneurpoly – the Entrepreneur Board Game. With a passion for business, Igor has successfully built and grown ventures across multiple industries. His firsthand experience with the entrepreneurial rollercoaster inspired him to create a game that reflects the highs and lows of the business world. He’s truly graduated from the school of hard knocks!

His best-selling book, Practical Manifestation: How to Leverage the Principles of Project Management to Turn Your Dreams into Reality is packed with tips and strategies that have fueled his success, and he’s dedicated to sharing that knowledge to help others achieve their dreams. Igor's goal is to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality.

Outside the business realm, Igor loves connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and golf enthusiasts worldwide, especially through a round of golf. He’s also the mind behind successful golf ventures like GolfTrak and 24/7 Golf Simulators, which led to a successful exit with GOLFTEC. His journey is all about learning, growing, and having fun, and he’s excited to help guide others on their own entrepreneurial adventures—both in the game and in real life.

Website: https://www.igorvainshtein.com/

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

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TheIgor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theigorv?_t=8oYLq7ANDol&_r=1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igor.vainshtein

Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and creative writer. Previously he served two decades in professional ministry, pastoring diverse congregations in Decatur, GA, Richmond, VA, and Georgetown, TX and serving in the US Army Chaplaincy. Bobby is also an award-winning storyteller, and he recently published his first book, Small Stories about Big Things where he helps leaders discover fresh direction, insight, and connection by way of the everyday stories unfolding all around us.

Bobby is currently a board member of the National Speakers Association (Austin chapter) and a local Toastmasters Club. In his coaching, leadership, and community involvement, it has become clear to Bobby that a unique blend of compassion, good questions, and a people-first approach to leadership are the essential keys for driving fresh creativity, vitality, and growth.

Bobby, his wife, and their two young boys live in Georgetown, TX. If Bobby is not speaking, coaching, or writing, he enjoys hiking, biking, and attempting to keep up with his boys’ infinite amount of energy.

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

https://bobbyhulmelippert.substack.com

https://www.instagram.com/bhlcoaching/

https://www.facebook.com/bolippert

bhl.coach

Doug Thompson is a distinguished storytelling professional in the technology sector, adeptly steering through its complexities for more than twenty years with the expertise of a veteran navigator. Residing in Austin, Texas, Doug has honed a unique ability to demystify complex concepts in Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, Mindset, and AI for a broad audience.

Throughout his career, Doug has held key positions at Microsoft, serving as an AI Ambassador and Director Technology Strategist, which speaks to his comprehensive adaptability and deep-seated industry acumen. In his current role as Chief Education Architect at Tanium, Doug leads with innovation and insight, additionally hosting 'The Tanium Podcast' to share his knowledge and engage with thought leaders in the field.

A seasoned speaker, Doug has distinguished himself with over two decades of experience, delivering in excess of 100 presentations internationally, noted for their informative and captivating 'edutainment' approach. His personal commitment to excellence is further reflected in his achievements as a two-time Ironman finisher and his active engagement in community service.

Doug's professional accomplishments are backed by a robust portfolio of certifications, an enduring commitment to knowledge acquisition, and numerous accolades for his contributions, solidifying his reputation as an exemplar in the technological realm.

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedougthompson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedougthompson/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedougthompson
Website: https://thedougthompsontx.com

Mark Talukdar is a multifaceted software engineer turned entrepreneur, teacher, speaker, podcaster, and amateur bodybuilder with an intense drive to understand and emulate the habits of successful people. As the founder of ProsperityM.com, Mark is passionate about helping entrepreneurs discover profitable business ideas and scale them through expert social media, marketing, and sales coaching. He also hosts the popular Peak Performance Perspective podcast, where he explores the principles of peak performance and success.

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Mark gained extensive experience in the tech industry. He worked in various roles, from developer to project manager, and eventually became a professional consultant in New York City. His diverse experience in technology and business laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial success.

Mark's life is a testament to resilience and determination. After moving from India to the United States at 18 with almost nothing, he faced significant challenges, including homelessness. Yet, he never wavered in his pursuit of success. In 2022, Mark embarked on a transformative fitness journey, starting at an obese body weight with 41% body fat. Through unwavering commitment, he reduced his body fat to 6% within two years and won every bodybuilding competition he entered. Now, Mark is training for the national championship, exemplifying the principles of perseverance and discipline that he teaches.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkTalukdar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktalukdar/
Website: www.prosperitym.com

John Petrelli has been a professional fitness coach for over 30 years, having worked alongside some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, from Grammy-Award-winning recording artists to A-list Hollywood actors. Not bad when you consider at eighteen John seemed bound for Jail or the morgue.

In 2021, John's life took an unexpected turn when he became paralyzed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disease that landed him in the ICU.

With a lifestyle so heavily dependent on physical health and wellbeing, John needed to rely on his mental strength to overcome this disease. Through this experience John penned his first book "Confessions of a Hollywood Trainer". An instant Amazon #1 New release.  In 2024 John released his second book "Confessions of a Hollywood Trainer series - The "Teen Edition”.  Shortly after the release of his new book John was invited to be a TEDx speaker at TEDx Clinton NY, where he delivered his Key Note speech Master your mindset to Transform your Life”.

John, inspired by the challenges he has faced, has dedicated his new lease on life, to helping others discover their inner strength and overcome obstacles in their lives.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/john.petrelli/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/john.petrelli.54/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-petrelli-16589b251/

Carl Grant III is a trailblazing leader in professional services business development, with over twenty-five years of experience across elite AM Law 50 firms and a Big Four accounting firm. As the CEO of Capital Raise and Connexa Partners, Carl leverages his deep industry expertise to guide growth-stage companies and professional services organizations toward successful capital raises and strategic partnerships.

In his distinguished career, Carl has been a trusted advisor to CEOs, renowned for his ability to forge high-impact connections with investors, partners, customers, and key hires. His tenure as the Global Head of Business Development at Cooley LLP was marked by transformative growth, where he led a team that contributed to a staggering $1.7 billion increase in annual revenue over two decades. Carl also made history at PricewaterhouseCoopers as the first business development hire, driving a remarkable 33% increase in market share within just two years.

Carl's impact extends beyond the private sector. As the leader of the Capital Attraction Program for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, he doubled the number of venture funds in the region within two years, solidifying the area’s status as a thriving hub for venture capital.
 

A founding board member of the Austin Venture Association and Chairman of the Board at Cationic Mineral Formulations, Inc., Carl continues to shape the future of the venture capital and startup ecosystems. His leadership is underpinned by his service as a Major in the U.S. Army, where he honed the discipline and strategic thinking that define his approach today.

An accomplished author, Carl penned the best-selling book How to Live the Abundant Life, sharing his insights on achieving success and fulfillment. He holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and has furthered his education in Private Equity and Venture Capital at Harvard Business School.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Carl is a devoted husband and father of five adult children. He is a private pilot, boater, and a fitness enthusiast.

Social Media:

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

https://www.instagram.com/carl.grant.iii/

https://x.com/CarlGrant

https://www.facebook.com/carlgrant

Richard V. Battle is a seasoned public speaker and trainer with over 30 years of experience in leadership, sales, faith, and volunteerism. With a distinguished corporate career spanning more than 40 years, Richard held executive roles in sales, management, and leadership across various business sectors.

Appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry, Richard served on The Texas Judicial Council and The Texas Emerging Technology Fund. His commitment to service extends to numerous boards, including The John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Keep Austin Beautiful.

A man of faith, Richard plays a key role in the National Day of Prayer and serves as the master of ceremonies for the Texas State Prayer Breakfast, an event that honors the governor.

Richard's life has been marked by resilience. He has survived an apartment fire that claimed the life of his neighbor, endured financial hardship during the Texas real estate collapse in the 1980s, faced the challenges of divorce, undergone two heart procedures, battled cancer, and suffered the profound loss of his only son.

An accomplished author, Richard has written 11 books, earning multiple awards for his contributions to literature.

X:  @RichardVBattle
FB: @richardvbattlebooks
Instagram:  @RichardVBattle

www.richardbattle.com