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

Resources for this episode:

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

Personal Website: www.hughforrest.com

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

Company Website: www.gatherandgrowexperiences.com

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: info@austineras.com

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

Resources for this episode:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Company Website: https://holdsworthcenter.org/

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

Get in touch with Austin Eras

Email: info@austineras.com

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: info@austineras.com

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