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: 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

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: 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 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: 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