In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Tom Alexander, co-founder and CEO of Holistic, for a candid conversation about the future of work and what a great employee experience really looks like.

Tom shares lessons from working in Chicago's tech scene at "1871" and the mayor’s office, and explains why many executives say people are their most important asset yet lack the language and systems to manage the people experience with the same rigor as revenue. They dig into the pendulum swings in today’s workplace, the role of DEI as an integrated part of culture rather than a stand-alone program, and how AI can free up the hours we spend on low value tasks so humans can focus on creativity, empathy, and problem solving.

They also talk about location and remote work, the responsibility that comes with flexibility, and why internal and external community both matter.

Tom’s core model is simple and powerful, sit on the same side of the table and look at the world together.

If you care about building healthy teams, thriving companies, and a stronger Austin ecosystem, you will love this conversation.

This show is sponsored by Calavista Software, software development without drama.