Recently, I wrote about the concept of “Help Others Win” and how building success through collaboration can transform networks and communities. The response to this idea was powerful, and it resonated deeply with many, especially with people in our tech ecosystem. After hearing Chris Heivly speak at the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) meeting, I realized how critical this message is for our local tech ecosystem as we look to the future. While Chris’s work is about growing a “tech scene”….we need to keep ours going and we cannot abandon the strong chains of community.
Repositioning for Austin’s Tech Community
Originally, the concept of “Help Others Win” was intended to be broad, a general call to action for professionals across industries. But the more I reflect on Chris Heivly’s “Give First” philosophy, the more I see how this principle is not just relevant but vital for our tech community. Chris emphasized that tech hubs thrive when there’s a culture of giving, of prioritizing collective success over individual gains. It’s this mindset that can helped grow Austin over the past 40 years, and it is necessary if we want to remain a leader in the tech world.
Collaboration as a Community Imperative
In our rapidly growing tech sector, collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an imperative. Austin’s success as a tech hub has always been rooted in its community spirit—a willingness to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities. We were a town of givers who made mentoring others a priority. As Chris pointed out, the future of any tech community depends on how well we can support the growth and development of the tech entrepreneurs and their companies.
This is about creating an ecosystem where every player, from startups to established firms, feels invested in the success of others. When we help each other win, we create a more resilient, innovative, and thriving tech community.
The Power of Mutual Support in Tech
In Austin, we’ve seen firsthand how mutual support can drive success. Whether it’s through mentoring programs, startup incubators, or simply making time for a coffee chat with someone new to the scene, these small acts of giving build a stronger, more interconnected network. This is the essence of Chris’s “Give First” mentality—prioritizing community success knowing that your own success will follow.
When you offer your expertise to a startup founder or introduce two people who can benefit from knowing each other, you’re not just helping those individuals—you’re strengthening the entire community. This kind of support creates a ripple effect, where the success of one contributes to the success of many. This is how we continue to build Austin’s reputation as a place where tech innovation thrives because of, not in spite of, our collaborative spirit.
A Strategic Advantage for Austin
Austin’s tech community has always had a strategic advantage: our willingness to work together. As competition among tech hubs changes, it’s more important than ever to double down on our fostering a connected community. By keeping a culture where helping others win is the norm, we not only ensure our own community’s growth but also attract top talent and investment from around the world.
We’ve all heard the stories—one introduction leading to a startup’s first major funding, or a casual advice session turning into a game-changing product innovation. These are the moments that define our community and set us apart from other tech regions. But they don’t happen by accident; they happen because of a deliberate commitment to collaboration. I worry with all our growth that we are often resting on our laurels. We need to make sure we do not lose our way as the place that is about helping others.
Cultivating a Culture of Giving in Tech
To sustain and grow this culture, we must be intentional. It starts with each of us making a conscious effort to engage, support, and uplift others within our community. Whether it’s through formal initiatives like mentorship programs or simply showing up to events ready to share your insights, every action contributes to the bigger picture. This includes leaders supporting local business groups that serve as places where the community convenes. The Austin Technology Council is one such place, but if not ATC, make sure your company is supporting one or more other non-profits.
Leading by example is crucial. When established companies and seasoned professionals in Austin’s tech scene demonstrate a “Help Others Win” mentality, it sets the tone for the entire community. This approach not only fosters individual success but also ensures the long-term vitality of our tech ecosystem.
The Long-Term Payoff for Austin
The benefits of building a collaborative community are clear: sustained innovation, increased investment, and a stronger reputation as a global tech leader. But perhaps the most significant payoff is the sense of belonging and purpose that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. When we help others win, we’re not just advancing careers or businesses—we’re building a community that’s built to last.
A Call to Action
Aare you living by the them of #HelpOthersWin? The collaborative spirit that has always defined Austin’s tech community must be revisited as a priority. When mutual success is on the lips of our leaders, we ensure that our community not only survives but thrives in the years to come. But those who think they need to lead by taking the control are missing the point. Our community does not need one person to lead, we need dozens of leaders and organizations to come together and collaborate. Lead with “Help Others Win” and now “What’s In It For Me?”
The next time you have the opportunity to help someone in our tech community, seize it. Because when one of us wins, we all win. A chain reaction can happen and we can make Austin the place where everyone wins. That is what I want.
Thom Singer
CEO, Austin Technology Council