In a recent episode of the Change and Creativity Podcast, host Judy Oskam, a professor at Texas State University, interviewed Justin McKenzie, host of the Building Texas Show. The conversation highlighted how local leaders and entrepreneurs are shaping Texas's growth, with a focus on storytelling as a catalyst for opportunity.
Oskam opened by noting that innovation is not limited to major cities. "In Texas, innovation isn't just happening in big cities, it's unfolding in small towns and communities across the state," she said. McKenzie, a two-time Texas State graduate, shared his journey from international student to a voice in Texas economic development. Growing up abroad as a Texan taught him the power of state identity. "They'd say, 'Oh, you're American.' 'Oh, we're from Texas.' Immediately, American was forgotten. You're Texan," he recalled.
His show began as a local radio program in the Hill Country, driven by a desire to fill a visibility gap for entrepreneurs. "I was in the Hill Country and seeing some great entrepreneurial activities happening, but it's not making the local paper," McKenzie explained. He believes storytelling is essential for acknowledging innovators and inspiring the next generation. "High school kids need to see that even in the rural hill country, anything is possible."
Interviews with mayors across Texas reveal common themes of rapid growth and preservation. Cities like Bastrop, home to SpaceX and The Boring Company, are navigating scaling while maintaining heritage. McKenzie emphasized the symbiotic relationship between cities and universities, citing Texas State University and San Marcos as examples. "If you can work that together, you can retain a lot of that talent," he said, addressing a key issue for the state. "Texas is very guilty. We all export so much talent that if we could retain it here, it'll help with our growth."
McKenzie has launched new initiatives: Vote Like a Texan focuses on nonpartisan civic education, while the upcoming Work Like a Texan series will connect job seekers and employers. He noted low voter turnout in local elections, recalling, "I really saw my hometown with a 7% turnout on a mayoral election."
For entrepreneurs, McKenzie advised researching a city's comprehensive plan before moving. "Anywhere that you're researching, pull back their comprehensive plan … and say, is this going to fit what I want to be doing in 10 years?" He also encouraged students to seek mentorship: "What can you learn while you're at this phase or stage that you're in? It may be a professor from twenty years ago that you go back and call."
The full interview offers deeper insights into Texas's innovation corridors and the power of storytelling. It is available on the Change and Creativity Podcast.
