Get It Done with Ben Barnes

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer (CEO of the Austin Technology Council) sits down with Ben Barnes, the former Texas Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, public service, Texas history, resilience, and staying engaged in life at every age. Ben’s political career began when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives at just 22 years old. He went on to become the youngest Speaker of the House and the youngest Lieutenant Governor in Texas history. In the conversation, he shares stories from those early years, including how he had to earn credibility as a young leader and why he felt a responsibility to open doors for others who would come after him. The conversation also explores Ben’s role in helping establish the University of Texas at Dallas. He recalls being invited by Texas Instruments leaders to visit Boston and study the relationship between great universities and the technology industry. That experience helped shape the vision for a major new university in North Texas, ultimately backed by a significant contribution from the founders of Texas Instruments. Ben and Thom also discuss how Texas evolved from an agriculture-focused economy into one of the most important technology hubs in the country. Ben reflects on the decisions made in the 1960s that helped set the stage for Austin’s later growth, including investments in higher education, research, and business leadership. He also talks about the importance of continuing to support universities and talent development if Texas wants to remain competitive. The episode includes a candid look at Ben’s life after politics, including his public bankruptcy during the real estate collapse of the 1980s. He shares how that difficult chapter shaped him, what he learned from failure, and how lessons from his father and from Theodore Roosevelt helped him rebuild his life and career. At 88, Ben continues to stay active, curious, and engaged. He offers advice for people thinking about retirement, emphasizing the importance of preparation, lifelong learning, physical activity, and friendships across generations. His message is clear: staying involved with people, ideas, and new opportunities is part of living a full life. Ben also talks about his new book, Get It Done: Seven Decades of Lessons from a Political Legend, which will be released on July 14. He explains why he wanted to write the book now and shares the deeply personal story of his recent kidney transplant. This episode is a conversation about leadership, history, second chances, and the power of staying connected to people and purpose.