When I sit down with leaders across this city—whether we’re grabbing coffee on South Congress or meeting in a boardroom overlooking Lady Bird Lake—there is a palpable, shared pride that binds us. We aren’t just building companies; we’re stewards of a unique Austin ecosystem that I truly believe offers something the global economy can’t find anywhere else.

But as we all know, Austin isn’t the “best-kept secret” anymore. We are growing at a breakneck pace. And while I’m a firm believer in the power of compounding gains—remember, just a 1.56% monthly rate of change can double your revenue in three years—there is a hidden risk in moving too fast: losing your center.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the tension between the speed of the city and the stability of the person at the helm.

Striking the leader’s balance

I’ve often said that culture trumps everything. But culture doesn’t just apply to your team; it applies to your life. If the “culture” of your leadership is one of frantic exhaustion, that is exactly what will scale alongside your revenue.

In Austin, the pressure to “go big” can be deafening. Yet, smart moves for lasting success aren’t always the fastest moves. They are the ones that prioritize sustainability. As business owners, we are the ultimate asset of our enterprises. If we allow the speed of the city’s growth to outpace our personal balance, we risk becoming the bottleneck in our own success stories.

Navigating uncertainty is part of the job description, but you can’t navigate a storm if you’re already drowning.

Finding your Rate of Change

I want to see every citizen in our community succeed, but more importantly, I want to see our leaders thrive. This means giving yourself permission to step back and ensure your personal “rate of change” includes time for rest, family, and the very things that made you want to build something in this city in the first place.

Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what Austin can offer the world. But let’s do it with the intentionality that ensures we are still standing—healthy, balanced, and proud—when we reach the finish line.

Keep growing, but keep your footing.

— Ed