Some interviews stand out not just for the business lessons shared, but for the wisdom about life and leadership woven in between. My conversation with Art Powell, Founder & CEO of Trinsic Technologies, was one of those moments.
Art has spent nearly 30 years in the tech industry, working with giants like IBM and PCorder.com before founding Trinsic in 2005. Over the past two decades, he’s grown the Austin-based IT solutions company into a trusted partner for businesses across Central Texas. But as Art explained, his vision for Trinsic was never just about technology, it was about building trust.
Trust as a Competitive Advantage
When Art started Trinsic, he recognized that too many IT vendor relationships were rooted in mistrust. His goal was to change that by building a company grounded in honesty, accountability, and service. He told me, “Once you break trust, it’s hard to get it back. The best thing you can do is own your mistakes and lead with transparency.”
That philosophy has shaped Trinsic into a people-first company, and it’s what sets them apart in a high-stakes industry where clients depend on their technology partners to keep mission-critical systems running.
Not Every Client Is the Right Fit
One of the lessons Art emphasized was the importance of knowing who not to serve. Over time, he and his team have matured in recognizing that some client relationships simply aren’t a fit. Walking away, or letting clients walk away, has allowed Trinsic to focus on the partnerships that create the most value on both sides.
It’s a tough but powerful reminder for any founder or leader: saying yes to everyone can actually hold you back.
Technology as ROI, Not Just Cost
Art challenged the idea that technology is just an expense. He believes every part of a company’s tech stack should deliver ROI, whether in efficiency, increased revenue, or better customer experiences.
He shared a story of a manufacturing client whose manual process was holding back hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential revenue. By listening to employees and automating that process, Trinsic unlocked significant growth. As Art put it: “If you’re not solving the real problem, you’re not listening.”
AI: Hype vs. Reality
We also dove into the topic of artificial intelligence. Art has been following AI for over a decade and sees huge potential, but he’s quick to caution leaders against the hype. He stressed that most AI projects fail when employees aren’t involved or when companies expect AI to do things it wasn’t designed for.
For him, AI’s real promise lies in making employees’ jobs easier and more effective—not replacing them.
Leadership Beyond the Title
Perhaps what resonated most with me was Art’s perspective on identity. He reminded me that every CEO needs something outside of work to define them, because leadership roles are temporary, but relationships, faith, and character are lasting.
Art shared that after 34 years of marriage, his proudest accomplishment is that his wife and children still want to spend time with him. For him, that means more than any business success.
Key Takeaways
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Trust is the foundation of lasting business relationships.
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Not every client is the right fit, and that’s okay.
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Technology should always drive ROI, not just costs.
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Listening to employees uncovers hidden opportunities.
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AI’s true power lies in thoughtful, strategic use.
Art’s story is a reminder that leadership is about more than growing a company, it’s about how you grow as a person, and the impact you leave on others along the way.
Want to learn more about Art and the incredible work his team is doing? Visit https://trinsictech.com/.
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