Solving the Wealth Gap Puzzle: Goodwill CEO Rob Neville on AI and Education

10/17/24 • 39 min

How did a childhood knack for solving the Rubik’s Cube springboard Rob Neville into college, and eventually a career in workforce development?

Host Tamara Atkinson sits down for an inspirational conversation with Rob, now president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas. His journey, from a young author to a leader in the nonprofit sector, is a deeply personal story, shaped by experiences in South Africa, personal loss, and professional triumphs. He discusses how Nelson Mandela’s legacy of social justice drives his commitment to education and equity.

Rob candidly addresses the challenges of transitioning from corporate life to nonprofit leadership, highlighting Goodwill’s innovative revenue models that support vital programs for underserved communities. Tune in to discover the transformative role Goodwill is playing in workforce development and how it’s reshaping education and employment opportunities.

Rob Neville is the president and CEO of Goodwill Central Texas, bringing over 25 years of diverse experience in development and operations across the life sciences, software, healthcare IT, venture capital, and nonprofit sectors. Originally from South Africa, he has lived in Austin for more than two decades, previously serving as founder and CEO of Savara (NASDAQ: SVRA) and leading Springbok Ventures. A multiple-time finalist for the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Rob won in 2018 and has judged the awards in 2021 and 2022. He is also active in nonprofit work, co-founding a 501(c)(3) for at-risk youth and serving on the boards of various organizations.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction of guest Rob Neville, President and CEO of Goodwill Central Texas
(09:00) Early life in South Africa, Nelson Mandela, education
(12:24) Journey from South Africa to Austin TX, and how Rob became connected with Goodwill
(16:50) The far-reaching network of programs offered by Goodwill
(18:00) Generating stable revenue with non-profit business models
(21:21) A touching story about a Goodwill employee, priorities going forward, expanding childcare
(26:00) What “hire local” means to Rob and Goodwill, using AI in the big picture to narrow the wealth gap
(30:32) How Goodwill is using AI in pilot programs
(34:00) AI conversations in Goodwills across the country
(36:00) Rapid fire questions
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.

Resources:

Rob Neville LinkedIn

Goodwill Central Texas Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsor: Texas Mutual

About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.

How did a childhood knack for solving the Rubik’s Cube springboard Rob Neville into college, and eventually a career in workforce development?

In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction of guest Rob Neville, President and CEO of Goodwill Central Texas
(09:00) Early life in South Africa, Nelson Mandela, education
(12:24) Journey from South Africa to Austin TX, and how Rob became connected with Goodwill
(16:50) The far-reaching network of programs offered by Goodwill
(18:00) Generating stable revenue with non-profit business models
(21:21) A touching story about a Goodwill employee, priorities going forward, expanding childcare
(26:00) What “hire local” means to Rob and Goodwill, using AI in the big picture to narrow the wealth gap
(30:32) How Goodwill is using AI in pilot programs
(34:00) AI conversations in Goodwills across the country
(36:00) Rapid fire questions
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Resources:

Rob Neville LinkedIn

Goodwill Central Texas Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsor: Texas Mutual

Previous Episode

Creating a Thriving Super Region: Judge Andy Brown on Childcare, Transportation, and Mental Health

How does child care investment, more transportation options, and a robust mental health network contribute to building a more inclusive and thriving community in Travis County?

In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson of Workforce Solutions Capital Area delves into the future of workforce development and child care advocacy in the rapidly growing Austin metro area with Travis County Judge Andy Brown. Childcare accessibility remains a critical issue, with ongoing shortages and long waitlists affecting families. Judge Brown explains a proposed ballot measure designed to tackle these challenges, which would stabilize the number of childcare providers and enable more parents to enter the workforce. You’ll hear about the broader efforts in Austin and Travis County to invest in job training and workforce initiatives, including raising the county minimum wage and the establishment of a comprehensive Mental Health Diversion Center, aimed at providing essential care and supportive housing for individuals with mental health needs. The conversation also reveals the ambitious plans of super-region leaders to enhance passenger rail infrastructure, which promises to improve commutes, safety, and economic opportunities. Together, these efforts underscore a strong commitment to building a supportive and inclusive community for all residents.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown is the chief executive of Texas's capital county, overseeing a $1.4 billion annual budget and serving as the Director of Emergency Management. Since taking office, he has prioritized increasing resources for historically underserved communities, focusing on mental and behavioral health, affordable housing, and enhancing transparency in county operations. Before his current role, Judge Brown founded the Sobering Center-Austin as an alternative to jail for intoxicated individuals, established a successful law firm, and engaged with local boards and commissions. He is a proud Austin native and a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Travis County Judge Andy Brown discusses Austin's population growth and super region with Bexar County, and early job lessons and experiences in Hyde Park
(06:00) Affordable child care access - investments, improvements and plans
(10:28) How local child care investment can reduce childcare wait lists, and why residents should care (whether or not they have children)
(14:37) Travis County priorities in job training and career building, with an example from Austin Community College's Make It Center.
(17:00) Addressing affordability and workforce impediments in Travis County, including increasing the county minimum wage and building a comprehensive Mental Health Diversion Center to stabilize individuals
(22:05) Travis County growth estimates, expansion plans for passenger rail infrastructure to connect the super region
(27:54) Judge Brown's vision for Travis County's future in five years - a supportive, inclusive community for economic growth
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Resources:

Judge Andy Brown

Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Next Episode

Building a Resilient Community: Comm. Brigid Shea on Childcare, Housing, and Climate Jobs

Host Tamara Atkinson welcomes Commissioner Brigid Shea to share her expertise on critical community issues like affordable childcare and workforce sustainability in Travis County. Brigid sheds light on the real-life challenges parents face with limited childcare access and the impact on employment opportunities. Our conversation unveils county initiatives, including a proposed property tax increase on the November ballot, aimed at combating lengthy childcare waitlists. These potential solutions reflect a community-driven approach to ensuring that every family has the support they need to thrive.

As we examine the intersection of affordability, climate change, and job opportunities, the conversation turns to the rising costs of living and real estate in the county. Brigid outlines strategic initiatives for affordable housing and tackling chronic homelessness by partnering with developers and leveraging pandemic relief funds. Additionally, the episode highlights federal efforts to link job creation with climate resilience, focusing on sectors like solar energy and disaster recovery. Through these discussions, we emphasize the importance of partnerships, bold candor, and forward-thinking strategies to build a resilient and inclusive future in Travis County.

Brigid Shea is a former award-winning reporter at NPR stations who has proved her grit by fighting climate change in Texas since 1988. As a former Austin City Council member, she helped create the first wind project in Texas. Since being elected to the Travis County Commissioners Court in 2014, her work to reverse climate change and better prepare residents for climate impacts has won 3 NACo Achievement Awards; one for creating a neighborhood wildfire drill, the second for dramatically improving the reach of emergency warning systems, and the third for significantly reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions through an ambitious remote work policy at the County.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction of guest Brigid Shea, her first job as a waitress
(0:03:27) Affordable childcare and workforce sustainability, ballot measure to support it
(0:13:00) Innovative remote work strategies reduce traffic congestion and emissions
(0:19:35) Addressing employee dissatisfaction and retention in “return to work” environments
(0:22:20) Strategic initiatives for “deeply” affordable housing amid a halted market for development
(0:27:02) Using pandemic relief funds for uniquely addressing housing insecurity and workforce development, forward-thinking strategies for resilience
(0:33:20) The outlook for job creation through federal climate resilience initiatives
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Resources:
Brigid Shea Bio
Workforce Solutions Capital Area Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsor: Texas Mutual

A bout Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.