The Power of the Pivot: Product Management Across Industries with Carlisha Robinson

In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, Thom Singer sits down with Carlisha Robinson, a seasoned product leader, consultant, and longtime Austinite whose career journey mirrors the rise of Austin's technology ecosystem. Carlisha describes herself as a "serial product manager," but her story reveals so much more... she is a connector, a problem solver, and a mentor who has played a pivotal role in shaping companies through decades of change.

Carlisha's path began at Grambling State University in Louisiana, where she earned her degree in computer science before joining IBM in the early 1990s. Like Thom, she made the move to Austin in 1991, a decision that proved to be both personally and professionally transformative. Back then, IBM was one of the few major players in town, and her internship turned full-time role placed her squarely inside the heart of Austin's emerging tech industry.

From there, Carlisha spent nearly 20 years at BMC Software, during what she calls the "boom-boom days" of Austin tech. At BMC, she thrived in an environment that valued growth, mentorship, and opportunity. She moved through roles in engineering, QA, consulting, and professional services before finding her true passion in product management. Guided by mentors like Joyce Durst, she learned how to apply her skills across disciplines and build solutions that mattered. BMC became more than a job... it was a family and a launchpad for her career.

But Carlisha wasn't content to stay comfortable. She embraced pivots, shifting industries while carrying her expertise with her. After BMC, she moved into intellectual property management at Inography, e-commerce platforms, and even retail giants like Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock. Each role stretched her perspective and reinforced her belief that core skills like focus, pace, and execution translate across industries.

Today, Carlisha runs her own consulting firm, CBR Ventures, where she helps startups and mid-sized companies scale with clarity and confidence. Her specialty lies in guiding founders who have great ideas but are stuck in the chaos of distraction. For Carlisha, success is about helping teams focus on what matters, ignore the noise, and deliver value to customers.

In this conversation, she and Thom discuss the importance of transferable skills, the courage to pivot, and the role of mentorship in building careers. They share personal stories of how curiosity... and the willingness to try something new opened doors across industries. They also reflect on the unique Austin ecosystem they've both witnessed evolve over the past 34 years, from a small college town to a global hub of innovation.

Carlisha also offers advice for the next generation of leaders: show up. Whether at conferences, think tanks, or community gatherings, opportunities come from human connection. For introverts and extroverts alike, being present is the key to building the network that sustains long-term success.

If you want to hear the story of someone who has lived through the evolution of Austin tech and continues to shape its future, this episode with Carlisha Robinson is a must-listen.