Denise Davis on Collaboration: In Business, In Politics, and Across Industries

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How do you find common ground in Texas politics and business when collaboration feels impossible? Denise Davis has spent more than 20 years doing exactly that. As Board Chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, former Chief of Staff for the Texas House of Representatives, and partner at Davis Kaufman PLLC, Davis has built a reputation for helping business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs move Austin forward through strategic collaboration and bipartisan leadership.

In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Denise Davis shares insights on Texas politics, Austin economic growth, leadership, entrepreneurship and the future of business in Central Texas. From navigating high-stakes policy conversations to mentoring the next generation of Austin innovators, Davis explains why finding common ground is essential to shaping Austin’s future.

Listeners will hear how Davis’ experience in public policy, government relations and business advocacy continues to influence her leadership at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and across the Texas business community.

Release date: May 2026

Guest: Denise Davis, Board Chair, Austin Chamber of Commerce

Duration: 25 minutes

Sponsor: Amplify Credit Union

Timecodes:

05:52

—

Surviving Your Worst Day: Davis reflects on the most difficult day of her professional career and shares the leadership lessons she learned

10:25

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Finding Common Ground: Why successful leaders in Texas politics and business must learn how to collaborate with others, even when they disagree

12:25

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Why Neutral Spaces Matter: Davis explains why relationship-building outside of high-pressure negotations creates stronger partnerships

19:26

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Austin's Growth and Economy: Why Austin will never be the same city it was 30 years ago, and how leaders can embrace Austin's next chapter

What Is the Austin chamber?

The Austin Chamber of Commerce was founded to help businesses succeed. By supporting employers, engaging with the community, and working with policymakers at every level of government, the Austin Chamber works to build a strong, resilient regional economy.

Founded: 1999

Location: 535 East 5th Street

Mission: To provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and results in effective advocacy for their members.

Type: Community Improvement

Website: austinchamber.com

Memorable Quotes from Denise Davis

Denise Davis

Board Chair, Austin Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is an organization that gives businesses what they need to be successful once they come to Austin.

In business, and in politics, it’s always about relationships.

Austin is going to continue to be important and be relevant, and we have to accept that.

I think affordability is a challenge that we all need to be open to solving.

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