Nicholas Lalla is an urbanist, social entrepreneur, and author who has made a national impact at the intersection of economic development and emerging technology. As the founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs, Nicholas deployed over $200 million to catalyze northeast Oklahoma’s transition from a legacy oil and gas economy to a thriving tech-driven innovation hub. With a track record that includes leading New York City’s ambitious Cyber NYC initiative and authoring the new book Reinventing the Heartland, Nicholas brings a bold, data-driven approach to urban reinvention. His expertise lies in helping mid-sized cities find their unique tech niche, build inclusive growth strategies, and align diverse stakeholders for lasting impact.

On this episode we talk about:

– How Nicholas raised over $200 million to build Tulsa’s innovation economy

– The urgent need for economic diversification in mid-sized American cities

– Strategies for identifying a city’s unique tech niche and growth sectors

– Building high-performing teams and engaging stakeholders for urban transformation

– Lessons in leadership, change management, and challenging the status quo

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Cities must identify and double down on their unique assets to create a tech niche, rather than trying to copy larger tech hubs.

2. Building an innovation economy requires deep stakeholder engagement, public-private partnerships, and a shared vision for growth.

3. Rapid, data-driven action—paired with inclusive leadership—can catalyze transformative change, but sustainable outcomes demand long-term commitment.

Connect with Nicholas Lalla:

– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaslalla

Website: https://nicholaslalla.com/

Book: Reinventing the Heartland (HarperCollins, 2025) – available at major retailers and Nicholas’s website

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