Travis Makes Money

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 Oklahomas transition from a legacy oil and gas economy to a thriving tech-driven innovation hub. With a track record that includes leading New York Citys 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 Tulsas innovation economy

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

Strategies for identifying a citys 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 actionpaired with inclusive leadershipcan 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 Nicholass website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Harbinger is the host of The Jordan Harbinger Show, and someone I've been listening to for almost a decade now. Jordan dives into insightful conversations with world-class experts and thought leaders. Listen in for actionable advice on personal development, relationships, entrepreneurship and more. Hope you check it out and enjoy it as much as I do.

Dr. Angela Jackson is the founder of Future Forward Strategies, a labor market intelligence and strategy firm dedicated to helping leaders transform their organizations and develop the human capital needed for long-term competitiveness and positive impact. As a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Dr. Jackson shapes the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in the education marketplace. She was the architect of the Future of Work Grand Challenge, an ambitious initiative that rapidly reskilled 25,000 displaced workers into living wage jobs within 24 months. Dr. Jacksons expertise in workforce development, organizational strategy, and the future of work makes her a leading voice on how individuals and companies can thrive in todays rapidly changing economy.

On this episode we talk about:

Dr. Jacksons entrepreneurial journey from a childhood lemonade stand to bestselling author

How employees can add value in the workplace to increase their incomewithout a side hustle

The importance of negotiating your salary and understanding your true market worth

Why power skills like communication and leadership are essential in the age of AI

Strategies for reskilling, networking, and finding opportunities in high-growth sectors

The mindset shift needed to embrace lifelong learning and overcome fear of failure

Top 3 Takeaways

Know and Communicate Your Value:Track your contributions and use clear metrics to negotiate raises or promotions. Dont wait for recognitionadvocate for yourself and be specific about the value you bring.

Invest in Power Skills and Lifelong Learning:Skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability are increasingly valuable and less likely to be replaced by automation. Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning to stay relevant.

Leverage Your Network and Follow Your Passions:Building genuine relationships and seeking advice from others in your field can open doors. Pursuing work youre passionate about not only makes earning easier, but also more fulfilling.



Connect with Dr. Angela Jackson:

Website:https://www.readwinwinworkplace.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drangelajackson/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Dr-Angela-Jackson-Author/61562212861226

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angela-jackson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Blair is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and one of the most remarkable comeback stories in business. With over $2 billion in sales and $1 billion in exitsincluding a $792 million exit as CEO of ViSalusRyans journey from poverty, gang life, and juvenile hall to New York Times bestselling author and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year is nothing short of extraordinary. His books,Nothing to Lose, Everything to GainandRock Bottom to Rockstar, have inspired countless entrepreneurs worldwide. Ryans unique perspective comes from having lived in poverty, middle class, and wealth, making his insights on entrepreneurship, risk, and resilience especially powerful.

On this episode, we talk about:

Ryans early days hustling for his first dollar and how his father used incentives to teach him about money

Growing up in a turbulent environment, falling into poverty, and the impact of a life-changing mentor

The transition from illegal entrepreneurship to building legal, scalable businesses

Ryans first tech ventures, his early exit at 24, and the mindset shift from cash to equity

Acquiring and scaling ViSalus, the lessons (and controversies) of network marketing, and the value of teaching entrepreneurship

The debate around network marketing, compliance, and why leadership and values matter more than ever

The skills sales and entrepreneurship buildand why Ryan would support his own son joining a network marketing company

What Ryan would do if he had to start from scratch today

The importance of authenticity, empathy, and building real relationships in business

Top 3 Takeaways

Resilience and Risk-Taking:Ryans willingness to take risks was forged by adversityhe literally had nothing to lose, which freed him to pursue entrepreneurship with relentless drive,

Sales and Equity Matter:Mastering sales and understanding the value of equity (not just cash) are critical for wealth creation. Ryans first big win shifted his beliefs about what was possible.

Leadership and Authenticity:Success in business, especially in network marketing, hinges on authentic leadership, strong values, and genuine care for peoplenot just maximizing profits.

Connect with Ryan Blair:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanblair/

https://www.instagram.com/realryanblair

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Cornell is a Forbes-recognized financial advisor and former executive director at Morgan Stanley, where he managed $1.4 billion in assets. Dissatisfied with the traditional wealth management model, Dana left to found Cornell Capital Holdings, where he now advises another billion dollars and specializes in helping business owners with exit planning and wealth creation. Danas unique perspective comes from both building and buying businesses, and hes passionate about showing others how to use business acquisitions as a powerful path to financial freedom.

On this episode we talk about:

Why Dana left Wall Street to build his own wealth management firm

The biggest misconceptions about buying small businesses

How to identify a business thats the right size for acquisition

Creative financing strategies to buy businesses with little or no money down

Why income streams and asset classes matter more than stocks and bonds for real wealth

How to scale a business and prepare for a profitable exit

Top 3 Takeaways

Buying a business thats already cash-flowing and has systems in place is often less risky and more profitable than starting from scratch or buying too small.

Creative financinglike SBA loans, seller financing, or partnering with investorscan allow you to acquire businesses with little or no money out of pocket.

True wealth comes from diversifying income streams and owning assets that generate passive income, not just from traditional stock and bond portfolios.

Connect with Dana Cornell:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danacornell

https://www.cornellcapitalholdings.com/

SHOW SPONSOR: Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices