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| What is Down for Tulsa’s origin story?
Being an SF born, LA raised, NY, London, Tel Aviv, back to New York living guy over the past ten years, Tulsa wasn’t exactly next on my list. But my friend moved out to Tulsa for a girl July 2017 (I actually played a role in how they met!). I went out to visit him, and I thought to myself—Tulsa, it’s actually kind of awesome. It has this edgy new Arts District and just built this epic park (The Gathering Place), tons of bars and restaurants, a brand new, state of the art co-working space, I feel it is a city on the rise. When people asked me what I thought about Tulsa I was like “I think I’m Down. Down for Tulsa!” Why is creating a space for entrepreneurs and young professionals in Tulsa important to you? I think a big part of the growing disparity between the middle of the country and the coasts that we are all seeing these last few years, is because the folks in the middle that have great ideas or want to work at a startup are too often feeling like they need to move to California or New York to pursue their dreams. If we have the resources, network, and ecosystem necessary in places in the middle, not only would those same people potentially stay, many might in fact return (and others may come just because it’s a great place to live!). I think Tulsa, at 1 million people in the metro area, and 47th in population, is a perfect representation of many cities in this part of the country. If we can figure out a formula that works in Tulsa, it could work in many cities of it’s kind. What is your larger vision for Tulsa? What is one thing you wish other people knew about the city? What is one thing that surprised you about Tulsa after moving there from NYC? Before visiting Tulsa, I imagined a bunch of folks walking around with big cowboy boots and guns. But that isn’t the case. Tulsa is a purple city in a red state. It’s longest running night club is in fact a Gay club called Majestic that opened in the early 90’s. It is one of the most welcoming and warm communities I have ever scene, and I think for a lot of folks that wouldn’t have considered Tulsa normally, if they came to check it out, I think they may be in for a pleasant surprise! Tell us about the role of collaboration in your work. Do you have any advice – especially for young professionals – on how to build meaningful partnerships? I would only say that our work is a true collaboration of public (City Hall), private (many of the local businesses) and not-for-profit (not just George Kaiser Family Foundation), but in coordination with several other prominent foundations around town). We all want to see Tulsa grow and thrive. Some are focused on entrepreneurship while others (us) on tackling the cycle of poverty. Every constituent has their own spin on how they want to see Tulsa thrive, but we all share that common bond, and therefore are looking for ways to collaborate in where each of our causes overlap. Fortunately, most want to see 21st century jobs and talent, and entrepreneurship is a big part of that—so that is a largely universal focus for most. What does a typical workday look like? Do you have a daily routine or ritual that you swear by / that helps you stay focused as you balance work and startup projects? I am attaching two examples of what my schedule looks like in a given week to give a frame of reference. I think most successful people have intense structure and balance. This has been a personal challenge for me. From September 11th to October 12th, I will not take one day off (weekend included), yet I love what I am doing so much, many of the things I choose to do on my nights and weekends are in fact very enjoyable. The biggest issue of focus for me is that there are too many things to focus on. I have been successful in seeking buy in from those around me (both personally and professionally) to help undertake many of the initiatives i am working on. If there has been one key to my success, it has been in the ability to surround myself by incredible friends, colleagues, and partners-in-crime to tackle big things together Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you? Things I am often heard saying 1. If it was easy, everybody would do it 2. I deeply believe in the human potential: meaning, that every single human, regardless of their personal circumstance, owes it to himself, his community, and to the human race as a whole, to achieve his or her personal potential. Whatever that may be. If you feel you are doing so, than it is your obligation to those around you, to help others reach their personal potential. 3. Give without the hope of receiving 4. What you lack in talent, make up for in hustle. Thank you Mike and we look forward to working more closely together with your team to enhance strategic partnerships between Providence and Tulsa during these exciting times ahead! Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/downfortulsa/ https://www.tulsatomorrow.com/ Tulsaremote.com – Launched one month ago and has already received 10,000 applicants |
Michael Basch is an entrepreneur, investor and sought after adviser who is currently working with the George Kaiser Family Foundation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, looking at ways to help expand Tulsa’s footprint of 21st century jobs through relationships in the NY, SF and LA Tech communities. He is active in some of the most strategic, in city initiatives such as Tulsa Tomorrow and Down for Tulsa.
Transforming Tulsa, starting with a park: Gathering Place, a much-anticipated $465 million park that opens Sept. 8 as one of the largest and most ambitious public parks ever created with private funds.
Gig-economy workers will feel right at home in Tulsa’s new Boxyard development.
George Kaiser is president, CEO and primary owner of GBK Corporation, parent of Kaiser-Francis Oil Company, which he has managed for almost 50 years. Mr. Kaiser plans to contribute his remaining net worth to the George Kaiser family foundation in life and through his estate. He developed the Foundation’s primary focus as equal opportunity for young children, which GKFF pursues through the evidence-based and experimental programs described elsewhere on this site. (Click above picture to learn more about GKFF)
