[Top Author Series] Building a Tech-Driven Economy in the Heartland With Nicholas Lalla

Humberto Bejarano is the President and Co-founder of Beanstalk Growth Marketing, an award-winning agency based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 25 years of combined experience, he has been instrumental in delivering innovative, data-driven marketing solutions across North America. Under his leadership, Beanstalk has earned multiple accolades, including the Canadian Choice Award for Calgary's Best Marketing Agency and recognition from Clutch as a top advertising company in Alberta. Humberto's commitment to excellence and client success drives the agency's growth and industry impact. In this episode… Creating a sustainable, growth-oriented marketing agency can be challenging, especially in the ever-changing digital landscape. Many businesses struggle to balance branding, website development, and effective omnichannel strategies while staying profitable. So, how can companies streamline their marketing processes, foster strong client relationships, and adapt their strategies to meet changing demands? Humberto Bejarano, a seasoned sales professional and marketing expert, offers practical insights on building a thriving digital agency through smart partnerships, data-driven decisions, and client-centric approaches. He emphasizes the importance of understanding client pain points before pitching solutions, creating cohesive omnichannel strategies that leverage multiple platforms, and continuously testing and optimizing based on performance data. Humberto also highlights the value of combining creative expertise with structured project management to ensure clear communication, consistent delivery, and client satisfaction. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Humberto Bejarano, Co-founder of Beanstalk Growth Marketing, about building and scaling a successful digital marketing agency. Humberto shares his experience merging companies, onboarding key team members, and adopting omnichannel marketing strategies. The conversation also covers effective sales processes, leveraging automation tools, and case studies of successful client transformations.

Noa Eshed is Co-founder and General Manager of Bold Digital Architects, an award-winning growth marketing agency specializing in B2B tech startups. She co-hosts the Real Life Superpowers podcast, ranked among the top 10% globally, where she interviews top performers from various industries. A journalist and certified lawyer, Noa previously co-founded and distributed Israel's only national magazine for students. She is also the author of The Smart Marketer's Guide to Google Adwords, an Amazon number-one bestseller. In this episode… Growing a B2B tech startup is challenging, especially in a crowded market where trust plays a crucial role in driving conversions. Traditional advertising often falls short, leaving startups struggling to establish credibility and connect with their ideal customers. So, how can early-stage companies position themselves as industry leaders and build trust that fuels long-term growth? Noa Eshed, a digital marketing expert and co-founder of a growth agency, emphasizes that trust is the most valuable currency in B2B marketing. She explains that startups should focus on content-driven strategies, positioning their founders and brand as thought leaders through educational material instead of direct sales tactics. Noa highlights the shift from outdated practices like gated content and linear funnels, advocating for consistent, value-driven engagement. She also shares insights on leveraging partnerships, securing strategic collaborations, and using bold networking techniques — like approaching keynote speakers directly — to build meaningful relationships that drive business growth. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Noa Eshed, Co-founder of Bold Digital Architects, about how B2B tech startups can scale through trust. Noa explains why traditional marketing tactics often fail in B2B and shares her approach to positioning brands as category leaders. She also discusses the role of networking in business success, the evolution of inbound marketing, and how startups can use content to establish credibility and build lasting customer relationships.

Lindsay O'Donnell is the Founder and Marketing Director of Piquant Marketing, a Vancouver-based agency specializing in promoting vegan and vegetarian food and wellness brands. Her passion for supporting food entrepreneurs began during her tenure at Whole Foods Market, leading her to establish Piquant in 2016, which also offers personalized coaching and consulting services to assist clients in marketing strategy, team building, and sales growth. Beyond her agency work, Lindsay co-owns and serves as the Marketing Partner for Planted Expo, Canada's largest plant-based event. In this episode… Building a business is never easy, but scaling it while staying true to your mission can be even more challenging. Many entrepreneurs struggle with finding the right niche, pricing their services effectively, and balancing profitability with purpose. So, how can business owners evolve their companies without losing sight of their values and vision? Lindsay O'Donnell, a marketing strategist and consultant, shares how she navigated these challenges by refining her niche and evolving her business model. She emphasizes the importance of targeting a specific audience and staying adaptable as market trends shift. Lindsay also highlights how businesses can leverage influencer marketing, digital events, and strong brand storytelling to gain traction. By understanding pricing strategies and sustainably structuring service offerings, she helps entrepreneurs build scalable businesses while staying aligned with their values. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Lindsay O'Donnell, Founder of Piquant Marketing, about her journey from running an agency to offering high-level consulting. Lindsay discusses her transition from digital marketing to coaching, the role of influencer marketing in brand growth, and how entrepreneurs can define and refine their niche. She also shares insights on pricing evolution, social media trends, and creating meaningful client relationships.

Nicholas Lalla is an urbanist and social entrepreneur specializing in economic development and emerging technology. He founded Tulsa Innovation Labs, deploying over $200 million to build northeast Oklahoma's innovation economy. Previously, Nicholas led Cyber NYC for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, a cybersecurity initiative recognized as "among the nation's most ambitious" by The New York Times. He is also the author of Reinventing the Heartland, which lays out a bold and pragmatic plan for urban reinvention, showing cities how to reorient their entire civic ecosystems toward inclusive tech-led growth. In this episode… Many mid-sized American cities struggle to reinvent themselves in a rapidly evolving economy, often clinging to legacy industries while missing out on the opportunities of the tech sector. As traditional economic engines falter, communities risk job losses, brain drain, and long-term stagnation. But how can cities without established tech hubs create thriving innovation ecosystems from scratch and position themselves for sustainable growth? Nicholas Lalla, an urbanist and social entrepreneur, shares a blueprint for how cities can build tech-driven economies tailored to their unique strengths. Drawing on his experience leading transformative initiatives, he highlights the importance of finding a city’s “tech niche,” using data-driven strategies, and engaging key stakeholders to align around a common vision. He emphasizes a corporate-first approach, encouraging cities to collaborate with existing industries to foster innovation and attract startups that address real market needs. Nicholas also underscores the power of public-private partnerships, strategic fundraising, and the importance of leadership that challenges the status quo while fostering community buy-in. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Nicholas Lalla, Founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs, about building inclusive and tech-driven economies in mid-sized cities. Nicholas discusses his journey from New York City to Tulsa, Oklahoma, how he secured over $200 million in funding, and the strategies he used to define Tulsa’s innovation niche. He also dives into leadership lessons, the importance of stakeholder collaboration, and how cities can create lasting economic impact.

Roger Einstoss is the CEO and Co-founder of Braintly, a company that connects US businesses with top engineering talent from Latin America. With over 12 years of experience in tech talent acquisition, he has helped companies like Volkswagen and T-Mobile build remote engineering teams. Roger specializes in bridging the gap between businesses and skilled developers, offering solutions in staff augmentation and agile team management. In this episode… The tech talent gap is a growing challenge for businesses worldwide, with many struggling to find skilled engineers who align with their company culture. As demand for software developers surges, companies are searching for efficient and cost-effective ways to scale their teams. Could the key to solving this problem lie in Latin America’s booming engineering talent pool? According to Roger Einstoss, a seasoned entrepreneur specializing in tech talent acquisition, Latin America offers a unique combination of skilled engineers, cost efficiency, and cultural alignment that makes it an ideal destination for US companies. He highlights how businesses often underestimate the complexity of hiring and vetting engineers, especially when working across borders. By bridging this gap, companies can not only find exceptional talent but also create more diverse and innovative teams that thrive in today’s global market. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Roger Einstoss, Co-founder and CEO of Braintly, to discuss how US businesses can build remote engineering teams with Latin American talent. Roger shares the biggest mistakes companies make when hiring technical talent and Braintly’s approach to vetting engineers. He also gives insight into fostering a strong remote work culture and maintaining high performance in distributed teams.

Shaun Brandt is Co-founder of Oddit, a CRO solution for direct-to-consumer brands wanting to increase their conversion and brand loyalty. He is an experienced entrepreneur and a Co-founder of Kulin, where he helps DTC e-commerce brands scale revenue through smart strategy, Google ads, paid social, email/SMS, and creative. Shaun is an Investor at Triple Whale and the Founder of Nowhere Else Inc. Previously, he was a Partner for Wilfred’s, Partner and Creative Director for MAST Hair, Co-founder and Creative Director for Versett, Co-founder of Federal Moto, and Principal for ONST Creative. In this episode… Traditional web design agencies often follow complex processes filled with client calls, feedback loops, and data-heavy analysis. These methods focus on surface-level metrics rather than practical user experience improvements, leading to bloated costs and underwhelming results. How can businesses streamline website optimization while achieving higher sales and better user engagement? Shaun Brandt, a design and branding expert, has developed a no-nonsense approach to website optimization that focuses on practical UX improvements without relying on data analytics. Instead of drawn-out processes, his brand offers one-way audits where brands submit their website pages and receive a red-marked version pinpointing UX flaws and a fully redesigned page. Shaun emphasizes the importance of clarity over cleverness in website messaging, ensuring users immediately understand a product's value and how to purchase it. He also highlights simple, actionable changes — like improving button placement and reducing clutter — that can significantly boost conversions. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Shaun Brandt, Co-founder of Oddit, about his unconventional approach to website optimization. Shaun shares how Oddit has scaled to over 10,000 website audits, the common UX mistakes that hurt conversions, and how brands can improve sales with small but strategic changes. He also discusses the importance of clear messaging, the role of free trials in client acquisition, and why sometimes less data leads to better results.

Jamie Read is the Founder and CEO of BriteBirch Collective, a global integrated marketing and business consultancy established in 2018. With over 17 years of experience, he has built award-winning marketing teams and campaigns across Canada, the Middle East, and Asia. Before founding BriteBirch, Jamie held leadership positions at prominent agencies such as Edelman and Ketchum, working with global clients in the healthcare, technology, and consumer goods sectors. In addition to his role at BriteBirch, he serves as Communications Chair for the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, promoting diversified trade and business opportunities. In this episode… Traditional marketing agencies often rely on rigid structures and outdated processes that limit creativity and flexibility. These models prioritize internal politics and overhead costs over client needs, leading to bloated teams and inconsistent results. How can agencies streamline operations while fostering collaboration and delivering tailored solutions? Jamie Read, a marketing expert, recognized these gaps after years of working in major global agencies and sought to create an agency model that breaks free from conventional barriers. By assembling a curated network of over 300 seasoned marketing experts worldwide, he designed a flexible, project-based collective that matches senior-level talent directly with client needs. His focus on eliminating agency politics, promoting collaboration among freelancers, and using modern tools ensures seamless communication and high-quality results. Jamie also emphasizes the importance of building a strong culture within a decentralized team and has launched a community-driven initiative to mentor the next generation of freelancers and help them thrive in an evolving marketplace. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jamie Read, Founder and CEO of BriteBirch Collective, about how he’s redefining the agency model by blending the freedom of freelancing with the power of collaboration. Jamie shares his journey from working in traditional agencies to building his global collective, explains how he attracts top talent, and discusses how BriteBirch structures client teams to deliver bespoke solutions.

Ryan Lavarnway is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for eight MLB teams across 10 years, winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. A Yale University graduate, he set NCAA records in batting and later represented Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. Beyond baseball, Ryan is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author focusing on mindset, resilience, and teamwork. Through his company Turn Left, he inspires others by sharing lessons from his journey in sports and personal growth. In this episode… Mindset and resilience are crucial in navigating the unpredictable world of professional sports. Adaptability, preparation, and maintaining confidence through setbacks are key elements of a good sportsman. So, how can professionals and business owners apply these lessons to overcome challenges and thrive? As a World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox, Ryan Lavarnway experienced firsthand how strong leadership and a winning team culture drive success. He recalls how veteran players set the tone for the team’s resilience, especially after the Boston Marathon bombing. He also reflects on his time with Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics, where an underdog mindset and team unity helped them defy expectations. These experiences reinforced his belief in the power of teamwork, accountability, and a shared vision. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ryan Lavarnway, a former Major League Baseball catcher, about his journey from the MLB to leadership coaching and speaking. Ryan explores the mindset shifts that helped him excel, leadership lessons from his time in the big leagues, and how businesses can apply these principles to improve teamwork and adaptability.

Eric Evans is the CEO of HyperTarget Marketing, a performance marketing agency specializing in generating leads for industries such as legal, insurance, and financial services. He is also the CEO and Co-founder of Pipes.ai, an AI-powered sales engagement platform that automates and optimizes lead follow-up processes. With a background in performance marketing and technology development, Eric builds innovative solutions that transform how businesses connect with customers to drive conversions. In this episode… Lead generation and customer engagement techniques are evolving faster than ever, with technology transforming how businesses connect with potential clients. In an age where speed and personalization are critical, how can companies ensure they’re reaching the right people at the right time — and converting them into loyal customers? According to Eric Evans, customer acquisition and AI technology leader, the key lies in leveraging AI-driven systems that combine speed, precision, and automation. He highlights that businesses often lose valuable leads due to delayed follow-ups or inefficient processes. AI-powered platforms like Pipes.ai can solve this by streamlining lead nurturing through automated SMS, calls, and voicemails. By integrating smart technology into their workflows, companies can enhance lead conversion rates while creating a seamless and effective customer journey.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz meets with Eric Evans, CEO of HyperTarget Marketing and Co-founder and CEO of Pipes.ai, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing lead generation and customer engagement. They dive into the importance of "speed to lead," the power of automation to simplify workflows, and how personalized follow-ups can turn prospects into long-term clients.

Sean Grabowski is the Founder of Keepers Digital, a Vancouver-based digital marketing agency specializing in Google and Meta advertising. With over a decade of experience in pay-per-click advertising, he has managed over $25 million in ad spend, achieving top 1% status on Upwork and becoming a Google Premier Partner. Sean's expertise spans various industries, including SaaS, e-commerce, and professional services, where he has consistently driven profitable results for clients. He is recognized for his data-driven approach and commitment to transparency, ensuring clients receive measurable and impactful marketing solutions. In this episode… Google Ads campaigns can be complex, and many businesses struggle to optimize them effectively. Common mistakes include outdated campaign structures, failure to leverage AI-driven optimization, and unrealistic expectations about immediate results. How can companies refine their advertising strategies to maximize return on investment? PPC expert Sean Grabowski says digital advertising success requires a data-driven approach and a clear understanding of performance metrics. He explains that AI has transformed Google Ads, making it essential to consolidate campaign data for more effective targeting. To improve ad performance, businesses should focus on strategic ad placements, continuously test creative assets, and ensure their sales processes align with their marketing efforts. By setting realistic expectations and refining campaign structures, companies can achieve sustainable ad growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Sean Grabowski, Founder of Keepers Digital, to discuss the evolving landscape of paid advertising. Sean shares insights on scaling digital marketing campaigns, hiring a remote team, and optimizing ad strategies for long-term success. He also breaks down the importance of managing client expectations, the impact of AI on PPC campaigns, and key lessons from working with major global brands.