Tulsa Expedition: Meeting Lael Alexander & Building the Future of Alpha (April 30 - May 1, 2025)
From: Gary Sheng
Purpose: To solidify a potentially world-changing partnership between Alpha Schools and Dr. Lael Alexander ("The Wizard," "Real Tony Stark," the strategic mind behind Shenzhen's rise) and explore collaboration opportunities for invited creators and entrepreneurs.
Welcome Creators, Collaborators, and Superheroes!
This trip is an epic follow-up to the energy generated at the First Supper. We are heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma, the operational hub for Dr. Lael Alexander – a visionary scientist, manufacturer, and systems architect who Joe Liemandt (our "Steve Jobs") sees as the potential "Wozniak" needed to revolutionize global education.
Why Lael? Why Now?
Lael possesses the unique capability to design and build the entire integrated ecosystem for the "Tesla of Schools":
- Curriculum & Pedagogy: Deep insights into learning and human potential.
- Hardware: Designing bespoke tablets, computers (e.g., "AlphaBooks"), sensors, cameras.
- Software: Creating the operating systems ("AlphaOS") and integrated digital web ("AlphaCampus") connecting students, guides, and administrators globally.
- Infrastructure: Manufacturing the physical school buildings (think modular, high-tech micro-schools like "Alpha Mechanics") and even planning hyper-advanced cities ("Emerald City").
He needs visionary, well-capitalized customers to fund his science and bring these innovations to the world. Alpha Schools is poised to be a primary partner.
The Opportunity for You
Lael is a master builder who can help creators create – whether it's clothing lines, apps, businesses, manufacturing processes, or schools. This trip is designed for those ready to:
- Learn: Understand Lael's vision and capabilities firsthand.
- Collaborate: Identify concrete, win-win opportunities where your ventures can partner with Lael's company, Noidavani (remembering he needs paying customers).
- Build: Potentially solidify roles or agreements within the expanding Alpha Schools ecosystem itself.
The Plan (Subject to Flow)
- Wednesday, April 30th:
- By 12:00 PM: Arrive at Tulsa International Airport (TUL).
- Afternoon: Tour Lael's facilities.
- Evening: Convene at a coworking space for a working dinner (food ordered in), brainstorming, and strategizing.
- Thursday, May 1st:
- Morning/Afternoon: Visit to Lael & Lakeida's home for deeper dives.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Departures from TUL. (I personally plan to take a ~6:30 PM flight).
Our Collective Goals (Gary & RJ Roberts tasked with document creation)
This is an outcome-oriented trip. By the time we leave Thursday, RJ and I aim to have:
- Draft Contract: A working draft agreement between Noidavani and Alpha Schools ready for Joe.
- Model Schools Plan: A 12-month plan to kickstart ~25 high-profile, branded "Model Schools" (partnering with major names/brands).
- Incentive Framework: A game plan outlining how contributors to the Alpha movement can be rewarded (financially or otherwise) for specific valuable actions (e.g., intros, recruitment, political unlocks).
Your Potential Goals
Think about your desired outcomes:
- A Role with Alpha? Leave with a clear path (contractor agreement, outcome-oriented job description) to contributing formally.
- A Partnership with Lael? Develop a specific proposal outlining the win-win, ensuring Lael/Noidavani see clear value and a path to revenue.
If you're primarily here to observe rather than actively build and propose, this might not be the right trip. We're looking for motivated individuals ready to make things happen.
Logistics
- Flights: Book your own flights to arrive at TUL by Wednesday noon (4/30) and depart late Thursday (5/1).
- Accommodation: Book your own lodging. Downtown Tulsa near the Gathering Place is recommended (Gary staying at a hotel there). Airbnb or hotels are both fine.
- Ground Transport: We will rely on Uber/Lyft for local travel. Tulsa is relatively small with minimal traffic.
- Expenses: Please note that participants are responsible for their own flight, lodging, and local transport costs unless previously arranged otherwise.
- Contact: Reach out to me (Gary) with any urgent questions.
Get ready for an inspiring and potentially pivotal couple of days. Let's capitalize on this energy and build the future!