Category Archive: Uncategorized

  1. How to Rebuild Trust

    How to Rebuild Trust

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    In 2020 our world was upended and today…

    A convergence of crises—the global pandemic, political divisiveness, vexing income inequality, social and racial injustice, the climate crisis and global migration—affects everyone’s daily life and especially our ability to trust. Witnessing this “trust deficit” set in motion a new realization that reimagining our future urban life would require a different approach to solving difficult problems.  Could we learn to see the world through the lens of others?

    We were compelled to explore the foundations for a trusting society and launched a unique process called Question Storming—engaging over 200 people from 30 countries around the globe, from all walks of life, diverse cultures and many political perspectives.  We asked, “How Can We Rebuild Trust in a Broken World?

    This report summarizes empirical evidence from twenty “Question Storming” sessions, sharing insights and recommending decisive actions that create trustworthiness.

  2. Podcast: How sustainable is a society within four walls?

    Podcast: How sustainable is a society within four walls?

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    Is it possible to maintain a resilient economic activity only working from home? Also, figures show that we are working even more during the lockdown. What impact will this have on social relations and cities, which are mainly based on human interaction? Is teleworking a one-shot solution or has it come to stay? If so, should we adapt teleworking to our society before we got adapted to it?

    Together with Sandra Baer, CEO of Personal Cities, we will try to shed some light on this issue.

  3. Podcast: Been There Done That

    Podcast: Been There Done That

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    Susan Osman in conversation with, Sandra Baer, the president of Personal Cities, a company that focuses on city branding, social inclusion, and the acceleration of digital technology.

  4. Wirelessly Yours Podcast

    Wirelessly Yours Podcast

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    The Wirelessly Yours podcast, hosted by my colleague, Ziad Mater, in Dubai focuses on cities of the future and new technology that connects all of us, wirelessly. We discuss how cities are rebuilding themselves for a braver, stronger, more resilient and united tomorrow.

  5. Interview with Sandra Baer by Givful CEO, Pat Shea on LinkedIn

    Interview with Sandra Baer by Givful CEO, Pat Shea on LinkedIn

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    Givful is a technology platform that makes workplace giving, volunteerism and grants management more reflective for companies more meaningful for employers, and more meaningful for the world. Their mission is to engage the world in giving and receiving daily. Their service is to simplify an automate the way people volunteer and give:  If just 1 in 8 adult Americans make a donation of $25, non-profits would receive $1B of additional resources.

  6. Disaster Recovery Journal Industry Roundtable—Pragmatic Solutions from City and Industry Leaders

    Disaster Recovery Journal Industry Roundtable—Pragmatic Solutions from City and Industry Leaders

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    Now more than ever, we are turning to world-class authorities to give us practical guidance and show by example the best path ahead for our uncertain future. Hear assessments of actions in cities to mobilize their recovery for public health, public safety and a return to economic prosperity. We focus on new solutions for recovery and resilience as we move forward. You will hear how cities are forming new coalitions to support the full community of players—government, private sector, nonprofits, philanthropies, entrepreneurs, organizers and individuals. Our goal is to provide new insights, a reimagining of cities to renew our confidence in our ability to change, grow and prosper.

  8. Event: Women Business Collaborative Mayors Roundtable: Mayors Taking the Lead to a Reimagined Future

    Event: Women Business Collaborative Mayors Roundtable: Mayors Taking the Lead to a Reimagined Future

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    WBC Mayors Roundtable:  Mayors Taking the Lead to a Reimagined Future

    As CEOs of their cities, Mayors understand the need to support small and medium enterprises in their cities. In Reno, NV, Mayor Hillary Schieve is providing special funding programs like Kiva to support local business. Mayor Andy Berke in Chattanooga, TN, is helping students and families with fast internet across the city. In Burnsville, MN, Mayor Elizabeth Kautz is using Cares Act money to directly help local businesses. By building new coalitions between government and philanthropy, Mayor Libby Schaaf is expanding Oakland, CA’s ability to meet the growing needs of the community.

  9. Question Storming—The Call to Action for All Global Urban Stakeholders

    Question Storming—The Call to Action for All Global Urban Stakeholders

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    Of all the world’s challenges—uniquely expressed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)—we believe every community, every society will benefit by implementing “Question Storming.”  Before jumping to solutions, before investing in technology, before failing to hear “all the voices”—we are confident, all are ready for smarter, better answers and bolder actions.  

    As advocates for Question/Solution Storming, we want to enlist your help.  First, to ask the difficult questions about the top challenges you are facing and second, to do your part to use Question Storming as your guide to discover new solutions. We welcome your ideas and insights. We are available to work with you to guide your Question Storming initiatives. In addition, as you discover solutions, we can help you craft the strategy to design and implement initiatives that lead to bolder, better actions.  Please contact Sandra Baer: sandra@personalcities.org to learn more and do more. 

    Below is a link to one of our Question Storming sessions, “How to Rebuild Trust in a Broken World?” held in September 2020. It provides an introduction and the “ground rules” for this innovative approach.  

  10. Question Storming to “Rebuild Trust”

    Question Storming to “Rebuild Trust”

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    Chris Gassman is the host of The Market and The Good, a podcast highlighting how-to actionable insights from CEOs to everyday people who are intuitively thinking about how to make money by making the world a better place. His exemplary interviews help us see what is possible for a more sustainable, livable planet.