In this compelling episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, recorded at the Smart Cities Summit North America in San Francisco, Fanni Melles, PhD, sits down with Michael Lake, President and CEO of Leading Cities, to discuss the evolving concept of smart cities and the challenges and opportunities they face.

Leading Cities, a global nonprofit headquartered in Boston, drives sustainability and resilience in communities worldwide. Mike shares his vision of smart cities as communities that foster thriving, equitable, and resilient environments, not just through technology but through holistic human-centered approaches. From the broken promise of technology to the need for new economic models, Mike addresses the inequities of wealth distribution and proposes innovative solutions like universal basic income and data dividends. He also highlights Leading Cities’ groundbreaking initiatives, including the AcceliCity Resilience Challenge and LC3, to scale impactful solutions.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about reimagining urban futures with creativity and purpose!

Key Takeaways
0:00 - Introduction: The Broken Promise of Technology
1:20 - Welcome to the Smart Cities Council Podcast!
1:50 - Introducing Michael Lake and Leading Cities
2:30 - What Does "Smart City" Mean to Michael?
4:00 - Resilience: Preparing and Bouncing Back Better
5:30 - The Proactive Nature of Resilience
6:00 - Anti-Fragility: Learning from Shocks to Improve
8:40 - Sustainability vs. Resilience: Enabling Longevity
11:30 - Biggest Challenges: Outdated Economic Models
14:20 - The Inequity of Wealth in the Tech Era
17:30 - Opportunities: Universal Basic Income and Data Dividends
20:00 - The Threat of Concentrated Wealth
22:40 - Technology as Advancement, Not Just Gadgets
25:20 - Balancing Technology with Human Connection
26:20 - Dubai’s Happiness Index: Measuring What Matters
28:20 - Takeaways from the Summit: A World of Solutions
30:20 - Leading Cities’ Projects: AcceliCity and LC3
33:30 - Closing Thoughts: Imagine and Create the Future

Learn More About Michael Lake and Leading Cities: 

 * Michael Lake [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-e-lake/] on LinkedIn

 * Leading Cities [https://leadingcities.org/about/18538ddc-bca3-473c-9829-948ba081912a] website 

 * Leading Cities [https://www.linkedin.com/company/leading-cities/] on LinkedIn

 * @LeadingCities [https://x.com/LeadingCities] on X

 

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Reimagining Smart Cities: Resilience, Technology, and Innovation with Michael Lake from Leading Cities

In this compelling episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, recorded at the Smart Cities Summit North America in San Francisco, Fanni Melles, PhD, sits down with Michael Lake, President and CEO of Leading Cities, to discuss the evolving concept of smart cities and the challenges and opportunities they face.

Tune in for the interview!

Trailer for Reimagining Smart Cities with Michael Lake from Leading Cities

Join us in this episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast as we dive into the world of blockchain technology with Pascal Hostetler, Global Thought Leader for Blockchain.

Discover how blockchain is transforming industries beyond cryptocurrency, with real-world applications like Bitcoin mining for home heating and the rise of stablecoins like FrankenCoin. Pascal breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand insights, shares his personal journey in the blockchain space, and offers tips for anyone looking to explore this revolutionary technology. Expect engaging discussions, expert knowledge, and a peek into the future of smart cities powered by blockchain!

Key Takeaways:

0:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=0s] What Challenges Are Holding the Blockchain Community Back? 🤔

0:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=52s] Welcome to the Smart Cities Council Podcast! 🎙️

3:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=186s] What Exactly Is Blockchain? 🔗

6:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=375s] What Is the Purpose of Blockchain? 🎯

7:39 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=459s] Why Focus on Bitcoin? 💰

10:41 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=641s] My Journey Into Blockchain: Why It Matters 🌟

11:34 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=694s] Tackling the Toughest Challenges in Blockchain 🚧

14:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=840s] Major Opportunities in Blockchain You Shouldn’t Miss! 🌟

15:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=910s] Top Tips for Beginners Diving Into Blockchain 📚

16:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qr14c2oEKM&t=1000s] Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks 🎤

Learn more about Pascal:

Pascal Hostettler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-hostettler-75b114117/]on LinkedIn

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 * ⁠⁠SCC website⁠⁠ [https://www.smartcitiescouncil.com/]
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Give us a shout:Have questions or comments? Email us on our website ⁠⁠https://www.smartcitiescouncil.com/contact⁠⁠ [https://www.smartcitiescouncil.com/contact] or tweet us @SmartCitiesCouncil with the hashtag #SCCPodcast.

Closing Comments:

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast! If you enjoyed the insights into the future of smart cities, there’s plenty more where that came from. Subscribe now to stay updated on new episodes featuring exclusive conversations with our members shaping smarter cities. Don’t miss out—join us on this journey and keep exploring the world of smart cities!

Blockchain is a decentralized, immutable ledger technology - Pascal Hostettler

Join us in this episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast as we dive into the world of blockchain technology with Pascal Hostetler, Global Thought Leader for Blockchain. Check back for the full interview!

Trailer for Blockchain is a decentralized, immutable ledger technology - Pascal Hostettler

In this insightful episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, Fanni Melles, PhD, hosts Jacob Clayton, Co-founder and CEO of SAGINT, and Nicholas Kairis, Chief Legal Officer of SAGINT, to explore the critical role of digital assets and regulation in shaping smart cities.

Jacob, a Marine Corps Reserve Lieutenant Colonel with 18 years of service, leads SAGINT’s mission to develop digital asset infrastructure for smart cities, drawing from his experience managing operations at Camp Leatherneck and advancing USMC electric vehicles. Nicholas, a legal expert with a background in banking, finance, and international trade law across Greece, Germany, Cyprus, the UAE, and the US, brings his expertise in regulating digital securities in the UAE.

Together, they unpack the five first principles of a well-functioning city—clear regulations, planning, resource management, custody, and trade—and discuss how digital assets, particularly utility tokens, can optimize essential services like waste management, water, and electricity. From the historical evolution of cities to the delicate balance of regulation, this episode dives deep into how smart cities can leverage technology to reduce friction in urban operations while ensuring robust, balanced regulatory frameworks.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation on the future of decentralized finance and smart urban ecosystems!

Key Takeaways
0:00 - Introduction: The Need for Balanced Regulation in Digital Assets
1:20 - Welcome to the Smart Cities Council Podcast!
1:40 - Introducing Jacob Clayton and Nicholas Kairis from SAGINT
2:40 - Defining a Smart City: First Principles and Historical Context
5:00 - What is a City? From Greek Polis to Modern Urban Systems
8:10 - The Role of Interconnectivity in Ancient and Modern Cities
15:20 - The Importance of Regulation in Smart Cities
18:00 - Digital Assets: Streamlining Processes and Reducing Friction
21:30 - Categories of Digital Assets: Cryptocurrencies, Utility Tokens, Stablecoins, and Security Tokens
29:20 - Balancing Regulation and Innovation: Lessons from the UAE and Beyond
33:20 - Regulation as a Tool for Market Stability and Growth
36:30 - Utility Tokens in Smart Cities: Managing Essential Services
39:30 - Challenges of Fragmented Regulation in Digital Assets
45:00 - Closing Thoughts: Raising Awareness for Balanced Regulation

Learn More About Jacob Clayton and SAGINT:

 * ⁠Jacob Clayton⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-c-9422641a/] on LinkedIn

 * Nicholas Kairi [https://www.saudi-investment-group.com/executive-team/]s at Saudi Investment Group

 * ⁠SAGINT⁠ [http://www.sagint.com/] website

 * ⁠SAGINT ⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sagint/]on LinkedIn

 * ⁠@SagintInc⁠ [https://x.com/SagintInc] as SAGINT on X

 

Connect with Us:

FOLLOW US ON:

 * ⁠⁠⁠⁠SCC website⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.smartcitiescouncil.com/]

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 * ⁠⁠⁠⁠SCC⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/smartcitiescouncil/⁠] on Instagram

 * ⁠⁠⁠⁠SCC⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/smartccouncil] on X

Give us a shout:

Have questions or comments? Email us on our website

Building Smarter Cities: Digital Assets and the Power of Regulation with Jacob Clayton and Nicholas Kairis from SAGINT

In this insightful episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, Fanni Melles, PhD, hosts Jacob Clayton, Co-founder and CEO of SAGINT, and Nicholas Kairis, Chief Legal Officer of SAGINT, to explore the critical role of digital assets and regulation in shaping smart cities.

Trailer for Building Smarter Cities with Jacob Clayton and Nicholas Kairis from SAGINT

In this insightful episode, we unravel the intricate relationship between integrity and ethics, exploring how our understanding of right and wrong shapes our actions in personal and professional realms.

Our guest Darren Murphy shares eye-opening insights on the rise of corporate misconduct and the shifting societal expectations surrounding ethical behavior. We delve into the vital role of whistleblowing, discussing how organizations can cultivate a culture of accountability while protecting whistleblowers. Join us for a compelling conversation that challenges us to rethink our responsibilities in fostering integrity, especially within the context of smart cities and governance. Don't miss it!

Key Takeaways

0:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=0s] - What Do Integrity, Governance, Anti-Fraud, and Corruption Mean for Smart Cities? 🤔

0:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=46s] - Greetings, and welcome to the Smart Cities Council Podcast! 👋

2:26 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=146s] - Understanding Integrity, Governance, Anti-Fraud, and Corruption 📚

3:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=233s] - Can You Differentiate Between Integrity and Ethics? ⚖️

4:38 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=278s] - Should Right and Wrong Be Universal for Everyone? 🌍

6:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=400s] - Are We Redefining Right and Wrong in Business? 💼

9:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=595s] - Positive Insights on Misconduct Trends 📈

10:44 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=644s] - Navigating Misconduct Detection and Cultural Sensitivity 🧭

1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=948s]5:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=948s] - Balancing Whistleblower Protection and Accountability 🔒

21:12 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=1272s] - The Most Effective Approach to Addressing Corporate Challenges 🛠️

23:18 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=1398s] - Defining Integrity, Governance, Anti-Fraud, and Corruption in the Context of Smart Cities 🏙️

25:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=1531s] - Exploring the Major Challenges in Integrity and Governance ❗

28:41 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=1721s] - Does the Journey Ever End? 🚀

30:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=1857s] - What Are the Biggest Opportunities Ahead? 🌟

32:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=1945s] - Exploring Your Journey 🔍

34:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=2053s] - Essential Steps to Combat Fraud and Corruption 🛡️

35:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFb91R5i-q4&t=2156s] - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks 🗣️

Learn more a

Integrity: knowing right, acting right, holding accountable - Darren Murphy

In this insightful episode, we unravel the intricate relationship between integrity and ethics, exploring how our understanding of right and wrong shapes our actions in personal and professional realms.

Check back for the full interview!

Trailer for Integrity: knowing right, acting right, holding accountable - Darren Murphy

In this engaging episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, Fanni Melles, PhD, sits down with Brian Flanagan from Ingram Micro and Kelvin Lwin from Centific to explore the transformative role of AI in smart cities.  

Brian, a retired U.S. Air Force senior non-commissioned officer and business development executive, drives smart cities, ed tech, and public safety initiatives at Ingram Micro, one of the world’s largest IT distributors.

Kelvin, a computer science and AI expert with 20 years of meditation practice, leads Centific’s efforts in building ethical, empathetic AI, including the Assistive Learning Intelligence Navigator.

Together, they discuss what makes a city smart, the necessity of technology, and AI’s evolution from intelligent assistance to ambient intelligence. From real-world wins like AI-powered police reports to the ethical challenges of data and centralization, this conversation offers a balanced look at AI’s promise and pitfalls.  

Tune in for insights on building smarter, more human-centered cities! 

Key Takeaways
0:00 - Introduction: AI as Ambient Intelligence
1:20 - Welcome to the Smart Cities Council Podcast!
1:40 - Introducing Brian Flanagan and Kelvin Lwin
3:20 - What Does "Smart City" Mean to Brian and Kelvin?
4:40 - Can a City Be Smart Without Technology?
7:10 - The Genie’s Out of the Bottle: Technology’s Inevitability
8:40 - AI’s Impact on Work-Life Balance and Fragility
10:20 - What Does AI Mean to Brian and Kelvin?
12:30 - AI’s Energy, Water, and Food Challenges
14:10 - The Cost of AI Pleasantries and Misaligned Incentives
15:20 - Open Source AI: Transparency vs. Guardrails
18:30 - AI as a Centralizing Force and Human Problem
21:00 - The Need for Wisdom in AI Adoption
22:50 - Ethical Burdens on Technologists
24:20 - The Dangers of Information in AI Systems
26:30 - Positive AI Examples: Safe Cities and First Responders
30:20 - Centific’s Verity: Automating Police Reports
31:20 - Closing Thoughts: Lean In and Stay Literate

Learn more about Brian Flanagan and Ingram Micro:

 * ⁠Brian Flanagan⁠ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-flanagan-546652217/__;!!KDf9ebxpXGLC!AVZR4JyNaMJ3R8TYDux6F_lARCtl6oEt6MdNCmZMugZzzK-JK_877kN-G0_qWaZwDdBRRLcdC-kgp8o7TE0vmflHjF6gNHBhatrfuHM$] on LinkedIn

 * ⁠⁠Ingram Micro⁠ [https://www.ingrammicro.com/]⁠ website

 * ⁠⁠Ingram Micro⁠ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingram-micro/__;!!KDf9ebxpXGLC!AVZR4JyNaMJ3R8TYDux6F_lARCtl6oEt6MdNCmZMugZzzK-JK_877kN-G0_qWaZwDdBRRLcdC-kgp8o7TE0vmflHjF6gNHBhFH3ntWs$]⁠ on LinkedIn

 * ⁠@IngramMicroInc⁠ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://x.com/IngramMicroInc__;!!KDf9ebxpXGLC!AVZR4JyNaMJ3R8TYDux6F_lARCtl6oEt6MdNCmZMugZzzK-JK_877kN-G0_qWaZwDdBRRLcdC-kgp8o7TE0vmflHjF6gNHBhf9emh3A$] as ⁠Ingram Micro⁠ on X

 * Kelvin Lwin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvinlwin/] on LinkedIn

 * Centific [https://centific.com/] website

 * Centific [https://www.linkedin.com/company/centificglobal/] on LinkedIn

 * @CentificGlobal [https://x.com/centificglobal] as Centific on X

Connect with Us:

FOLLOW US ON:

 * ⁠SCC website⁠ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.smartcitiescouncil.com/__;!!KDf9ebxpXGLC!AVZR4JyNaMJ3R8TYDux6F_lARCtl6oEt6MdNCmZMugZzzK-JK_877kN-G0_qWaZwDdBRRLcdC-kgp8o7TE0vmflHjF6gNHBhMrOfj38$]

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AI and Smart Cities: Balancing Innovation and Ethics with Brian Flanagan from Ingram Micro and Kelvin Lwin from Centific

In this engaging episode of the Smart Cities Council Podcast, Fanni Melles, PhD, sits down with Brian Flanagan from Ingram Micro and Kelvin Lwin from Centific to explore the transformative role of AI in smart cities.

Tune in for the interview!

Trailer for AI and Smart Cities: Balancing Innovation and Ethics with Brian Flanagan from Ingram Micro and Kelvin Lwin from Centific

Welcome to The Smart Cities Chronicles - the premier podcast on smart cities action and investment. The Chronicles is hosted by the Smart Cities Council, the worlds largest network of smart cities companies, policy makers and practitioners. More information is available at www.smartcitieschronicles.com

Smart Cities Chronicles

Join us as the Smart Cities Council team and members from around the world talk to the people and places advancing the application of science, data, technology, and engineering to enable a safer, more activated, beautiful, and sustainable world now for the future, for everyone.

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