Smart in the City – The BABLE Podcast

Recorded live at the ChangeNOW event in Paris, in this episode, Mimi Eelman , Innovation Manager for Energy at the City of Amsterdam, shares her journey from geological studies and early climate awareness to spearheading energy innovation projects in one of Europe’s most forward-thinking cities. The conversation explores how lived experience shapes inclusive leadership, highlighting the importance...

In this episode, recorded live at the Change Now Summit in Paris, where BABLE was a media partner, Marian Zachar , member of the Climate Office of the City of Bratislava, shares his journey from international relations and youth development to pioneering urban climate leadership. The conversation explores Bratislava’s evolving climate agenda, highlighting how long-term vision, systemic change, and...

In this first episode of a special UITP series—produced in partnership with the UITP Summit 2025, where BABLE is a media partner— Mohamed Mezghani , Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), shares insights from his distinguished career in public transport and urban mobility. The conversation explores how shifts in societal expectations and climate concerns hav...

In this episode, David Monteau , Director of Economic Development, Attractiveness and Digital Affairs at the Greater Paris Metropolis, and Francesco Travagli , Director of Investment Promotion and Facilitation at Choose Paris Region, share their insights on transforming urban innovation through collaboration and experimentation. The conversation explores how Greater Paris is leveraging its dynamic...

In this episode, Paul TenHaken , Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, shares his remarkable journey from launching a successful digital marketing business to serving as the leader of the state’s largest city. The conversation explores how entrepreneurial thinking and innovative public-private partnerships have helped manage rapid urban growth, while emphasising the importance of humility, transpare...

In this episode, Tom Rose , Mayor of Stephenville, Canada, shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a rural community to spearheading a bold vision for green innovation. The conversation explores how lived experience shapes inclusive leadership, highlighting the importance of education, long-term thinking, and strategic collaboration in public service. Tom discusses the challenges and oppo...

In this episode, Shahin Ashraf , Mayor of Solihull, UK, shares her remarkable journey from humanitarian fieldwork and advocacy to becoming the borough’s first minority female mayor. The conversation explores how lived experience shapes inclusive leadership, highlighting the importance of empathy, visibility, and grassroots engagement in public service. Shaheen discusses the challenges of confronti...

In this episode, Joe Gallo , Executive Director of the Illinois Smart City and Region Association (ISCRA) and former City Mayor, shares his journey from the high-tech medical field to leading digital transformation initiatives in Illinois communities. The conversation explores the role of healthy scepticism in evaluating Smart City technologies, emphasising the importance of long-term planning, in...

In this episode, Michael Hammett , Director of the Office of Innovation at the City of Phoenix, Arizona, and Arturo Castello , Deputy Technical Director at Valencia Innovation Capital, delve into the concept of the Citiverse and how their cities are embracing human-centred innovation. Michael shares Phoenix’s challenge of creating shaded, heat-resilient pathways to enhance mobility and wellbeing i...

In this co-branded episode recorded in Chicago, US, co-host George Burciaga , Managing Partner of the U.S. Mayoral Roundtable, joins forces with us to interview Alderman Gilbert Villegas of Chicago’s 36th Ward and Chair of the Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development. The conversation explores how Chicago is embracing innovation to create more seamless, equitable public service d...

In this co-branded episode recorded in Chicago, US, co-host George Burciaga , Managing Partner of the U.S. Mayoral Roundtable, joins forces with us to interview Commissioner Bill Lowry of Cook County’s 3rd District (Chicago, US). Representing one of the most populous counties in the U.S., Lowry shares his powerful journey from personal adversity to public service and leadership. Together, they exp...

In this episode,  Nina Idemudia , Chief Executive Officer at the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), shares her powerful journey from Detroit to leading one of the US’s most community-focused, data-driven organisations. She discusses equitable urban planning, transportation justice, housing resilience, and how lived experience shapes effective policy. The episode also explores how CNT is res...

In this episode, Michael Pegues , Chief Information Officer of the City of Aurora, Illinois, and Tom White , Innovation and Net Zero Director at Thames Freeport in London, discuss their cities’ approaches to digital innovation and citizen-centric transformation. The conversation delves into Aurora’s vision for a zero-carbon Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform and Thames Freeport’s mission to ens...

Neste episódio, Dalila Sepúlveda , Diretora do Ambiente e Sustentabilidade do Município de Guimarães, partilha a jornada da cidade rumo ao título de Capital Verde Europeia 2025 . A conversa explora as iniciativas sustentáveis de Guimarães, incluindo o Laboratório da Paisagem , estratégias de envolvimento da comunidade e esforços para a descarbonização. Dalila destaca ainda o papel da educação, do...

In this episode, Barthélémy Rochat , Chief Digital Officer of the City of Biel/Bienne , shares insights into the city’s digital transformation journey and its unique identity as a bilingual, industrial, and highly liveable urban centre . He discusses the challenges and opportunities of digital innovation in Switzerland’s federal system, highlighting the importance of collaboration, structured gove...

In this episode, Mark Collins , Head of Future Transport at Transport for West Midlands and Director at ITS UK, discusses the ambitious vision for the future of mobility in the West Midlands. With a background in mechanical engineering and experience at Jaguar Land Rover, he shares insights into innovative transport projects, including demand-responsive transport, mobility as a service, and the ro...

In this episode, Óskar Jörgen Sandholt , Director of Service and Innovation at the City of Reykjavík, shares insights into the city’s digital transformation journey. From pioneering fibre-optic connectivity to leading innovative service design, he discusses Reykjavík’s approach to user-centric urban solutions. Óskar highlights major initiatives, including the Better City for Children project, whic...

In our second episode of our  IMAGINE the Citiverse special series, we feature  Roland van der Heijden , Programme Manager of the Rotterdam Cityverse, and Alfredo Viglienzoni , ICT expert for the Municipality of Genova. The discussion explores the role of digital transformation in shaping the cities of the future, focusing on resilience, citizen engagement, and digital inclusion. Roland shares ins...

In this episode recorded live at the Global Mobility Call 2024 in Madrid, Benjamin de la Peña , CEO of the Shared-Use Mobility Center, explores how shared and popular transportation systems are key to creating equitable, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions worldwide. Benjamin discusses the overlooked role of informal or “popular” transportation—such as tuk-tuks, jeepneys, and minibus ta...

This episode features Frans Jorna , Chief Innovation and Information Officer at the City of Apeldoorn, Netherlands, and board member of the Dutch Metropolitan Innovations Ecosystem. He shares insights into Apeldoorn’s approach to urban innovation, digital transformation, and the collaborative efforts of mid-sized Dutch cities to scale sustainable solutions. The discussion explores the Dutch Metrop...

In this episode recorded live at the Global Mobility Call 2024 in Madrid, Oliver Kroner , Director of the Office of Environment and Sustainability for the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA , shares how the city is tackling the climate crisis through innovation, equity, and resilience. Oliver discusses the transformative impact of the Green Cincinnati Plan, which guides efforts in renewable energy, ele...

This episode recorded live at the Global Mobility Call 2024 in Madrid features  Shin-pei Tsay,  Director of the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics for the City of Boston. The discussion explores Boston's innovative strategies for urban transformation, including proactive climate adaptation, heritage preservation through technology, and fostering inclusive mobility.    Our guest shares insights...

In the first episode of our  IMAGINE the Citiverse special series, we welcome back two esteemed guests: Teppo Rantanen , Executive Director of the City of Tampere, and Bas Boorsma , Founder and Partner of Urban Innovators Global. Together, they dive into the concept of the Citiverse, exploring its potential to transform urban life by merging digital and physical realities. From Tampere's initiativ...

In this episode recorded live at the Global Mobility Call 2024 in Madrid, Mayor  Richard Irvin and Chief Information Officer Michael Pegues of  Aurora, Illinois , share how the city is transforming into a model Smart City through innovation, technology, and visionary leadership. They discuss Aurora’s ambitious goals, including the "Internet for All" project, investments in smart infrastructure, an...

In this special last episode of the year, we take you back to the Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) 2024  in Sevilla, where we sat down with experts shaping the future of tourism and urban innovation. This on-the-ground episode dives into how smart technologies, data, and emerging trends are transforming urban tourism. Key guests include: Misa Labarile (European Commission) Daniel Martinez Junquera...