Since moving to the U.S., I’ve been faced with many moments of cultural adjustment. Having previously lived in Europe and Asia, I’ve learned to embrace differences — but understanding them deeply is what helps me feel grounded and find a place where I can truly thrive.
You can probably guess the biggest shock I experienced (and one that many newcomers mention): the dominance of cars. Massive highways, towering pick-up trucks, and the ever-present idea that car = freedom. I thought I was prepared — I’d seen the movies, after all! — but living it daily is a very different story.
That led me to question something I’ve been committed to for years: reducing car dependency. Is that mission even feasible here?
In my quest to find the answer, I’ve taken three recent steps:
1) Deepening conversations
I started reaching out to people in my network to hear their views on sustainability — especially at the local level. One exchange stood out so much that I turned it into an episode of Urban Innovate TALKS. In it, I speak with Tammy L. Seale, Principal at PlaceWorks, about what climate action looks like in her work and how she maintains optimism in a polarized world. Watch it here.
2) Seeking community
I joined 9Zero, a co-working space in San Francisco gathering founders, investors, scientists, and innovators all committed to climate action. Being surrounded by like-minded people matters more than ever.
3) Doubling down on solutions
I continue to scale pulsur, the tool we built at Urban Innovate to help cities understand how and why people move the way they do. It’s not just about data — it’s about unlocking the reasons behind behaviors and helping planners build a culture of listening and adaptation. Whether someone already rides green or not yet, their voice matters.
So I leave you with a simple question: What steps do you take to find solutions in the face of big challenges?
