Creating places where people can connect and thrive has been at the heart of my professional interests for almost 30 years in consultancy and public sector. My current role at Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency was preceded with involvement in urban development work across the UK, northern Europe, Bangladesh, Latin America and Russia. I trained as a transport planner and engineer, and am excited about the future of cities as they evolve to absorb new technology, adapt to climate change and accommodate a new set of expectations with each generation. I find the complex environment of cities to be stimulating, dynamic and challenging. Growing urban environments demands our best collective response to allow them to be the places where people can live healthily for current and future generations. I have been privileged to facilitate part of that conversation for many years, and it continues to be a joy to do so.