Where should I live?

We've all asked ourselves that question at some point.

If you're chasing a dream in tech or business. Traditionally, that would mean heading to San Francisco or New York. But is it still true?

The Engine is a source of alpha for builders by builders.

A show, a newsletter, and a podcast.

But how realistic is this shift? Can you really turn any location into a thriving place for startups? 

That's what we explore in this episode with our guests, Nick Smoot and Chris Pennino.

Nick Smoot, an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder, has been championing the community-first, real estate-second approach for over a decade. 

His work has garnered recognition from major institutions like Google, Milken Institute, and others.

Nick is the author of BETTER - How to Build Creative Communities that Transform The World.

Nick is the author of BETTER - How to Build Creative Communities that Transform The World.

https://flourishingpledge.com/better-book

Chris Pennino brings a unique perspective as an architectural scholar focusing on Special Economic Zones and their impact on our living spaces. 

He's currently shaping the future of Vid Sertsya Budova, a new startup city near Kyiv. He's also the Chief of Research and Development at 
@buildcities.

Nick has been involved in the transformation of dozens of cities:

"I personally believe a startup city can be quite simply a city that's been in an industrial revolution malaise that finally decides they want to put both feet on the ground again and get out of bed and quit doomscrolling about their past."

Chris defines a startup ecosystem even broader - 

“any kind of pushback against perceived austerity or kind of staleness in one's perception of the built environment.”

Do you find yourself in a city that feels stuck in the past? 

You might be standing in the perfect starting line for a startup ecosystem!

Watch the show on our YouTube channel or listen in your favorite podcatcher.

Website: https://www.theenginemedia.xyz
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theenginemediaxyz

Since the pandemic, the rise of remote work has really shifted the paradigm.

You may be running your next big startup from a remote ski resort or a sunny Caribbean island, transforming your sleepy village into a bustling startup hub.