Rethinking Our Dominant Currency

Every city has its own currency.

And no, I’m not talking about money.

I’m talking about what its citizens and leaders prioritize and strive for – 

The values that shape the culture and behavior of its people. This central currency influences what is celebrated, pursued, and replicated by its citizens.

Here are some examples:

• Dubai: Luxury  
• Tokyo: Precision  
• Zurich: Discretion
• Shanghai: Growth  
• Los Angeles: Fame  
• New York City: Money  
• Washington, D.C.: Power  

But what if we could choose differently? 

Imagine if the dominant currency in our cities wasn’t money, fame, or power, but something more profound?

Here are some ideas:

1/ Love

What if we measured success by how often we opened our hearts to others?

2/ Courage

What if we celebrated the courage it takes to be vulnerable and authentic?

3/ Resilience

What if we valued the strength to get up and try again, no matter how many times we stumble?

4/ Alignment

What if we honored those who make choices that reflect their deepest values and prioritize living with purpose?

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Currency is not fixed; it is a choice. 

The values and dominant traits of a society are shaped by its citizens and leaders. By consciously choosing and nurturing different currencies, we can create communities that celebrate love, courage, resilience, and alignment over conventional metrics.

What if we chose differently? 

What if we redefined the currency of our cities? 

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I’d love to hear from you:

What do you want your city’s true currency to be?