About the event:
For entrerpreneurs, product managers, designers, frontend engineers, founders, and anyone interested.
Anyone interested in Product or trying to get into Product Management is welcome.
How curiosity, relationships, and execution created a platform for urban innovation—and what's next.
Building a successful business isn't just about having expertise—it's about solving real problems, building meaningful relationships, and continuously evolving.
In this session, you'll hear the journey behind CitiesFirst: how a consulting practice grew into a global platform connecting leaders across cities, transportation, technology, and academia.
Our speaker will share practical lessons from building a niche consultancy, establishing credibility, winning clients, launching a podcast that became a powerful networking engine, and expanding into international partnerships and events.
Together, we'll explore:
How to identify and build around a real market problem
Lessons learned from growing a consulting business
Why relationships consistently outperform traditional marketing
How content can become a strategic asset for business growth
The evolution from consultancy to community and global platform
What's next: AI-powered advisory services, executive education, digital products, and new ways to connect urban innovation leaders
Rather than ending with a traditional Q&A, we'll finish with an interactive discussion about the future of project management, entrepreneurship, and urban innovation. Bring your ideas, challenges, and questions—we'll build the conversation together.
Whether you're a project manager, consultant, entrepreneur, public sector leader, or simply interested in building products and communities that create real impact, this session will leave you with practical insights and fresh perspectives on turning ideas into lasting value.
About our speaker:
Scott Shepard is an award-winning urban planner, entrepreneur, author, educator, and global thought