#122 Stephenville, Canada: Wind, Hydrogen and the Future of Smart Towns

05/14/25 • 37 min

In this episode, Tom Rose, Mayor of Stephenville, Canada, shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a rural community to spearheading a bold vision for green innovation. The conversation explores how lived experience shapes inclusive leadership, highlighting the importance of education, long-term thinking, and strategic collaboration in public service. Tom discusses the challenges and opportunities of transforming a small town into a global green energy hub, the potential of hydrogen and wind power, and how space-based technology and local wetlands contribute to sustainable infrastructure. He also reflects on the power of passion, resilience, and grassroots engagement in building truly smart, equitable communities.

Episode Overview:

[00:02:12] Teaser Question: “If Stephenville were a type of poutine, what would be on top?”

[00:03:26] Our guest’s background

[00:05:37] What makes Stephenville unique

[00:09:50] The wind-to-hydrogen project and its global significance

[00:14:45] What it takes to become the greenest town in Canada

[00:17:04] Innovative projects in Stephenville

[00:20:30] Addressing scepticism about small towns in climate efforts

[00:23:10] Bottlenecks and barriers to achieving sustainability goals

[00:25:03] Empowering communities despite geopolitical challenges

[00:26:15] Advice on leadership

[00:27:56] The worst advice received

[00:29:52] Global collaboration and partnerships

[00:31:32] Podcast Segment: Hot Take of the Day

[00:34:09] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

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Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.

And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

Episode Overview:

[00:02:12] Teaser Question: “If Stephenville were a type of poutine, what would be on top?”

[00:03:26] Our guest’s background

[00:05:37] What makes Stephenville unique

[00:09:50] The wind-to-hydrogen project and its global significance

[00:14:45] What it takes to become the greenest town in Canada

[00:17:04] Innovative projects in Stephenville

[00:20:30] Addressing scepticism about small towns in climate efforts

[00:23:10] Bottlenecks and barriers to achieving sustainability goals

[00:25:03] Empowering communities despite geopolitical challenges

[00:26:15] Advice on leadership

[00:27:56] The worst advice received

[00:29:52] Global collaboration and partnerships

[00:31:32] Podcast Segment: Hot Take of the Day

[00:34:09] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it!

Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.

And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

Previous Episode

#121 Solihull, UK: Bridging Divides with Bold Local Action

In this episode, Shahin Ashraf, Mayor of Solihull, UK, shares her remarkable journey from humanitarian fieldwork and advocacy to becoming the borough’s first minority female mayor. The conversation explores how lived experience shapes inclusive leadership, highlighting the importance of empathy, visibility, and grassroots engagement in public service. Shaheen discusses the challenges of confronting hate and misinformation, the urgency of climate action at the local level, and the role of education, compassion, and systemic disruption in building truly smart, equitable communities.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:01] Teaser Question: “What’s one little known or surprising fact about Solihull that you think more people should know?”
[00:03:16] Our guest’s background
[00:09:40] How international humanitarian work shaped her local leadership
[00:10:58] Goals as mayor and reflections on her term
[00:13:58] Challenges faced and systems she wishes she’d pushed harder on
[00:16:51] The role of education in addressing misinformation and promoting inclusion
[00:19:55] Facing criticism and using it as a catalyst for change
[00:23:07] Bridging climate goals with community engagement
[00:28:56] Vision for the future of Solihull and embedding kindness in leadership
[00:32:14] Podcast Segment: “Inspire Us” – shares a quote and reflections on urgency
[00:34:09] Ending Question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”

Like our show? Remember to subscribe and rate it!

Want to join us for an episode? Fill out the form on our Podcast Page.

And for more insights, visit our BABLE Smart Cities Knowledge Hub

Next Episode

#123 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, US: Leading with Heart and Data

In this episode, Paul TenHaken, Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, shares his remarkable journey from launching a successful digital marketing business to serving as the leader of the state’s largest city. The conversation explores how entrepreneurial thinking and innovative public-private partnerships have helped manage rapid urban growth, while emphasising the importance of humility, transparency, and bold experimentation in local governance. Paul discusses the impact of the 437 Project and his fitness initiatives on community health and mental wellbeing, addresses the balance between private investment and public responsibility, and reflects on the role of data, servant leadership, and vision in creating truly smart, inclusive cities.

Episode Overview:

[00:00:59] Teaser Question: “If you had to describe Sioux Falls with just three emojis, which emojis would you use and why?”

[00:03:11] Our guest’s background

[00:07:16] Bringing marketing and entrepreneurship to leadership

[00:11:38] Embracing experimentation and risk in city government

[00:17:42] Health and fitness advocacy: the 437 Project and mental health initiatives

[00:25:51] Public-private partnerships and the philanthropic role in Sioux Falls

[00:29:31] Addressing the challenges of rapid growth and housing affordability

[00:33:44] Lessons in leadership and decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic

[00:36:13] The importance and challenges of using data in local government

[00:39:04] Priorities for the final year in office

[00:41:11] Vision for Sioux Falls in 2050