Speaking with Ashara Ekundayo was such a treat that I didn’t want to miss a word. This was one of those conversations where I didn’t even glance at the list of questions I’d prepared.

Ashara is a cultural strategist, she’s a committed supporter of the arts and she’s a deep thinker about how we can better value design, creativity, artist communities and ultimately the cultural assets that make a city worth living in.

Ashara is based in Oakland in California, which is fortuitious because I’ve just returned from a trip to neighbouring San Fransisco, where gentrification and urban renewal is rapidly changing the face of the city and threatens to smother the cultural value that makes it so special.

Ashara is in Sydney for the Impact Investment Summit so there’s another opportunity for people to experience Ahara’s energy and wisdom.

You can check out the website at www. johntreadgold.com for all the show notes.