Toronto: A Great Story

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining a delegation of business and civic leaders on a "City to City" visit to Toronto, led by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the trip was to learn from and be inspired by a city in the midst of tremendous growth (there are currently more cranes in Toronto than in all other major North American cities combined) and facing challenges similar to those we see in Boston (housing, climate/clean energy, transportation, immigration, racial inequities, etc.).

Throughout the trip, we met with numerous people who are leading efforts on each of these issues—from the Mayor, ministers and other government officials to VCs, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives. The conversations were both inspiring and educational, leading to valuable takeaways, ideas, and new relationships.

However, as a marketing professional, there was one aspect that struck me most: there was a clear moral to Toronto’s story - a core belief that guides them.

While each speaker and delegate had their own unique perspective and area of expertise, every one of them consistently shared what made Toronto, well, Toronto. I don't think these exact words were ever used, but the essence was clear: Our unique differences make us stronger together.

I believe this common belief/moral is one of the fundamental reasons Toronto is experiencing such incredible growth. Here’s why:

1. A Common Purpose.? Having a shared belief/purpose causes everyone to move in the same direction and helps create alignment and collaboration. From climate and culture to technology and transportation, each leader highlighted how the city’s multicultural fabric informs and drives decisions.
2. A Shared Sense of Pride.? Those who live and work in Toronto are proud to be part of this unique, strong, and growing multicultural fabric. They seek to contribute to it and work to sustain (and strengthen) it. Even the random couple I chatted with in a coffee shop (just after they finished the Toronto Marathon) spoke with pride about thr many different people and cultures who gave them support and motivation along the route.
3. A Strong Attraction.? This underlying belief/moral is doing more than just attracting people who may want to live and work in Toronto. In speaking with others from the Boston delegation, it was clear that this spirit intrigued and inspired us, wanting to experience even more. I’m sure many of us will find ourselves visiting Toronto again soon.
4. An Own-able Position.? As a city built by immigrants (more than 50% of Toronto’s residents were born outside Canada), this moral/belief is not only true but deeply "ownable" for Toronto. Few other places in the world offer such a rich tapestry of cultures.
5. A Foundation for Resilience.? In embracing this belief/moral, Toronto has built a resilient community. By fostering inclusion and valuing unique perspectives, the city can better adapt to challenges and embrace creative solutions. This sense of unity strengthens Toronto’s ability to grow and thrive.

Of course, every city has its challenges, and Toronto is no exception. But having a clear, shared understanding of what they stand for/what guides them makes them stronger than most. I can only hope that we can find a similar belief in our own cities, states, and country in the days, months, and years ahead. (If you haven’t already, be sure to vote!)

As always, I hope you enjoyed this post. Feel free to share it with anyone who might find it interesting, and I’d love to hear your thoughts here.