In history there are many examples of towns that were left devastated when a major employer left. Many find themselves in a downward spiral, becoming poorer and poor with time. Yet there are a few exceptions. They are the cities that have chosen to reinvent themselves, completely change their identity, but most of all figured out a way to serve the world at large in meaningful ways. Sometimes even entire countries reinvent themselves.
It is possible to do but, it is not common. This is because it takes something other than pain to change. After all, if pain was what caused changed, countries in sub-Saharan Africa would probably be known as the most innovative countries in the world.
It is trust, not pain that serves as a conduit for innovation. People who are safe, comfortable and seeking to make the difference for others are much more likely to come with lasting innovation than people who are in desperation trying to survive.
We change and grow the most when we are shown a vision, when we are inspired, when there is trust in the air. The same is true for cities and towns. They will not be revitalized just because they need to be. They have to be revitalized through the deliberate effort.
The typical response is to do more of the same. It is not to take a step back and make changes. The highest potential for change is not with somebody who is struggling, but with somebody who already does well.
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