Abu Dhabi: Cities become truly livable when residents feel connected to them, take pride in their communities and see their own identity reflected in the places where they live, actor, producer and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds said during a fireside conversation in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking with Monocle editorial director and chairman Tyler Brûlé at an event focused on livability and investment, Reynolds said successful communities tend to develop a strong sense of identity and pride.
Abu Dhabi’s Transformation
Reynolds pointed to Abu Dhabi, Vancouver and the Welsh town of Wrexham as examples of places with distinct identities and community connections.
He described Abu Dhabi’s transformation from a pearl-diving community into a global capital as particularly striking.
According to Reynolds, cities do not have to be perfect to be livable. Instead, they need to create a strong sense of community and preserve the everyday experiences that help residents feel connected to their surroundings.
Wrexham’s Growing Sense of Pride
Reynolds also spoke about his experience as co-chairman of Wrexham AFC and the changes he has witnessed in the Welsh town.
When he first became involved, he said many residents would identify themselves as being from North Wales rather than Wrexham.
Six years later, he said that attitude had changed, with residents showing a stronger sense of pride and connection to the town.
Reynolds said the change was not simply the result of the football club’s success but because residents felt more visible and recognised as a community.
Tourism Growth and Community Identity
Reynolds said annual tourism spending in Wrexham was around £180,000 when he and his partners became involved but had increased to nearly £200 million last year.
He attributed the transformation partly to the football club becoming a central focus for the community and helping create opportunities beyond sport.
He said attention is now also turning towards the university and the role of education in retaining young people while supporting arts, culture and new economic activity.
‘Curiosity Is Kindness’
Reynolds highlighted curiosity as another important element in building stronger communities.
He said taking time to understand people can reveal stories and connections that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
Discussing the documentary series about Wrexham, Reynolds recalled how the production team initially struggled to find compelling stories before spending more time with local residents.
That process, he said, uncovered personal stories that ultimately became as important as the football itself.
The Value of Saying ‘I Don’t Know’
Reynolds also discussed entrepreneurship, creativity and failure, rejecting the idea that successful people always know exactly what they are doing from the beginning.
He said successful careers often involve numerous failed attempts that are forgotten once achievements are viewed in hindsight.
For Reynolds, being comfortable saying “I don’t know” can create space for others to contribute ideas and challenge existing assumptions.
He said he applies this approach when developing films, presenting early ideas as works in progress so collaborators feel comfortable disagreeing and suggesting alternatives.
Perfectionism Can Limit Creativity
Reynolds also warned against the pressure to be perfect, particularly among younger generations.
He said people cannot become skilled at something without first being willing to make mistakes.
His experience working across acting, writing and producing has made him more comfortable experimenting, making mistakes and improving along the way.
He suggested that the willingness to fail can benefit not only filmmakers but also entrepreneurs, creators and communities.
Conflict Resolution as a Business Skill
The actor also identified conflict resolution as one of the most valuable business skills he has developed.
He recalled attending a workshop in his late twenties that introduced an approach based on mirroring, empathising with and validating another person’s position without necessarily agreeing with it.
He said the method can help people navigate disagreements in businesses, creative projects and personal relationships without requiring everyone to reach the same viewpoint.
Cities Need Authenticity, Not Perfection
The conversation also explored how cities are designed and promoted.
Reynolds and Brûlé discussed whether the pursuit of highly planned and perfect urban environments could reduce the spontaneity and authenticity that make cities distinctive.
Tokyo was cited as an example where smaller streets, unexpected encounters and imperfections contribute to the city’s character alongside major infrastructure.
For Reynolds, the experiences of Vancouver, Wrexham and Abu Dhabi point to a common principle: cities become stronger when residents feel connected to their identity and believe they have a role in shaping their communities.
