Matt_AbbottMatt Abbott, the subject of this issue’s In Conversation interview and a partner in Bain & Company’s utilities and alternative energy practice, answers our questionnaire and touches on some of his favorite places, the importance of education, and his belief that one should always “leave it better than you found it.”

THE PERFECT CITY WOULD HAVE

A safe and nurturing environment for kids from all walks of life to learn and develop.

THE BUILDING YOU SOULD SAVE IF THE WORLD WAS GOING TO END
The Smithsonian (admittedly, it’s more than just one building…), to preserve as much of our history as possible.

FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
A car with a great manual transmission—I know, I know, not the greenest option.

MOST MEMORABLE HOMETOWN HAUNT
Short trips to the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.

YOUR PERSONAL DEFINITION OF SUSTAINABILITY
Leave it better than you found it.

CURRENT PROJECT YOU’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT
Hyperloop.

FAVORITE PLACE YOU’V EVER TRAVELLED
St. Petersburg, Russia.

MOST IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCE IN NATURE
Spending time (most anywhere) in Yosemite.

CAUSE YOU’D SUPPORT IF YOU HAD A BILLION DOLLARS
Education, education, education.

SOCIAL MEDIA: HELPING OR HURTING?
For the most part, helping, as injustice can be made known and acted upon so much more rapidly these days.