«Barcelona Attracts Talent, Creativity, and a Wide Range of Internal Profiles», by Christophe Martinot
Christophe Martinot is Belgian, married and a father of three. He has lived in Barcelona for more than 20 years, with periods spent working in Belgium, Chile and Denmark. He is the founder of SeedingEnergy, a consultancy specialising in organisational transformation, customer-centricity and new ways of working. He is also the author of ‘Spiral Up’, a book about leadership, organisational transformation and more human and resilient workplace cultures.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
I initially came to Barcelona for a professional opportunity with Danone, and the city quickly won me over. After living in different countries, I found a balance here that is very difficult to find in other European cities. Barcelona combines international energy, creativity, quality of life and a very human way of living and working. Over time, I also built my family life here, as well as much of the life I wanted for myself.
What are the city’s strengths?
Barcelona has an incredible ability to attract talent, creativity and people from a wide range of international backgrounds. I particularly appreciate its human side, cultural openness and how easy it is to build both professional and personal connections. I also greatly value the combination of sea, mountains, nature, culture and urban life, which makes a real difference to the quality of life.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
Barcelona needs to regain some of its international ambition and make it easier to develop projects, businesses and innovation. I also believe there are important challenges related to safety, cleanliness, mobility and access to housing. To continue attracting international talent and investment, the city needs a stable, pragmatic and long-term vision that strengthens both quality of life and the confidence of residents and businesses.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
I hope to see a Barcelona that is open, innovative and able to continue evolving without losing its identity. I would like to see a city that continues to invest in talent, education, entrepreneurship and more human and sustainable ways of working. Barcelona has everything it needs to become a European benchmark for creativity, innovation and organisational transformation.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
Today, Barcelona is clearly my city. I have built my family life, friendships and professional career here. I miss some of my family and friends in Belgium, as well as certain aspects of Northern European culture. I also greatly value everything I gained from living in countries such as Chile and Denmark. Discovering new cultures, different ways of working and different perspectives on life has profoundly shaped the way I think and connect with people.
