"Barcelona is a model of social and urban transformation" by Nea Larson
Nea Larson has been living in Barcelona for 14 years. She is a specialist in international mobility with over a decade of experience helping professionals and companies navigate the complexities of international relocations. She works as Global Mobility Manager at Adlanter, a comprehensive business consultancy in the areas of tax, labor, commercial, accounting, international mobility, recruitment, and executive research. Nea's passion is facilitating the mobility of global talent.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
Since I was a child, I dreamed of living abroad. At 21, I came to Barcelona through a program organized by Knox College, my alma mater, for what was supposed to be three months. Those months turned into six, and eventually into a lifetime. Barcelona won me over with its cosmopolitan spirit, its ability to bring together people from all over the world, and its endless opportunities. My work in international mobility with Adlanter confirmed that I had truly found my home.
What are the city’s strengths?
Barcelona offers unparalleled geographic diversity, harmoniously combining city, sea, and mountains. Its neighborhoods maintain a human and intimate scale, with a level of safety that stands in positive contrast to other major global cities. The investment in sustainable mobility is exemplary: an efficient public transportation system, an extensive network of bike lanes, and areas like 22@, where Adlanter is located, that position the city as a tech hub for startups and reflect its commitment to innovation and urban quality of life.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
Barcelona has successfully positioned itself on the global stage for businesses and entrepreneurs, but it faces critical challenges. Gentrification is threatening the city’s traditional fabric, displacing local residents. There is an urgent need to develop policies that protect affordable housing and promote the genuine integration of new inhabitants. A participatory approach involving residents, associations, and community groups in urban planning will be essential to preserving the city’s diverse and community-oriented essence.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
After overcoming its current challenges of growth and internationalization, Barcelona will become an innovative urban model. I envision a more sustainable city, where technology and innovation serve everyone; longtime Barcelonians and new residents alike. It will be a global benchmark for inclusion, diversity, and equity, moving beyond its image as a tourist destination to become a living laboratory of social and urban transformation. At Adlanter, we are proud to support our clients and the city itself in this transformation.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
I’ve been fortunate to fully integrate into Catalan culture from the very beginning, avoiding the common mistake many foreigners make of living on the margins. Working at a Catalan-founded company with a global outlook, I immersed myself completely in the local rhythm. Barcelona has become my home, though my heart remains divided. I dream of a teleporter that would let me embrace both the vibrant life of Catalonia and the memories of Illinois: two places that have shaped my identity.
