“Barcelona: A Unique Combination of Career Opportunities and Quality of Life,” by Helena Ceroni
Helena Ceroni, 30, is Italian, from Florence. She studied philosophy, politics, and economics in London, where she lived for eight years before moving to Barcelona four years ago. She began her career in London at GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group), the leading global network of experts, and moved to Barcelona to help expand the company’s operations in Spain. Helena played a key role in establishing the Barcelona office and building a high-performing team that serves financial clients across Europe. She currently offers coaching and mentoring services focused on leadership and professional development.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
I chose Barcelona for its unique combination of career opportunities and quality of life. Having lived in London—a fantastic city in terms of opportunities—I felt I needed a better work-life balance. Barcelona offers exactly that: a vibrant professional environment combined with a fulfilling personal life.
What are the city’s strengths?
Barcelona es una ciudad en la que uno se siente como en casa. Se destaca por sus its deep-rooted Catalan traditions and heritage, as well as its ability to embrace multiculturalism, which fosters an innovative and entrepreneurial environment. It also offers an enviable quality of life: the climate, culture, urban spaces, and leisure options make it easy to balance work and personal life—something I particularly appreciated after my time in London.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
Although Barcelona already attracts international talent, it can still make further progress in diversifying its professional network by bringing in more professionals from regions such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. To achieve this, it would be important to have more streamlined bureaucratic systems that facilitate the arrival and integration of professionals from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, I believe it is very important that the retention of international talent be managed in a way that complements, rather than replaces, local talent, through close collaboration between institutions and companies working toward this common goal.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
I hope that Barcelona will establish itself as an inclusive global hub that brings together international and local talent, fostering collaboration and growth for all professionals. May it continue to grow in strategic and emerging sectors, reinforcing its reputation as an innovative, creative city that is open to the world.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
Barcelona is my city. It has welcomed me and allowed me to grow, both professionally as individuals, in an open and safe way. Although Florence and London remain Among the places that are important to me, it was in Barcelona where I stopped to think about which that should be my next step.
