"Barcelona, a society with rich traditions, multilingual and multicultural," by Sebastian Reiche
Sebastian Reiche is German, born in Hannover. He is a Professor of Leadership and People Management at IESE Business School. A specialist in the world of work, global talent mobility, and trends affecting organizations, he has lived in Germany, Australia, and Singapore, and has been based in Barcelona for 18 years.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
My Australian wife and I, German, chose Barcelona as a “neutral” ground: it offered professional opportunities and a lifestyle that rivaled Sydney’s. Although we didn’t plan to stay, eighteen years later, as a family of four, we have put down roots. Watching our children grow up in a society with rich traditions, multilingual and multicultural, where respect for differences prevails over fragmentation, has been key to our decision to stay.
What are the city’s strengths?
I value Barcelona’s cultural mosaic, where locals and those of us who have chosen it as home coexist. This diversity creates a shared identity in an open, well-connected city that acts as a European microcosm. As a father, I appreciate the school and social integration of our children. As a professor at IESE, I am inspired to see so many nationalities and ethnicities in the classroom.
Which aspects of the city need improvement? How?
Barcelona has yet to reach its full potential, despite its talent, creativity, education, and infrastructure. We still face social challenges, slow administration, insecurity, and a non-competitive tax system. The richness of Catalan culture and language should be an opportunity for integration, not an obstacle to overcome.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
Barcelona is well prepared to face current challenges. It attracts talent in a world where work is increasingly location-independent. Its good climate and history of integration are key assets. I hope the city continues to cultivate a forward-looking, cohesive, and respectful society, capable of moving forward together.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
I was born in Hannover, which remains a big part of me. I miss my family and friends, but I’ve spent nearly 25 years living in cities like Paris, Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore. Feeling at home doesn’t depend solely on a place, but on the community we build and the sense of belonging. And here in Barcelona, I have found it.
