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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Why did you choose Barcelona?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My Australian wife and I, German, chose Barcelona as a \u201cneutral\u201d ground: it offered professional opportunities and a lifestyle that rivaled Sydney\u2019s. Although we didn\u2019t 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What are the city\u2019s strengths?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I value Barcelona\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Which aspects of the city need improvement? How?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I was born in Hannover, which remains a big part of me. I miss my family and friends, but I\u2019ve spent nearly 25 years living in cities like Paris, Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore. Feeling at home doesn\u2019t depend solely on a place, but on the community we build and the sense of belonging. And here in Barcelona, I have found it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.barcelonaglobal.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/elperiodico-2.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\tEl Peri\u00f3dico<\/h6>\n\t\t\t