interview with Jordi Díaz, Dean of EADA Business School Barcelona

11 Jan interview with Jordi Díaz, Dean of EADA Business School Barcelona

What makes Barcelona a prime destination for business education and leadership development? How does EADA’s mission contribute to strengthening this ecosystem?

Barcelona has established itself as a global education hub through a long-term commitment to internationalization. Over the past 25 years, English-taught programs have been instrumental in attracting students from around the world. At EADA, we welcome students from 88 nationalities, a feat made possible by offering programs in English. Another key factor is external validation—accreditations like EQUIS and AMBA place us alongside top European institutions.

Rankings also reinforce Barcelona’s credibility. The Financial Times is the most respected benchmark in our industry, and in 2024, EADA achieved a milestone by appearing in all six FT global rankings. These factors—international rankings, accreditation, and a long-term vision—have positioned Barcelona as a premier education hub. At EADA, we aim to prepare global citizens for international careers, reflected in our motto: “Educated in Barcelona, prepared for the world.”

Our approach is built on three key pillars: leadership, sustainability, and innovation. In an increasingly complex world, leaders need more than technical skills—they must understand technology, sustainability, and global markets. At EADA, we emphasize “leading what matters,” ensuring our graduates are well-rounded and prepared for the future.

What opportunities exist for expanding collaborations with businesses to create impactful learning experiences and drive innovation?

All our programs include real corporate projects, where students apply their knowledge to solve actual business challenges. A great example is our International MBA collaboration with Ecoalf, a global sustainable fashion company based in Barcelona. Students worked for three months on a project called “Ecoalf Beyond Ecoalf,” developing new business ideas. The general manager actively engaged with students throughout the process, reinforcing the direct link between academic learning and industry needs.

Another major initiative is Barcelona+B, which we launched four years ago to make Barcelona a more sustainable and inclusive society through business. This public-private collaboration includes four strategic partners: EADA (education), B Lab Spain (certifies sustainable businesses), Ferrer (a global pharmaceutical company focused on sustainability), and Barcelona Activa (the city’s government branch).

How is EADA preparing future business leaders for an increasingly digital world?

Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with AI reshaping industries every month. Business leaders must understand both technology and sustainability to stay ahead.

Rather than focusing on fleeting technologies, we emphasize adaptability and lifelong learning. One of the biggest obstacles for business professionals is falling behind on knowledge. That’s why we encourage our participants to dedicate at least 50 hours annually to deep, focused learning—whether on AI, sustainability, or leadership. This is not casual browsing on LinkedIn; it’s structured, continuous education.

Our commitment to lifelong learning extends beyond graduation. We maintain strong connections with our alumni, offering ongoing upskilling opportunities to help them stay competitive. My own work on future workforce reskilling aligns with this mission—just as we maintain our physical health, we must also prioritize our intellectual and professional well-being.

What steps is EADA taking to integrate sustainability into leadership development and entrepreneurial training?

At EADA, we focus on “leading what matters,” which means sustainability is embedded in all aspects of our leadership development. We work closely with Torres, one of the world’s top 10 wineries, whose long-term business sustainability depends on addressing climate change. If wine production areas shift due to global warming, companies must adapt—making sustainability not just an ethical issue, but a business necessity.

Consumers today are more mindful than ever, expecting businesses to contribute positively to society. Companies are no longer just selling products; they are part of larger ecosystems that need to be sustainable to thrive.

EADA is proud to have a Sustainability Hub with 15 dedicated experts conducting research on economic, environmental, social, and governance issues. In 2017, long before sustainability became a buzzword, we pioneered the Master’s in Sustainable Business and Innovation. Today, it remains one of the leading programs in the field, reinforcing our role as pioneers in sustainability and leadership education.

What is your long-term vision for EADA, and what major steps are needed to achieve its full potential?

Our mission is simple: transform lives through education.

As we aim to double in size and attract more international students, our challenge is maintaining our student-centric DNA. EADA has always thrived on personalized education, deep faculty engagement, and strong alumni connections. Growing without sacrificing these core values is key to our long-term strategy.

We also see tremendous growth potential in the American student population. Three years ago, we launched our Global Undergraduate Program, which has gained significant interest from the U.S. Many American students find Barcelona to be a more affordable and enriching alternative to similar programs in the U.S. With tuition costs in the U.S. skyrocketing, EADA offers world-class education at a competitive price, along with the unique experience of living and studying abroad.

Currently, 10% of our students are American, and this number is steadily increasing. Given the large Spanish-speaking community in the U.S., many students see Barcelona as a natural gateway to international opportunities.

Barcelona is an exceptional destination for education, business, and innovation. EADA is deeply committed to preparing responsible leaders who make decisions that benefit both business and society.

With a highly international student body, globally recognized programs, and a deep focus on leadership and sustainability, EADA continues to play a key role in shaping the future of business education. We welcome students and business leaders from around the world to be part of this journey, learning in Barcelona and leading across the globe.