Jordi Urbea: A Few Of My Favourite Things

A digital advertising pioneer who founded his first agency in the mid-90s, Jordi Urbea, CEO of Ogilvy Spain, has spent decades building, breaking and rebuilding how brands work. 

Along the way, he has helped drive Ogilvy’s digital transformation in Barcelona, launched its European Customer Engagement and Data hub and set up the network’s first startup accelerator. 

Here, he steps away from the boardroom to share the reading, running and rare quiet moments that help him think clearly.

The Bible

In this universe of voices, the Bible is a book that has always fascinated me.

It strikes me how, while we seek proverbs and wisdom from distant cultures, we often ignore that our own tradition is equally rich in life lessons.

Reading it as a text of literature or philosophy reveals an inexhaustible source of universal wisdom.

Books like Proverbs or the Psalms offer powerful and timeless phrases that invite reflection on values and existence itself, beyond any religious doctrine.

For me, the Bible is not a religious manual but a work of philosophy and literature.

Phrases such as “there is no better friend than a brother” still feel deeply relevant today.

It is a constant reminder that wisdom is often closer than we think.

The Airport Waiting Lounges

The smell of airports and the atmosphere of waiting lounges are, for me, much more than a prelude to a journey.

In a daily life marked by a frantic pace and constant travel, these moments have become essential pauses.

They are rare instances where I can truly stop, concentrate and reflect.

It is a peculiar but fascinating place that allows me to make a conscious stop.

The Europa Football Field

My connection with football, and specifically with the Europa field, goes beyond fandom.

The pitch is a powerful source of inspiration for leadership and strategy.

Watching a game allows me to analyse team dynamics, decision-making under pressure and how vision translates into results.

I often reflect on how the principles of sports leadership apply directly to the business world.

The Winestorming

A good bottle of wine is much more than a drink for me.

It is a catalyst for inspiration and an exceptional facilitator of connections.

My office often moves to a restaurant table, where many important decisions are shaped.

After-dinner conversations allow ideas to flow freely.

This is how my concept of winestorming was born.

The Running Tech

Sport has always been my escape and my way to disconnect.

Going for a run every morning is an unshakeable ritual.

It is not just exercise but meditation in motion.

As I run, my mind organises itself and prepares for the day.

I use my Garmin and my iPhone to track time and distance.

The Transcription Headphones

I have always been comfortable speaking French and English.

Still, I dreamed that technology would one day remove language barriers entirely.

Being able to speak to people in their native language without intermediaries is incredibly rewarding.

For me, technology has finally made that dream a reality.