5/27/25

S1E5: Michael Eriksson | Leading Purpose-led Transformation

In this episode of Built in Barcelona, Kris sits down with Michael Eriksson, founder and CEO of Liminal Discovery—a consultancy rethinking how digital transformation and sustainability intersect. We talk about Michael’s two-decade journey in Barcelona, his decision to launch a purpose-led consultancy, and the bold work his team is doing with clients like Philip Morris and Electrolux.

We unpack why traditional transformation projects often fail, what "sustainability" really means beyond carbon footprints, and why he keeps being drawn back to Barcelona, even after 20 years here.

We also dig into:

  • His vision behind Liminal Discovery and the concept of "liminality"

  • How to drive cultural change inside large enterprises - The future of consulting in the age of AI

  • Building remote-first teams and the value of in-person connection

💭 Quote to remember:

"Any transformation that doesn’t bring the people in the organization with it is nothing. You can’t do anything if you just try to apply technology."

Whether you're into tech, leadership, or just curious about what it's like to build a business in Barcelona, this episode offers a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation.

Connect with Michael:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleriksson/

Website: https://liminaldiscovery.com/

💎 Hidden Gem Recommendation:

Gouthier, a cosy oyster bar in Sarría https://maps.app.goo.gl/ErzkLfUd7i58fsfk6

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S1E4 Dylan Pieterse | From Rugby to Sculptify

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S1E6 Rakan Sleiman | Building Digital Humans at UNITH