Xurxo Martínez

Cohort 9, MCDM, El Periódico de Catalunya

(I’m photographed in a crown, as we were eating a typical holiday pastry in which they put a small gift inside. The person who gets the gift in their piece of the pastry also gets the crown.)

Where in the world is this workspace located?
This workspace is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, a city adjacent to Barcelona, Spain. It houses the headquarters of El Periódico de Catalunya, where I work. The building is a media hub that’s also home to Diario Sport (a sports newspaper), several magazines, and a couple of digital media outlets, all operating under the same editorial group.

What do you create in this workspace?
As Deputy Editor overseeing Digital Strategy and Distribution, I orchestrate how our newsroom’s stories reach our audience. My role focuses on adapting and optimizing our journalism across various platforms and formats, ensuring our content effectively reaches and engages with readers wherever they are.

Who do you create this work for?
El Periódico de Catalunya stands among Spain’s top 10 general newspapers. We’re part of Prensa Iberica, a major editorial group that encompasses 25 newspapers throughout Spain, forming a substantial network of regional and national media outlets.

What is a story of one object in this photo that is meaningful for you personally and why?
The olive green coffee cup on my desk represents my daily ritual. While I start my mornings at home with tea, this cup holds the filter coffee that helps sharpen my focus once I’m at the office. It has a wonderful locking mechanism and keeps my drink warm for a long time. 

What is a story of one object in this photo that is meaningful for you professionally and why?
The phone stand on my desk is crucial to my workflow. It serves dual purposes: allowing me to simultaneously view content across both laptop and mobile screens, which is essential for ensuring our content displays properly across all platforms. Additionally, it positions my phone at eye level, helping me stay aware of important notifications without the distraction of sounds or vibrations.

What is one of the best pieces of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
Two different pieces of advice. The first, I received when I arrived at a big news portal: “Don’t forget that, first and foremost, a newsroom is a collection of different people who have to be able to work together to succeed.” This insight has guided my approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of psychology in management. The second came as cautionary warnings from previous bosses who said I’d regret leaving. I never did, which taught me not to let fear of change hold me back.