You can’t help but feel Bernat’s energy when you meet him. He is half strategist, half dreamer, and he is unstoppable. From Mallorca, Spain, he’s a name that resonates through the island’s real estate, tourism, and education communities. But what’s most amazing about him is not the number of companies he’s founded; it’s the way he connects people, ideas, and missions —a true entrepreneur.

The Origin of Schoolers: Rebuilding of Education in the Hospitality Sector.

As most businesses shut down or froze during the pandemic, Bernat and his partners saw this as an opening. He founded Schoolers, an online learning platform created especially for the hospitality and tourism sector, in collaboration with Bernat Canellas (Hotel Factory) and Xavi (ESE).

Schoolers was founded with inspiration from The Power MBA to increase the relevance and accessibility of top-notch business education. They offered online courses based on real business cases and CEO insights, focussing on B2B clients such as hotels and travel agencies rather than individual students.

It was about changing the way professionals learn in one of Spain’s most important industries, not just about teaching business.

Beyond Education: Creating Ecosystems, Not Just Businesses

Bernat’s entrepreneurial landscape extends far beyond Schoolers. As CEO of Borbalan, he has helped shape Mallorca’s business calendar through B2B gatherings, luxury real estate forums, and travel networking platforms.

Through strategic collaborations with Sotheby’s and Engel & Völkers, and by hosting annual real estate events in both Mallorca and Madrid, Bernat has positioned Borbalan as a creative hub where luxury, innovation, and small business intersect.

His ventures also include La Malvasia, a stylish Palma restaurant that blends fine wine with genuine camaraderie, and Businesscards.eco, a QR-based digital business card startup launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote sustainable, contactless networking.

Whether building brands or bringing people together, Bernat’s work reflects a deep commitment to community, creativity, and meaningful connection.

The Bernat Way of Leadership

Bernat does not consider himself to be a conventional CEO. He is a doer, a vision follower and a strategist. His approach to leadership is based on delegation and trust.

He acknowledges, “I know my strengths—I’m good at strategy, but day-to-day management isn’t my best forte.”

He says that he likes to surround himself with wonderful people, so he doesn’t face any problems. To help him concentrate on what he does best, developing and expanding ideas, his general manager, Laura, manages operations.

He explains his strategy simply:

“Think long-term, so that you have to act short-term.”

He supports honesty, open-mindedness, and fostering a productive workplace environment where employees love what they do. According to Bernat, a company’s energy is equally as crucial as its strategy.

Mallorca’s Business Code

According to Bernat, conducting business in Mallorca is an art form. Everyone on the small island knows one another. Reputation is crucial.

“If you want to start a company here, buy one instead.”

Trust is more important to him than contracts. He claims that he conducts a lot of business without formal agreements. “But only because I am acquainted with the individuals.” If you’re dishonest in Mallorca, you’ll be done in two days.

Creation of the Future of Mallorca through Innovation and Sustainability

Working with both public and private foundations, he is actively involved in the preservation and future planning of Mallorca. His task is to ensure the island’s sustainable growth and a shift away from reliance on tourism towards innovation and technology.
He sees tourism tech hubs powered by AI as the way of the future, establishing Mallorca as a global hub for sustainable and intelligent travel.
He maintains that while we must safeguard what we currently have, we must also look to the future.

He says,

“It is all about striking a balance between nature and progress, between residents, locals, and tourists.”

Lessons Learnt from Crisis

Bernat has experienced his share of storms, just like any other business owner. Borbalan almost shut down during COVID. He remembers, “I had no money to pay salaries.” However, he maintained the company through strategy, ingenuity, and perseverance; he even started two new companies during the crisis.
What did he learn?

“The difference between companies that survive and those that don’t is how they handle a crisis.”

Life, Equilibrium, and the Strength of Simplicity

Bernat exudes composure despite managing several endeavours. Simplicity is his secret.
Being able to nap every day is what he considers a luxury. Mariana, his wife, is a lively Uruguayan with strong community ties who helps him stay grounded. Together, they strike a balance between their hectic professional lives and the basic joys of travel, family, and delicious food.

He declares,

“I don’t need more than I have.”

“Luxury is going to the beach at nine in the morning, spending time with family, and taking three trips a year.”

Always Inquisitive, Always Learning

Stay curious, stay young, and never stop learning are the cornerstones of Bernat’s profoundly modern philosophy. He encourages everyone, including his kids, to use ChatGPT, TikTok, and AI daily because he finds them fascinating.

“Always keep ChatGPT open while you work,” he advises.
“The world will pass you by if you stop adapting to it”

Innovation, for him, is about understanding people, culture, and the future, not just about embracing new technology.

Takeaway from this: The Art of Balance

Bernat doesn’t hesitate when I ask him to summarise his leadership philosophy. He says,

“Leadership is all about balance — balance between work and life, old and new things, vision and its execution.”

From launching educational startups in a pandemic to shaping Mallorca’s future, Bernat is a rare kind of entrepreneur. He is the one who builds not just businesses, but communities.