A life in research : Joan Enric Ricart: “you can go faster alone, but you will get farther away if you go with others”

Purpose This paper aims to be a conversation with Joan Enric Ricart, conducted by Santiago Ibarreche, about his career as a successful scholar, prolific author and founder of many organizations that have contributed to the enhancement of the academic profession in the area of management. Design/methodology/approach This paper is an interview. Findings The interview explores Ricart’s career, his achievements and continued search for excellence in terms of teaching, research and service in academia and society. It highlights his experiences as a faculty member, a prolific author and a founder of many organizations. It also highlights his collaborations with different institutions and professional organizations and his contributions to new areas of research such as the future of cities. Originality/value The interview in this special section, A Life in Research, brings out an individual scholar’s experience and history, not only as recognition of scholarly impact but also as recognition of the person.