In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, authentic leadership remains a cornerstone of sustainable success. One exemplary figure blazing this trail is Miquel Colet, CEO of Vibia (USA and Canada), a prominent lighting design company. With more than two decades of global experience across diverse industries and functional roles, Colet’s story is one of strategic risk-taking, visionary leadership, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Miquel Colet has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities throughout his career.
From his early days in Barcelona to becoming a key executive figure in North America, Colet has shown a remarkable ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire, making him not just a successful business leader but a mentor and change-maker in modern management.
The impact of Miquel Colet on the industry cannot be overstated.
A Bold Beginning: Leaping into the Unknown
Miquel Colet’s career began after graduating from the prestigious ESADE Business School in Barcelona, later complemented by further studies at Columbia Business School and IESE in New York. His professional journey started in Barcelona, where he worked across consumer goods, garment, and real estate sectors, rising through financial leadership roles like CFO and Financial Controller.
However, he decided to uproot his life and career in Barcelona for a CEO role at Vibia in the United States, which became a pivotal moment. He saw this move as a personal and professional challenge—to lead beyond finance, influence strategy, and manage broader cross-functional teams. The gamble paid off, marking the beginning of a new chapter in global leadership.
Miquel Colet’s journey exemplifies the essence of transformative leadership.
Leadership Philosophy: Breaking Norms to Build Excellence
Many are inspired by Miquel Colet’s innovative strategies.
At the heart of Colet’s leadership approach lies a willingness to challenge industry conventions. “Not considering the general rules of the industry or the company as a given and immutable has been the foundation of all the new ideas that we have been able to experiment with,” Colet shares.
His strategy focuses on:
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Challenging assumptions and breaking existing molds.
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Empowering teams through transparency, shared decision-making, and open communication.
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Fostering a culture of ownership, encouraging employees to see the big picture and contribute meaningfully.
Colet’s leadership is rooted in fairness, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to both people and performance. His ethos inspires loyalty and pride within his team and has helped Vibia evolve into a more agile, future-ready organization.
With Miquel Colet at the helm, Vibia has achieved remarkable growth.
Creating Unique Value in a Competitive Market
What sets Vibia apart in the lighting design industry is not just the elegance of its products but also its commitment to customization, digital innovation, and client-centric services.
Under Colet’s leadership, Vibia has transformed its offering with tools that empower architects and designers to personalize lighting configurations digitally, aligning aesthetics with technical performance. A perfect example of this is PLUSMINUS, a groundbreaking lighting collection that utilizes a textile belt as both the support structure and power conduit. The result? Artistic lighting installations that redefine space and ambiance with infinite customization possibilities.
Colet emphasizes, “We aim to bridge the gap between decorative and technical lighting, offering both beauty and high-performance reliability.”
Miquel Colet emphasizes collaboration as a key to success.
Vision for the Future: Digital, Inclusive, and Human-Centric
Looking ahead, Colet sees the Gen Z demographic and digital transformation as key to Vibia’s evolution. With younger talent entering the workforce, the company is aligning itself with a generation that values sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. “We are preparing the company for the future with the arrival of more Gen Z team members who can bring fresh new ideas and skills to the table,” he notes.
Under Miquel Colet’s leadership, Vibia embraces new challenges.
Simultaneously, Vibia is investing in expanding its Digital Transformation team—not just for product innovation but also for enhancing operational processes and customer interactions.
From smarter lighting controls to better online design platforms, the company is building a complete ecosystem that goes beyond lighting fixtures, integrating design consultation and technical support to help clients create meaningful and livable spaces.
Navigating Challenges: A Testament to Resilience
One of the most inspiring parts of Colet’s journey is how he turned challenges into growth. His transition to Vibia wasn’t smooth sailing—he faced the enormous task of relocating the company from California to the East Coast, laying off staff, and adjusting to a new industry, country, and language. All without the immediate support of family or friends.
Miquel Colet’s resilience is a hallmark of his career.
Rather than falter, Colet saw it as a test of personal and professional strength. “I invested all my time, effort, and energy into making all these changes and transitions a success,” he recalls. His story proves that success lies in having a clear vision, commitment, and the courage to break complex problems into manageable steps.
Recognitions and Accolades: Celebrating Excellence
Miquel Colet’s influence extends beyond mere accolades.
Under Colet’s guidance, Vibia has become a recognized name in the global design community. The company has consistently won top design awards including:
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Interior Design Magazine’s Best Of Year
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Hospitality Design Magazine Award
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Azure Magazine Design Award
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Architizer A+ Award
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Good Design Award
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IIDA/HD Lighting Product Award
These recognitions reflect not only the brilliance of Vibia’s design but also the effectiveness of Colet’s leadership and the collective strength of his team.
Advice to Aspiring Leaders: Stay Curious, Stay Humble
When asked about advice for the next generation, especially those entering the construction and design space, Colet’s message is clear: “Start humble, listen, and learn. Keep educating yourself and never lose touch with evolving business realities.”
Miquel Colet believes in nurturing future leaders.
He also underscores the importance of building a strong, self-sufficient team: “The ultimate goal should be to gather a team that won’t need you—one that can function and grow independently.”
For Colet, success is not just measured by personal milestones but by the impact made on people, the value delivered to customers, and the ability to drive lasting organizational growth.
The legacy of Miquel Colet will inspire generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Miquel Colet’s journey is an inspiring blend of courage, strategy, empathy, and innovation. His leadership at Vibia sets a benchmark for modern CEOs striving to drive not only financial performance but also organizational transformation. As the business world evolves, leaders like Colet show that the future belongs to those who are not afraid to take risks, empower people, and build with purpose.
Miquel Colet’s commitment to innovation sets a standard for others.
