Eric Kristiansen, BPE’90

Eric Kristiansen, BPE’90

Current Role:  Director of Business Development, Twist Performance + Wellness Health Centres

What was your first job after graduation?

My first job was as a Program Coordinator, supervising 20 summer program leaders for Strathcona Community Centre Association in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

What would you tell your graduating self?

Begin with the end in mind. Follow your heart and make career choices that reflect this. Where there is true passion and purpose, there is excellence and my contribution to the world will be exponentially larger than simply being focused on 'getting a job.'

How do you make the best of all situations?

Always look on the bright side of life. Being and staying positive is a mindset so no matter whether one perceives events as 'good' or 'bad', these are learning experiences that will make you a better person and a better professional.

What is your best memory from your time at UBC?

My experiences with sport as a former player/team captain for the UBC Men's basketball team. My first year we went all the way to the National Championship final where the team played live on national TV. After that, we never even made it back to the national tournament so from this I learned to live in the moment and cherish every moment you have because you never know. Many of these bonds I have kept forever and the lessons learned from sport I have been able to transcend into other aspects of my life including business and being a good role model to my kids.

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

Something happened to me in my early 40's when all those grudges and negative feelings I had toward people; all of a sudden they just vanished. I came to realize this was unnecessary baggage that was keeping me down. Once I learned to forgive and forget all the perceived ways that I had been wronged throughout my life, the world became a much more beautiful place and I had more positive energy to give and  to make other people smile and feel good in my presence.