Choosing cycle track over rat race
Travis Johnston manages Stanlib’s sports club. He tells Margaret Harris that being able to compete in triathlons and run the club make this his dream job
What does your job involve?
I manage the Stanlib sports club, which was formed three years ago to give employees the chance to join sporting teams and exercise groups within the company and to keep them fit and healthy. Boot camps, Pilates, netball, soccer, running, fitness competitions, corporate sporting events and cycling are all offered.
I manage and coordinate all sporting and fitness activities across the company and ensure that staff are inspired to get involved and participate. I believe that sport has the ability to unite a company and break down interdepartmental barriers, building relationships and bonds among employees at all levels.
Employees’ good health is important because it makes them more productive and driven. To feel good about yourself and look after your body is a choice, and the sports club provides everyone with the opportunity to get involved.
Does Stanlib have its own on-site sports facilities?
Unfortunately, at this stage, we don’t have set facilities for the sessions. Instead we use the areas around our building in Melrose Arch, such as the James and Ethel Gray Park, Melrose Arch open facilities and parking areas in our basement. We hope to build our own wellness centre for staff in the future.
You say sport can promote teamwork and interdepartmental cooperation. Can you give more information on this?
Sport has the ability to bring people together to share experiences that change the way they think. If we look at what the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 2010 Soccer World Cup did for South Africa and how they brought us together as a nation, it simply comes down to sport and teamwork.
Employees from throughout the company can join various teams and training sessions, allowing them to meet and bond with many different employees, whom they otherwise might not have met.
The bond you can make with someone or the friendship and trust that develop through sport and exercise are unmatched in the corporate world. I have seen understanding and respect grow between employees who take part in sports teams and training. How did you end up doing this particular job?
I joined the Stanlib Investment team five years ago and at the same time became very involved in triathlons. Since I was a kid I have always wanted to represent my country and, if possible, race at the Olympics. So I made the decision to resign from my role in the investment team so I could follow my dream to be an athlete.
I was then asked to help set up the Stanlib sports club and from there it just grew from strength to strength. And the passion is there for it to grow bigger and better.
What qualifications do you have and how do they help you to do your job?
I have a BCom investment management degree and have since completed various courses in sport and exercise. I think being a “regular” employee initially and knowing so many people in the company allowed me to connect with many departments and employees. I understood life at Stanlib and what a sport and wellness programme needed to provide to improve employees’ health and create a better work environment.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I have wanted to be a sportsman since I was very young, and I’m proud to represent South Africa currently in triathlon. I love sport and wouldn’t be able to live without it. I’m very grateful for opportunities I have been given and I am definitely living my dream. What is the best career advice you have ever given and to whom did you give it?
I have met many people in corporate life since becoming a fulltime athlete and some have been happy with life and some not.
Very few people take the plunge and risk to do what they really want to after they finish school and varsity.
So I tell them the only way you can be happy is to do what you love in life and, if you can do that, you will always be successful in what you do.