People and Places: Krishnan

Cyclist in a race, wearing a blue and yellow helmet, smiling, with cheering crowd in the background.

Meet Krishnan: Lead, Systems Reporting and Team Teck Tour de Cure rider in Vancouver, B.C.

When did you start at Teck, and at which site/office?

I started at Teck in 2008 in Vancouver during the company’s transition from Teck Cominco to Teck. Reflecting on the past 15-plus years, I have found immense joy in contributing to this dynamic workplace.

What do you enjoy most about working at Teck?

What I enjoy most about working at Teck is quite simply the combination of the people and the work. Prior to joining Teck, my tenure at companies averaged about three years, but now, after 15 years with Teck, I'm still going strong. This enduring commitment is a testament to the exceptional colleagues I have the privilege to work alongside and the perfect balance of challenge and satisfaction that the work provides.

You have been a member of Teck’s Tour de Cure (formerly Ride to Conquer Cancer) team for many years. Why is this initiative important to you, and how does it reflect Teck’s values and yours?

Joining the inaugural Teck team of six cyclists for this event in 2009 marked the beginning of a transformative journey for me, one that I've continued to embrace wholeheartedly.

For me, it's a tangible way to give back to my community, rallying support from countless individuals who generously contribute to this noble cause. Their support, no matter how small, is invaluable in the fight against cancer. Moreover, participating in the ride has reignited my passion for biking after a hiatus of over 20 years, becoming a cornerstone of my daily routine for maintaining fitness and well-being.

This initiative has also had a profound impact on my family, inspiring my younger daughter to join me in the ride twice, in 2011 when she was just 16 and again in 2013. Her participation serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only within our family but also among others, encouraging them to take part and contribute to the cause.

Participating in the ride year after year reflects one of Teck's core values: commitment to the right cause. It's a tangible demonstration of our collective ability to effect positive change, echoing the sentiment of Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote: "Be the change you want to see in this world." This commitment reinforces my faith in myself and my motto: "Never give up."

What inspires you every day?

What inspires me every day is the anticipation of what lies ahead, coupled with a profound sense of gratitude for the level of fitness I've maintained, defying the conventional expectations of age. This mindset fuels my daily motivation, infusing me with a sense of vitality and driving me to embrace each day with enthusiasm and purpose. It's this outlook that not only keeps me feeling young but also empowers me to strive for excellence in everything I do, embodying the essence of living life to the fullest.

If you could visit another Teck site or office, where would it be and why? If given the opportunity, I would eagerly choose to visit the new Quebrada Blanca Operations. My connection with this site runs deep as I've been intricately involved with the QB finance team. This collaboration has ignited a desire within me to learn Spanish, and I'm actively pursuing this goal through the online app Duo Lingo, steadily progressing towards fluency.

The allure of QB extends beyond professional involvement; I'm captivated by the tales I've heard and the breathtaking images I've seen of the site. It stands as a testament to engineering excellence, a marvel that I long to witness firsthand. Beyond the impressive infrastructure, I'm eager to meet the dedicated individuals with whom I've collaborated, putting faces to the names and experiencing the camaraderie forged through our shared endeavors. Visiting QB would not only be an enriching professional experience but also a personal journey of discovery and connection, solidifying my bond with Teck's global community.

Tags

First published on July 18, 2024