Week 39: Andrea Perrino

Professor and Catalyst 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I have taught at the University of British Columbia, in the Department of Psychology for over 16 years. My courses include Sport and Exercise Psychology, Health Psychology, as well as Sleep and Dreams. I also have been in the fitness and health industry for over 25 years. I currently own a health, sport and fitness consulting and training business called Go to Hellth Inc.,

As for my involvement in sport, I had meagre beginnings: I lived in a small town in northern

Canada with very little access to sport development and my family did not have the financial ability to support formal sport participation for myself or my siblings. Furthermore, we had one channel on TV so we played outside in any weather! We tobogganed and skated on Great Slave Lake, and climbed the rocks and trees. We also learned to play sports in school such as gymnastics, soccer and volleyball.

As I became an adult I developed a greater interest and involvement in more formal sports. They each have uniquely acted as a vehicle for continual personal discovery and growth. Sport has been a means to connect with others (taekwondo, paddling and dragon boat coaching, and working with my clientele) as well as a way to find solitude (running, mountain biking), to contemplate and problem solve (long distance cycling, swimming), and to push my limits of what I thought was personally possible (9x Ironman Triathlon, international racing).

What skills did you learn through sport that has been most beneficial to your work today? 

…to be persistent, determined. Our minds have strength and influence beyond than what is often recognized. Our body is simply along for the ride.

…be passionate; do what you love or change what you do. If you have no enjoyment or benefit from your life choices, then choose what moves you. This may mean you have to “start over” or face difficult consequences. I have spoken to many athletes and clients who continued to do they thought was necessary. The longer your authentic needs and aspirations are ignored, the longer it takes to be fully engaged every single day.

…strive for more than “the win”. The journey that includes the people with whom we connect and multitudes of experience we gain is more valuable than the placing or medal at the end. I make an effort to recall a poignant moment, to learn a lesson and have gratitude every time I race or compete in an event, and at the end of every workday.

….that we interact with people all of the time. Sport is not simply movement, technique, equipment, or a matter of only business and a bottom line. We work with and for others, so communication and respect is crucial. With all of their talents, issues, differences and at all levels of involvement, people are the most important aspects of sport!

How has sport helped you be a better leader? How do you define leadership?

Leadership is so very multi-faceted (and the research in this area expansive) that a short response is very difficult! An effective leader must match the preferences of the followers, the situation characteristics and the needs and culture of an organization. A good leader acts authentically, drawing from experience and using instinct. At the same time, a leader must also be a chameleon in the varied ways of communicating with others.

How has sport helped you be a better leader? How do you define leadership?

Leadership is so very multi-faceted (and the research in this area expansive) that a short response is very difficult! An effective leader must match the preferences of the followers, the situation characteristics and the needs and culture of an organization. A good leader acts authentically, drawing from experience and using instinct. At the same time, a leader must also be a chameleon in the varied ways of communicating with others.

What is one piece of advice would you have for young female athletes today?

Lose, make mistakes, continually learn and be humble. Athletes become mentally tough, prepared and successful athletes when they experience a variety of outcomes in sport – difficulty and loss enable us to dissect strategies and develop persistence. Be open to looking into yourself and see weakness as an opportunity! Remain focused, hopeful and positive in any challenge, and when facing any obstacle.