Mountain Equipment Co-op CEO, David Labistour, delivered a powerful convocation addresses at BCIT’s winter convocation.The business leader spoke of his varied career, one that has taken him around the world. His current role, he said, is “the first time [his] passion and career have truly intersected in 35 years.”
Labistour does not buy into the fashionable idea that if people follow their dreams, they will find happiness. Rather, he encouraged graduates to pursue purpose and meaning, explaining that happiness is found in that pursuit.
Here is his full speech:
David’s Bio
David Labistour assumed his role as Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Equipment Co-op in January 2009. His passion for the outdoor activities that define MEC and extensive experience in the product development and retail sector make him ideally suited to lead Canada’s largest outdoor retailer.
David’s professional experience spans over 30 years working for companies such as Adidas, a Marks & Spencer affiliate in South Africa, and as a consultant to Aritzia in Canada. He started at MEC as the senior manager of Buying and Design. In this capacity, David was instrumental in leading the renaissance of MEC’s product assortments and sourcing capabilities.
David emigrated from South Africa to Canada in 1999. He enjoys backcountry skiing, snowboarding, kiteboarding, mountain biking, paddling and anything that goes downhill. He lives in Deep Cove, BC with his family.