On 19th November, K2 celebrated International Men’s Day. But as with International Women’s Day, for us, one day just wasn’t enough!
Keen to delve into the rich stories of as many of the business’ wonderful men as possible, we developed a campaign titled The Men of X Annos, which refers to the K2 men who have been part of the K2 Family for ten years or more. This campaign features a series of written and video interviews through which we explore the characters, the careers and the defining experiences of K2’s longest standing male employees. Today, we turn the spotlight onto Esteban Vela, our balanced, approachable and sagacious Supply Chain Team Lead for the Americas.
What’s your name, job & how long have you been at K2?
Esteban Vela, Supply Chain Team Lead for the Americas and I have been at K2 for almost 15 years
What’s the value of celebrating days like International Men’s Day?
Celebrating days like International Men’s Day allows society to recognize and celebrate the positive contributions men make to their families, communities, and workplaces.
The theme of International Men’s Day 2024 is positive male role models:
Who do you consider to be a positive male role model and why?
A positive male role model for me has always been my brother. Growing up, I looked up to him for all his accomplishments. He encouraged me to aim for the best and to always push beyond my limits. His example inspired me to broaden my horizons and pursue my goals with determination and confidence.
How do you strive to be a positive male role model?
I strive to be a positive male role model by leading with integrity, showing respect to others, and being a good listener. I believe in encouraging those around me to reach their full potential and in supporting them through challenges. I try to lead by example in maintaining a balance between work, personal growth, and relationships.
Men’s wellbeing is a subject that is spoken about a lot on International Men’s Day:
What does wellbeing mean to you?
Wellbeing to me means a balanced state of physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about feeling fulfilled, managing stress, and nurturing positive relationships, all contributing to a sense of happiness and purpose in life.
Do you think that society needs to do more to promote men’s wellbeing?
Yes: often, men’s mental health and emotional needs are overlooked. Society and businesses should do more to promote men’s wellbeing by addressing mental health, breaking stereotypes, and providing support, thus helping men to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
What impact does workplace culture have on wellbeing?
Workplace culture greatly impacts wellbeing. A positive culture supports mental health and work/life balance, while a toxic environment can lead to stress and burnout. A healthy workplace helps employees thrive.
What advice would you give to a young man who is just starting out in his career?
My advice to a young man starting out in his career would be to stay curious, be patient, and focus on continuous growth. Build strong relationships, seek feedback, and embrace challenges as learning opportunities. Stay true to your values, be adaptable, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination.
What do you do on a regular basis to help you remain positive (professionally, personally or both)?
To remain positive, I focus on maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I set aside time for physical activity, practise mindfulness, and spend quality time with my wife and family. I also set achievable goals, celebrate small wins, and remind myself of my purpose, all of which help me to stay motivated and positive both professionally and personally.