Luckily for us at lululemon, we've just welcomed Gerardo into the Benefits Manager role... he's definitely got his heart in the right place, and he has the mind to make great things happen. Say hi to Gerardo!

Gerardo, with his family.

what are you most passionate about?

I have a great family that I love with all my heart. My wife is a fitness trainer (who loves lululemon clothes) and we have two boys. They're very active and have allowed me to see the world with new eyes. My five-year-old is fascinated with the night sky. He constantly asks questions about the stars, planets and the Milky Way. My eight-year-old loves science and riding his bike anywhere he can (particularly to the local convenience store). He's taking Tae Kwon Do and is pursuing his goal of becoming a black belt.

what's your favourite way to sweat?

Cardio and some weight training three to four times a week has kept me in shape. I love sweating using the treadmill at the gym. I also do 30-minute power walks at least twice a week.

Playing in the snow.

biggest goal you want to accomplish in 2010?

Career goal: Review our current benefits offering and propose those changes that will have the most impact to employee health and wellness.

Health goal: Learn to inline skate and then go skate along Stanley Park’s seawall at least two times this year.

what would an ideal gerardo day look like?

A day spent with people you love doing something you don’t do every day, like go swimming in the lake or ocean. Go hiking or camping somewhere really peaceful. That would be the perfect day.

Gerardo and his kids, in front of the Olympic torch!

what is the best thing about your role at lululemon? most challenging?

The most challenging is to define a benefits philosophy/guiding principles that will be acceptable by all stake holders. This is the first step towards having a consistent benefits strategy.

The best thing is that I get to work with great, optimistic people with many goals and full of good ideas. I really enjoy talking to our educators and asking them what they think about our benefits offering, and getting suggestions that may help improve what we are doing in this area.

If you're interested in joining Gerardo at the Store Support Centre, check out our current opportunities.

Jocelyn's nephew welcoming her in Toronto.

what are the biggest surprises since joining the team?

 The culture lives throughout the company. I knew that lululemon’s culture was strong, but it has been so amazing working with such an open and supportive team throughout my on-boarding.

Jocelyn's smiling face!

during the olympics, what was your favourite experience?

The first was watching Alex Bilodeau win the first Olympic Gold medal. Every Canadian was proud to have our first gold medal winner be someone who was so deserving. Secondly, I landed in Vancouver the night Canada won the gold medal men’s hockey game. The city was alive and everyone was celebrating the end of an amazing Olympic 2 weeks. It was amazing to be in Vancouver for that last night.

what is  a recent goal you've accomplished?

I recently purchased my home here in Toronto. I made it a goal to find a loft  that I loved as much as the one I had in Vancouver and  not settle until  I find the right one. A year after moving to Toronto, I found my place!

Jocelyn, with her sisters and nephew in Toronto!

what inspires you?

One of my favourite quotes has always been, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” These words are powerful. It’s easy to get comfortable or to give in to our fears. I read this quote and it gives me that extra push to take the first step to try something new and encourages me during difficult time.

Also, so many members of the lululemon team I have met are incredibly inspiring. I have already met people who have quit their jobs to go on trips they never dreamed they could do, who have ran marathons as though it was as easy as a walk around the block. It's inspiring to see people that come to work each day and recognize the possibility in their team and support eac other  to accomplish goals. 

For all you other HR buffs out there who sigh with relief when you step on your yoga mat or tie up your runners, our HR team is growing fast and there are opportunities in Vancouver and the US right now. You can check out the roles on the careers website.