Volunteer spotlight
Erik Johnson, BCOMM’02
From the ballet stage to the world of insurance, Erik Johnson is an avid volunteer and passionate advocate for all things Canadian — and for inclusion and diversity.
Johnson trained with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet school and was a professional ballet dancer until an injury cut short that career. He returned home to Calgary to take a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a joint concentration in insurance, risk management and finance. Johnson began his new insurance career at Marsh in Canada before moving to London in 2004.
Erik’s volunteering and advocacy work has earned him accolades such as being recognized as a Market Inclusion & Diversity Champion by LM Forums in 2017. In 2019, he was named the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Unsung Hero and received a Special Recognition Award at CII’s Dive In Awards. That year, closer to home, he also received the Haskayne School of Business Risk Management and Insurance Alumni Award. And if that wasn’t enough, he is also an associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute, a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Insurers.
The energy I get from volunteering helps propel me to do more... volunteering.
Erik Johnson
BCOMM’02
Did you grow up in a household of volunteers?
Yes! My mom and dad were very active volunteers. My mom volunteered in the local highland dancing community for decades and was recognized as a Life Member of both the Calgary and Alberta Highland Dancing associations. She also volunteered with her nursing union and with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta. My dad served as the treasurer of our church, president of our local community association and acted as a Cub Scout leader.
What opportunity brought you to volunteer at U of C?
I first volunteered at UCalgary in support of the International Insurance Markets course offered by the Haskayne School of Business. Being based in London, one of the cities students visit, I started by hosting educational office visits and a pub evening. Since then, when I am back in Calgary visiting family or on business, I try to give a guest lecture in support of the school’s Insurance & Risk Management BComm program.
What do you get out of volunteering?
Connections. Reflection. Energy. The connections I make through volunteering are fantastic. They have helped me personally and professionally, all while enabling me to connect others with my network. I often find that volunteering makes me reflect on where I am going, how I live my life and what I can do differently. The energy I get from volunteering helps propel me to do more… volunteering.
Favourite campus hang-out?
I spent lots of time in the Student Club Offices in Mac Hall because it was where the Gay and Lesbian Academic Student and Staff (GLASS) office was. Having a comfy chair and nice place to relax between classes was great.
Why does volunteering matter?
Volunteers play a very valuable part in society. So many of the childhood activities I was involved with were supported by a core group of volunteers. Most political and social movements are also driven by volunteers. Without people giving up their time to make a difference to their communities, positive change and progress just won’t happen as quickly.
Learn more about the Haskayne School of Business