LARISA GORODETSKY

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

After retiring from professional tennis in my early twenties, I decided to pursue post-secondary education and enrolled at KPU in 2009. I initially entered the Entrepreneurial Leadership program because entrepreneurship had always been a natural fit for me. After discovering a passion for accounting, I switched into the Bachelor of Business Administration program with a concentration in Accounting, while continuing to take as many entrepreneurship courses as possible.

Can you briefly describe your current position and your main day to day responsibilities?

I am the Founder and CEO of New Life Management Services Inc., a company that provides management services to not-for-profit housing co-operatives. Today, I lead a team of more than 25 people. My role involves overseeing the business, supporting our team and clients, and continually asking how we can create value and improve the communities we serve. I am also committed to lifelong learning and am currently completing the Reserve Fund Planning Program through the Real Estate Institute of Canada.

Which skills, knowledge, or experiences from KPU have been most valuable in your career so far?

KPU gave me a strong foundation in accounting and entrepreneurship, but one of the most valuable experiences was building relationships. A group of classmates and I formed what we jokingly called the “Millionaires Club,” and more than 13 years later we still support one another in business and life. KPU also pushed me outside my comfort zone through presentations and business case competitions. Applying what I learned helped my teams win CaseIT twice and later achieve first place in Singapore against universities from around the world. These experiences taught me the importance of collaboration, resilience, and putting knowledge into practice.

What advice would you give current KPU students who want to build a successful career after graduation?

Be brave and say yes to opportunities, especially the ones that feel uncomfortable. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Focus on creating value, because if you are not providing value, success is difficult to sustain. Build strong relationships with people around you, because your network and support system matter as much as your technical skills. Most importantly, apply what you learn, embrace challenges, and remember that this is where your journey begins.