Eric Vishnevetsky: What Truly Matters
May 22, 2020
Eric Vishnevetsky
Senior Wealth Strategy Associate
UBS Financial Services
What do you do for a living, and how has your work been affected the past six weeks?
I work in Private Wealth Management at UBS. Work has had to transition from an entirely in-office model to a complete work-from-home situation, all while working through the world's fastest bear market. Our team has had to reestablish processes, all while adjusting to a new normal, both physically and emotionally. Eight weeks in, I would say we are operating at full capacity, but it will be interesting to see how the industry adapts to the world as we know it.
What’s your day-to-day like? What’s been the most challenging part of the adjustment? What’s an unexpected silver lining?
I've tried my best to keep a similar routine. Still waking up between 6:00 – 6:30 to log in by 7 and get the day started. After I get the day started, I go for a walk from 7:30 – 8:30 and use the time to catch up on the news, call a friend, etc. The work hasn’t changed, but instead of the in-person, in-office interaction, things have become more virtual (obviously). The lack of human connectivity and engagement has been the most challenging thing for me. Silver lining has been that due to the environment in New York, I have moved back to Philadelphia and been able to spend more time with my mom than since before I left for college nine years ago. Covid's been a reminder of what truly matters.
What’s something you’ve adopted--a regular habit, or an occasional reward--to keep your spirits or mental health strong?
I have become a very avid walker to break the day up and really use the time to call people and catch up with them. This might be people I used to talk to daily, or those that I haven't spoken to in quite some time. It's created a sense of normalcy and connectivity for me and has become somewhat of an escape. I have also developed somewhat of a sweet tooth and become a repeat customer of @MyCookieDealer on Instagram, I highly recommend it if you're looking to indulge. (My teammate Brian Klapow will confirm the hype.)
I have become a very avid walker to break the day up and really use the time to call people and catch up with them. This might be people I used to talk to daily, or those that I haven't spoken to in quite some time. It's created a sense of normalcy and connectivity for me and has become somewhat of an escape. I have also developed somewhat of a sweet tooth and become a repeat customer of @MyCookieDealer on Instagram, I highly recommend it if you're looking to indulge. (My teammate Brian Klapow will confirm the hype.)
"Never had a beard my entire life..."
Have you been able to keep training? What are you doing to maintain fitness?
I'm probably walking somewhere between 8 – 10 miles a day. Circuits in my room have become a normal occurrence as well, but I've had to get creative as the heaviest weight I have is 12 lbs. It's funny how the world's hottest commodity went from Supreme Box Logo shirts to dumbbells, kettlebells and Pelotons. I was late to both trends and have had to adjust. Thank god for burpees and bear crawls.
What would be your message to the other members of The D10 community?
That it's been both amazing and inspiring to see how resilient everyone has been. The fitness community, especially The D10 NYC group, is second to none, and people have clearly been there for each other physically, virtually and emotionally. It's amazing to see how people have pivoted their efforts from D10 fundraising to other causes at a time like this, when the world needs us now more than ever.
Anything else you’d like to share?
That we all have more time for ourselves now than ever before. Take the time to read that book, binge that series, spend time with loved ones, reconnect with old friends, build out your network, extend a (virtual) helping hand to someone that needs it.
We are so fortunate that technology gives us the access it does...Use it so that once the world begins to return to the normal we knew, you're ready for it.
And the last thing I would say, is if you need some guidance on any of these things or a recommendation, don't be afraid to ask for help. Making that honest appeal to somebody gives them a sense of purpose, and you may have no idea how much that sense of purpose means to them.