We did it! Pivot gets gold at Dragons event
On Thursday night, I had the amazing honour of participating as a finalist in the 2nd annual Social Enterprise Dragons contest. I was there to pitch our law firm, which directs 100% of its profits to Pivot’s social change campaigns to apanel of “dragons” who were leading CEOs and executive directors from around Vancouver. I spent over a month preparing and I have to admit, as the big night approached, I was pretty nervous.
I am excited to report that when thepresentations were over and the panel had made their selection, Pivot Legal LLP won the top prize. The $15,000 prize – provided by Vancity Community Foundation – will be used to help us increase our client base, and develop a solid marketing strategy.
Preparing for my 15 minutes with the dragons was a chance to reflect on where we have come from and what we’ve built with Pivot Legal LLP. From the beginning, the vision for the law firm has been to provide client-centred legal services to those who cannot ordinarily afford it and to financially support social change. Three years in, we’ve got ten passionate, committed lawyers working towards these goals.
In the lead up to the contest I was coached by two incredible entrepreneurs, Adam Wilkins, VP of Business Development at Rapid Electric Vehicles, and Mike Rowlands, President of Octopus Strategies. These guys were amazing and gave me the confidence to bring my own voice to the Pivot story. It was inspiring to share the stage with Mission Possible and Public Dreams as they shared their vision and the story of their own social enterprises insuch compelling ways - I definitely found myself rooting for them.
All and all, it was an amazing night! Standing up in front of the packed Vancity theatre full of people who share mybelief that social enterprises like Pivot Legal LLP have the potential to build healthier, more inclusive communities for all of us reminded me how lucky I amto do work that I believe in.