Our Ideas

It was 7am on a dreary September morning, it was teeming with rain, and I’d been up for three hours already. The usual issues had plagued my night: Cash flow. Collaboration. Marketing. Not to mention my daughter kicking me in the head at 4am!

So there I sat, windscreen wipers slapping before my eyes, waiting for two people I’d never met to knock on my car’s window. Naturally, I was wondering what I was doing…. Then Jeremy showed up.

Backpack. Big hair. Firm handshake. Spitting image of my brother-in-law. And, like me, a bit bleary-eyed. Then came Josh: Tall. Easy to smile. Fresh into Canada from Germany. Another firm handshake.

Two strong first impressions. Two sharp minds. Two instant friends.

After picking up the bright and ambitious Annalea, we hit the road on an eight hour trip to Hollyhock, a magical place where hearts settle, souls run free, and minds are loosed to consider the great possibilities of what might be. This was the beginning of Social Venture Institute, a weekend that changed my world.

SVI brings together leaders of not-for-profits, social ventures and the companies who support them for four days of spirited discussion, enlightened debate, and breakthrough thinking. Scheduled sessions include case study presentations by emerging social entrepreneurs; ‘True Confessions’—informal presentations by well-established social venture leaders; and workshops on a variety of focused topics and relevant issues.

While many people have had incredible experiences of learning and growth in past years, I tried not to take any specific expectations to SVI. I was contemplating just one question, to which I hoped to have an answer before I returned home. The only commitment I made was inspired by Woody Allen: “80% of success is just showing up.” I would arrive open, ready to share, prepared to be candid and clear, and accepting of all that might come from the weekend. I couldn’t possibly have expected how much I would receive simply by focusing on giving all that I could, and relaxing into the flow.

I had been flattered to be invited to present a workshop, and was both nervous (due to the caliber of delegates) and excited to share stories of our work and insights into our approach. I had fun presenting, and the audience peppered me with questions until our time was up. I had promised to give three one-on-one consulting sessions, but was thrilled to get 11 requests. In my spirit of openness, I said yes to everyone, and shared nearly 16 hours of consulting time, and I’m sure I learned as much as those who had asked for my ideas. I’ve been incredibly flattered by the feedback; thanks to all who shared it.

But the magic of SVI shines in the space between sessions, when connections are forged between delegates, and the spark of inspiration meets the magic of Hollyhock. I took indescribable joy from connections with Rha Goddess, pioneer of floetry, and founding visionary of Move the Crowd; Julie Arora, undoubtedly a friend for life, and the entrepreneur behind Mom’s Healthy Secrets; Jennifer and Henk of La Siembra; and so many others.

The great gift of SVI has been to find a new group of peers, advisors and friends, with whom I share a cameraderie of courage, and a vision of a world made better by our work.

I have always turned to a select few people when I need advice about my business—respected professionals, friends or family-members whose opinions I trust. I’ve been overwhelmed to learn that the 140 delegates of SVI 2009 are struggling with the same issues, working for the same changes and striving for the same solutions as me.

Thanks to each and every one of you for a breakthrough weekend, and for opening yet further my eyes, mind and heart to the brave new economy of sustainable enterprise.