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In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Jody Pihl
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Patience” and “breathe”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
It would have to be the Dalai Lama, who inspires and fascinates me.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Receiving an award feels good but it feels better to know that my legacy will be to leave the world a little bit better than I found it.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Jesus or the Buddha and try to listen, although I’d want to ask a million questions, like: “How did the universe start? How large is the universe? What happens after we die? I’d want to ask questions about “God”. And last but not least, what I’d ask for this week’s power ball lottery numbers – kidding….kind of.
Who inspires you?
So many people, especially the change makers in our community however, if I have to pick one person, it would be my 13 year old son, Finnegan, who demonstrates incredible tenacity and hope to get out of bed every day, despite adversity, tackle his day and find joy in the midst of his struggles.
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. Raise my boys into healthy, happy, thoughtful men.
2. Return to India to hike through the Himalayas with my family, and BF Nicole Rustad
3. never stop learning about myself and the world.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
I wouldn’t bother naming it because I’d sell it and do something meaningful with the money…after one epic party!
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I wish I could foresee a single day 1,000 years from now so I get to know how humanity fares. I’m dying to find out how it all plays out.
What are you passionate about?
My family and friends, my community, animals, the environment, and collecting knowledge and experiences…and ice cream.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
Hands down, the day my husband and I welcomed our twin sons into this world. Words can’t describe the feeling of that instant and mind blowing love.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a mother to my boys.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
On the lake with friends in the summer. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful place to spend an evening than on Lake Okanagan in the summer.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
Hiking. I get out into the mountains, in town or at Big White, as often as I can. Ideally I would go every day! It’s my happy place and my sanctuary.
What is the name of your business/organization?
I’m a Wills & Estates lawyer at Pihl Law Corporation and a community volunteer who supports The Canadian Mental Health Society, Autism Okanagan, The Kelowna General Hospital Foundation and the Enso Society for Contemplative Engagement.
What does your business/organization do?
One reason I am proud to work at Pihl Law Corp is our team culture of a strong commitment to giving back to our community. We all contribute in different ways and it’s an amazing experience to work alongside such a great group of people.
Where can people find you or your business and organizations online?
www.pihl.ca
www.cmhakelowna.com
www.autismokanagan.ca
www.ensosociety.com
How do people connect with you on LinkedIn?
Jody Pihl
What is your mission?
Professionally, to bring a human and relaxed approach to estate planning and administration. In my community, to end the stigma of Mental Illness which will help build a healthier community.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To end the stigma of things that our community judges despite these things being part of the human experience. We all have a story and all have a struggle. My hope is for us to be open and share these stories and struggles to build a more authentic and healthy society.
Where do you want your organization to be in five years?
One of my biggest goals is to be part of building a tertiary Mental Health facility that will deliver excellence in specialized mental health care, advocacy, research and education to our community serving children and adults.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Canadian Mental Health Society exemplifies a team of dedicated change makers who are tireless in their pursuit to make positive change in our community despite historic, cultural and financial barriers.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
Life is what you make it.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
CMHA Kelowna is working hard to fight the stigma of mental illness, promote and educate about mental health and to support individuals and families living with mental illness.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I would want them to be experts in change and movement building and I would want them to lay out a plan to effectively end the stigma of mental illness and promote mental wellness everywhere. I honestly believe that many of our world’s problems would be significantly lessened if all humans were physically and mentally healthy.
If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
Being able to go back in time, 50 years at least, and create a better community plan which would avoid the Highway 97 eyesore, create a diversion route for traffic around the city, protect more waterfront property for parks, the creation of physically separated bike lanes throughout the city, and ensure all development meets certain green and aesthetic requirements.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our community’s love and appreciation for the breathtaking geography of where we live and the relaxed, friendly and community minded culture of our population. And the wineries!
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Nicole Rustad - Corporate Citizenship Program Director at Disney Interactive, and lifelong Kelowna community leader. AMAZING woman!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for this opportunity!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
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