In 2009, Kaptivate was launched during a time of tremendous uncertainty. As the nation struggled to recover from the Great Recession, one thing was clear to us: periods of transition and economic hardship often spark extraordinary opportunities for growth, innovation, and reinvention.
That belief led us to adopt the tagline Pivot and Thrive, a phrase which has defined both our work and culture.
Recent history offers powerful examples of companies that turned crisis into opportunity — embodying the very spirit of Pivot + Thrive. Apple was on the verge of bankruptcy in the late 1990s, but by shifting focus from computers to consumer electronics, it reemerged stronger than ever with products like the iPod and iPhone. Netflix initially began as a DVD rental service but pivoted to streaming video as consumer habits changed. Its move into original content propelled it to dominate global entertainment. Starbucks, during the 2008 financial crisis, refocused on customer experience and quality — a return to its roots that revitalized the brand worldwide. Even Slack showed that a failed product (initially a gaming communication tool) can lead to transformational success when companies are willing to pivot and trust a new vision.
Today, as our country — and especially the national capital region — navigates new transitions, we are reminded once again that change and challenge bring opportunity. Over the past 16 years, through many unpredictable economic cycles, Kaptivate has seen firsthand that resilience and adaptability are key to thriving in uncertain times.
These stories remind us that with creativity, bold decision-making, and a willingness to adapt, organizations can not only survive tough times but thrive in ways they never imagined. This is why we are proud to introduce the Pivot + Thrive campaign series. Through this initiative, we’re spotlighting inspiring stories from our partners, former clients, colleagues, and leaders we admire. Each story offers real-world insights into how individuals and organizations faced professional challenges, made critical pivots, and ultimately found new paths to success.
We invite you to follow along, find inspiration, and discover more about the spirit that drives these people and stories. First up, our CEO, Ron Vassallo to launch the series. Then stay tuned — we’re just getting started!
Discover more of the series by visiting our LinkedIn Company page (and be sure to Follow Us!) or check out our Pivot + Thrive campaign page with recent video interviews.
Have a great story to tell about resilience? Wish to nominate a great story? We’d love to hear from you! Use our Submit Form on the campaign landing page and we’ll reach out!