Hi thanks for the invite to your contest, please find my first entries uploaded.
The concept uses the i in the word pin. The dot is raised with circles surrounding the dot - with the dot positioned in the centre to tie in with the linchpin word. The other thing I've applied it to change the colour of the i from the rest of the word - this brings in the additional concept of the i representing the individual person - the linchpin.
The circle are drawn in a brush stroke style - this brings in a slightly less corporate feel to the design whilst still allowing for a professional look.
Couple of options on font and colour - let me know if there are any changes I can make for you.
Love this - as you can see! I'd love to see other, unusual color combos. Red/Teal is one of my favorite and the green offset is fantastic. What else do you have up your sleeve? I'd love to see any other ideas - so glad I reached out!