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Ep. 59 From Metrics to Meaning: How to Track Real Social Change
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Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where purpose-driven leaders and social entrepreneurs gather to explore what it truly means to build a business rooted in values-driven work.
In this episode, Kimberly R. Daniel and Stephen Lewis dive into the heart of measuring impact, not just through numbers, but through impact storytelling, lived experiences, and community dialogue. You'll learn how to distinguish between outputs vs outcomes, create impact indicators, and define a social footprint that aligns with your mission. Discover why co-created impact matters, how to practice ethical data collection, and why accountability is central to positive impact.
With insights into sustainable design, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and transformation and equity, we invite you into a deeper conversation about turning customer discovery into lasting change and running a business with intention.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (00:00) Intro: Today’s Topic: Measuring Impact
- (01:19) Defining social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven work, creating a positive impact
- (02:23) How do you measure impact, and what is the difference between outputs vs. outcomes
- (05:00) Identify 1 or 2 impact indicators and understand the social footprint of your business
- (10:17) Warby Parker is an example of a company that uses impact indicators and sustainable design
- (15:41) Storytelling, reflective practices, and community dialogue are essential tools for measuring positive impact
- (18:14) Check out the resources of the DO GOOD X Community
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Impact must be measured thoughtfully and collaboratively. Social entrepreneurs should co-create impact goals with the communities they serve, rather than imposing their definitions of impact. Actual impact reflects what communities value, not just what founders intend.
- Go beyond the numbers and measure what matters. While outputs like meals served or people employed are easier to quantify, meaningful outcomes—such as improved well-being or behavior change—are more difficult but essential to track. Utilize a combination of data, storytelling, and personal experiences to convey the complete story.
- Choose one or two key impacts to focus on, define indicators, and use practical and ethical methods—like interviews or even creative tactics like counting smiles—to measure them. Frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals or tools from SOPACT and Acumen Academy can guide the process.
RESOURCES:
Social Impact Toolkit for Nonprofits
About the Hosts:
Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change.
Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience in developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to creating effective processes and authentic, “sticky” community-centered brands.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly ten years of experience as a certified life coach. She has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship with a focus on social impact. She co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
She is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good in any aspect of her work.
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X. This community provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change.
He is an organizational change strategies and leadership development specialist focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work purposefully. Stephen co-authored "Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose" (2020) and "A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation" (2021).
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