In Pursuit of Impact: Choosing Zebras Over Unicorns
The evolution of impact investing has birthed a plethora of frameworks and standards, which investors use to gauge their investments’ effectiveness. Diversity was important to drive early learnings and engagement, but consolidation has made impact frameworks both increasingly interoperable and effective. This amalgamation symbolizes a significant shift in this sector, transitioning from an indecipherable alphabet soup of acronyms towards more universal norms.
In partnership with the investment firm Kilara and Dr Jodi York, John Treadgold Communications has produced a special report, called The Impact Stack – a toolkit for impact measurement and management. This illuminating document goes beyond simply measuring impact—it operationalizes outcomes, turning a previously abstract concept into a tangible, practical tool. It elucidates the unique applications of leading impact models, their interrelations, overlaps, and, most importantly, the problems they address.
The Impact Stack doesn’t merely house a collection of frameworks—it embodies best practices, illustrating the magic of linkages and overlaps. This report strives to refine the nebulous edges of the impact investing sector, crafting a coherent and comprehensive system.
But this story isn’t just about The Impact Stack—this journey has also unveiled fascinating insights about the evolving impact investment sector itself. Here are the top five insights from this endeavor:
The Impact Stack stands as a testament to our progress in the impact investing field, offering a roadmap for others to follow. Yet, it is equally crucial to remember that this is a young, dynamic sector that continues to evolve and expand, with more to learn and explore at every turn.
Women have been instrumental in shaping the sector, breaking barriers, and challenging the norm, ensuring a fairer representation within the industry. This signals a promising change, a shift towards a more equitable business landscape.
The widespread interest in our report, extending beyond our targeted audience, suggests that the concept of ‘impact’ resonates with many. It shows a growing understanding and acceptance of the role businesses can play in effecting change, extending far beyond mere financial gains.
However, one challenge remains: the shortage of skilled communicators in the field. Impact investing is not merely about capital and returns — it is a story of change, of better businesses, and a more sustainable future. We need individuals who can tell this story effectively, ditching the finance jargon for language that inspires and resonates with everyone.
The Impact Stack represents an important milestone in our journey, but there’s still a long way to go. We need to continue refining our models, learning, and sharing insights. More than anything, we need to ensure that the messages and potential of impact investing are communicated effectively and widely. By doing so, we can ensure that impact investing truly becomes a mainstream practice, integral to the global investment landscape.
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