Why Social Impact Matters More Than Ever.

What difference does your organisation make to people’s lives? And how do you know? As investment, business and public expectations evolve, these questions belong at the centre of organisational success.

Marcus explores the rise of the impact economy: the businesses, investors, charities and communities working to create positive change. Within that wider picture, impact investing directs capital towards measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.

The Global Impact Investing Network’s October 2026 research estimates that more than 3,000 organisations manage US$1.76 trillion in impact-investing assets worldwide. These are investment assets under management, rather than a valuation of the broader impact economy. The report describes a growing but more selective market, making effectiveness an increasingly important question.

For venture capitalists, investors and funders, credible evidence helps connect the promise of an idea to the difference it actually makes. For corporates, brands and B Corps, it supports an honest account of their social contribution, beyond an appealing story or a good intention.

Charities, NGOs and social enterprises face the same fundamental question. Activity matters, but meaningful outcomes tell us more: whose lives improved, in what way, and what can we learn from the evidence?

Measuring impact can help organisations make better decisions, identify gaps, learn from experience and earn trust. Financial performance and social contribution deserve to be considered together, with a clear view of both commercial viability and the people affected.

This is an engaging keynote about why social impact matters and why credible measurement belongs in the conversation. It gives audiences a commercially relevant perspective and practical questions to take back to their organisation.

The invitation is simple: take your social contribution as seriously as your financial performance.