In the modern world of impact-driven work, success is often measured in clean graphs, neat percentages, and polished quarterly reports. But for entrepreneur and nonprofit leader Shalom Lamm, those numbers are just the surface.
“Data matters, but it’s the stories behind the numbers that reveal the real success,” says Lamm. “And those are the moments I remember most.”
Throughout his career—whether building businesses or founding nonprofits—Shalom Lamm has chosen to lead with heart and humility. He believes that true impact isn’t fully captured in spreadsheets, but in lives changed, communities strengthened, and moments that defy measurement. For Lamm, it’s the stories that stick. And it’s through those stories that he defines progress, purpose, and leadership.
A Human-Centered Approach to Leadership
Lamm’s philosophy stems from years of work in both for-profit and nonprofit environments. He’s seen firsthand how organizations can get caught in the trap of measuring only what’s easy to measure.
“Too often, leaders chase stats that make good headlines, while missing the quiet, meaningful change happening right under their noses,” Lamm says.
In contrast, Lamm focuses on a human-centered approach—placing the people his organizations serve at the heart of how he evaluates success. If someone’s life is better because of the work, even in a way that isn’t easily quantified, that’s a win worth celebrating.
The Stories That Define a Mission
Ask Shalom Lamm about his most meaningful accomplishments, and he won’t recite a balance sheet or cite a five-year projection. Instead, he’ll tell you about the veteran who found peace and stability after years of isolation. Or the young volunteer who, after working on one of Lamm’s community projects, changed her career path to serve others full-time.
“These are the moments that fuel us,” Lamm says. “Not because they’re flashy or fundable, but because they remind us why we started.”
He encourages other nonprofit founders and mission-driven entrepreneurs to actively collect and share stories, not just for marketing purposes, but to stay grounded in purpose. Stories, he believes, are the living proof of impact—testaments to the human ripple effect that stats can’t always show.
Numbers as Tools, Not End Goals
To be clear, Lamm isn’t against data. His organizations still track key performance indicators, budgets, and program outcomes. But he’s intentional about not letting the metrics become the end-all be-all.
“Use numbers to guide your decisions, not define your worth,” Lamm advises. “Your mission isn’t a math problem—it’s a moral one.”
For example, a program might not reach its target participation rate, but if it changed one person’s trajectory, Lamm considers that success. Numbers can tell you what’s happening. Stories tell you why it matters.
Storytelling as a Strategic Advantage
Interestingly, Lamm has found that focusing on stories isn’t just a feel-good philosophy—it’s a strategic asset. Donors, partners, and volunteers are far more engaged by meaningful narratives than by charts and graphs.
“People don’t give because your numbers are impressive,” Lamm explains. “They give because your story moves them.”
By weaving storytelling into every level of his work—from board meetings to social media campaigns—Lamm has built trust and emotional resonance around his missions. Stories build loyalty, create clarity, and help audiences see themselves in the mission.
Creating a Culture That Values Stories
Internally, Lamm fosters a culture that encourages team members to share their own stories of impact. Whether it’s a field worker, a volunteer, or a program manager, everyone is invited to reflect on the human outcomes of their work.
“It’s easy to overlook the significance of what you do when you’re buried in tasks,” Lamm says. “Stories bring meaning back to the surface.”
This culture of reflection helps his teams stay connected to the mission and reminds them that even small efforts can have powerful effects.
Final Thoughts: Measuring What Matters Most
In an age of dashboards and data overload, Shalom Lamm offers a refreshing reminder: impact is not always linear or numerical. It’s emotional. It’s relational. It’s personal.
“If you want to know whether your work matters,” Lamm concludes, “don’t just check your metrics—talk to the people you serve. Their stories will tell you everything you need to know.”
So while numbers may keep the lights on, it’s the stories that keep the fire burning. And for Shalom Lamm, that’s the only measure of success that truly counts.