Start with People: Why Listening is the First Step to Lasting Social Impact

Don’t Assume You Know What People Need

When I first stepped into the world of social impact work, I thought passion and drive would be enough. But I made mistakes—ones many well-meaning leaders make:

❌ Jumping to solutions before understanding the problem
❌ Assuming my perspective mirrored the community’s
❌ Solving for my own goals rather than listening to theirs

I was trying to do good, but I wasn’t starting in the right place.

Real Impact Doesn’t Start With a Plan—It Starts With People

It wasn’t until I paused, listened, and learned with the community—not about them—that my work began to truly matter.

When we start with people, we:

✅ Honor the lived experiences and wisdom of those we aim to serve
✅ Build trust and authentic, two-way relationships
✅ Co-create solutions that address real needs—not assumptions

This is the foundation of the SPARKLE Framework I teach in my book and workshops.
And the “S”? It stands for Start with People.

Why This Matters in Every Sector

Whether you’re leading a nonprofit initiative, launching an internal DEIB strategy, or redesigning a customer experience—nothing is more strategic than listening first.

📣 Listening is leadership.
And the solutions that are built with people will always outlast those built for them.

💬 How Are You Starting With People in Your Work?

If you’re serious about creating sustainable, people-centered impact, I invite you to:

👉 Learn More about the SPARKLE Framework
👉 Book a strategy session or workshop on equitable impact planning
👉 Subscribe to The Happiness Shift for weekly leadership insights rooted in belonging and action

Picture from a volunteer event at the Salvation Army Miami with the Miami Food Rescue