1125: How Adam Serlin is Using Data to Drive Social Change (& What You Can Learn From His Journey!)

Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

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In this episode, we dive deep into the power of data, technology, and accountability with Adam Serlin, founder of Independent Variable. Adam’s journey from working with at-risk youth in the justice system to leading a data-driven consulting firm is nothing short of inspiring. What started as a passion for improving community-based programs led him to develop cutting-edge data collection and analytics solutions that help nonprofits and government organizations measure impact and drive change.

But this episode isn’t just about data—it’s about challenging the status quo, questioning impact, and making informed decisions that actually lead to better outcomes. If you want to learn how data can revolutionize your business or cause, this one’s for you!

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

🚀 Why accountability is the missing piece in many industries—and how to build it into your business
📊 How data storytelling can drive action, funding, and change in mission-driven businesses
💡 The biggest mistakes organizations make when tracking and analyzing their impact
⚙️ How to create affordable, scalable tech solutions without massive budgets
🤝 Why collaboration and collective intelligence are the future of tech and social innovation
💰 The problem with traditional SaaS models and how Adam is disrupting the industry with more accessible solutions
🧠 How to separate effort from impact in your entrepreneurial journey

📝 About Adam Serlin

Adam Serlin is a performance management and innovation professional with nearly two decades of experience designing strategies for public good. After spending over a decade managing award-winning community programs for justice-involved youth and gun violence reduction, Adam became concerned with the lack of accountability in his contract work.

This led him to develop software for better outcome analysis, launching his mission to deliver collaborative technology and data analytics to those addressing tough social problems in environments not built for transparency.

Following a three-year Stoneleigh Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Center for Government Excellence, where he enhanced data-informed performance management in juvenile justice systems, Adam founded Independent Variable in 2020. Today, he leads a team of software developers and implementation specialists spreading his brand of social innovation nationwide, helping organizations leverage data to increase effectiveness and accountability in their service delivery.

🎯 Adam’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs

“Don’t confuse effort with impact.”

📢 Memorable Quotes

“We don’t just need more effort—we need better accountability.” – Adam Serlin
“Technology should empower people, not extract value from them.” – Adam Serlin
“If the people you serve had a choice, would they still choose you? That’s the real test of impact.” – Adam Serlin

💡 Actionable Takeaways

✅ Implement simple, trackable metrics to measure success in your business
✅ Don’t just celebrate wins—analyze failures and improve based on data
✅ Look for collaborative business models that create win-win solutions
✅ Ensure your business solves a real problem—not just one that looks good on paper

🔗 Links & Resources

Chapters

1. 1125: How Adam Serlin is Using Data to Drive Social Change (& What You Can Learn From His Journey!) (00:00:00)

2. Introduction and Welcome (00:00:14)

3. Meet Adam Serlin: His Background and Mission (00:14:33)

4. The Genesis of Independent Variable (01:01:17)

5. The Importance of Data Transparency (01:31:39)

6. Embracing Accountability in Nonprofit Work (02:00:08)

7. Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways (03:03:39)

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