.png?width=4000&height=1028&name=Social%20Impact%20Solutions%20-%20Logo%20Color%20-%20Burnt%20Sienna%20(1).png)
Eradicating Poverty Through Job Creation With David Simms
The Social Impact Solutions Podcast
In this inspiring episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, John Mark Vanderpool sits down with David Simms, former Bain consultant, White House Fellow, nonprofit board leader, and founder of Talanton, to unpack how jobs—not microloans—hold the key to tackling extreme poverty at scale.
David shares his extraordinary journey from high-powered consulting and turnaround leadership to faith-driven impact investing across East Africa.
Together, they explore:
- Why small problems attract small checks—and how big vision brings big capital.
- How Talanton's innovative fund model is creating tens of thousands of jobs in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
- The limitations of microfinance and why scaling small-to-mid-sized businesses is a more effective poverty-fighting strategy.
- How catalytic capital, hope, and data-backed decision-making drive real impact.
- The deeper meaning of sustainability—beyond profit, to lasting human transformation.
Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a social entrepreneur, or simply passionate about lasting impact, this episode will challenge how you think about development, scale, and the power of investing in people.
👉 Learn why good jobs are the most powerful form of social change—and how smart, scalable capitalism can be used for good.
Takeaways
- Small medium enterprises create 70% of jobs in developing countries.
- Mid-sized companies are crucial for economic growth.
- Scaling businesses is essential for job creation.
- Job creation can lift people out of poverty.
- SMEs play a vital role in community development.
- Investing in mid-sized companies can drive innovation.
- Economic policies should support the growth of SMEs.
- Entrepreneurship is key to sustainable development.
- Collaboration between government and SMEs is necessary.
- Empowering SMEs can lead to broader economic stability.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Impact Investing
04:40 Turning Points: The Role of Faith and Service
07:54 Innovating for Change: The Microfinance Model
10:36 Breaking Ceilings: Challenges in Life Insurance
13:45 Thinking Big: Attracting Capital for Global Solutions
16:37 Creating Jobs: The Talanton Model
19:51 Scaling Success: The Impact of Talanton
22:45 Comparing Models: Microfinance vs. Talanton
24:15 Unlocking Economic Growth to Alleviate Poverty
30:50 The Role of Capitalism in Development
36:36 Sustainability and Social Impact in Business
43:34 Inspiration for Mission-Driven Leaders
Loading