How to Create a Ripple Effect When You Feel You Have Nothing to Give
We talk a lot about the ripple effect on this show, but what happens when you feel like you don’t have much to offer?
How do you actually create impact when your resources money, time, or energy feel scarce?
The truth is, that belief is a boldfaced lie. You already have everything you need to start creating a ripple effect today.
In this conversation with keynote speaker and entrepreneur Alexa DePaolo, we dive deep into what it really takes to invest in yourself, overcome excuses, and create massive growth no matter your starting point. Her story proves that the ripple effect doesn’t begin with abundance it begins with a decision.
From Poverty to Power: Alexa’s Story
Alexa’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in poverty, she often went days without running water or electricity. As a young single mom, she relied on welfare just to get by. But living in survival mode taught her something powerful: if you want change, you have to bet on yourself.
She took a leap into commission-only sales, where the risk was high but the potential was limitless. By refusing to accept excuses and working harder than anyone else in the room, she went from barely keeping the lights on to building a business that now impacts thousands.
Her story is proof that you don’t need a degree, a perfect background, or even a head start you need the mindset to keep moving forward when others stop.
Why Investing in Yourself Is Non-Negotiable
One of Alexa’s key insights is that no one else is going to invest in you. If you wait until you “have the money” or “have the time,” you’ll be waiting forever. The most expensive thing in life isn’t education it’s ignorance.
The excuses we make “I can’t afford the ticket,” “I don’t have time for an event,” “I’ll do it next year” are the very barriers keeping us stuck. Alexa reminds us to flip the question: What’s the cost of staying where I am?
When you frame it that way, investing in personal development, proximity, and growth becomes a no-brainer.
Excuses vs. Execution
I shared on the podcast how I used to scrape together just to attend events when I was broke and over a million dollars in debt. I carpooled, split hotel rooms, got creative with tickets whatever it took to be in the right room.
And here’s the truth: the more I sacrificed to be there, the more intentional I became. I took better notes, connected deeper with people, and squeezed every ounce of ROI out of the experience.
You can either execute or you can make excuses. But excuses never build wealth, freedom, or ripple effects.
Proximity Is Power
Both Alexa and I agreed: you’re always one relationship or one idea away from a breakthrough. Being in the right room at the right time changes everything.
That’s the driving force behind Ripple Effect Live, Alexa’s upcoming event in Denver (October 17–18). It’s designed to put you in proximity with entrepreneurs and leaders who are closing $50M–$250M+ a year. The strategies, energy, and networks you gain in that room can literally change your trajectory.
Your environment shapes your reality. If you surround yourself with people who are building, serving, and growing, you’ll naturally rise to that same level.
Takeaway: Stop Waiting, Start Rippling
If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re worthy, whether you have enough, or whether your story disqualifies you from success, let Alexa’s journey be your proof: you already have what it takes.
The ripple effect doesn’t start with a full bank account it starts with a single step of faith, backed by action.
So here’s my challenge to you: stop waiting for perfect conditions. Get in the right rooms, invest in yourself, and start embodying the person you know you’re meant to be. That’s how your ripple effect begins and grows.