The Quiet force of a Ripple: subtle yet powerful acts of influence
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“Success is the impact you leave behind. It’s about how many lives you’ve touched and how much of a difference you’ve made." Gabriel Rucker
These words invite reflection:
What does it mean to measure one’s worth through the ripples left in the world? Descartes’ timeless assertion, 'I think, therefore I am,' prompts us to consider how our sense of self is shaped—not just by our thoughts, but by the structures and measures we impose on our existence. Gabriel’s perspective reveals a truth often overlooked: the danger of tying self-worth solely to accomplishments, risking the overshadowing of everyday triumphs that define our being. This underscores a deeper truth—that self-worth is rooted in authenticity, not merely in the scale of one’s influence. The pursuit of impact, while admirable, can blur the boundaries of self-worth.
Perhaps fulfillment lies not in the grandeur of influence but in the quiet recognition of growth, presence, and the intrinsic value of simply being.
Gabriel’s story unfolds as one breath takes over the other—a meditation on ambition and connection.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, his journey began in Phoenix, Arizona, where he studied business communications and took his first steps into the startup world. But Gabriel’s narrative is not defined solely by career milestones. Instead, it is shaped by moments of lessons learned, and a mindset constantly evolving to meet life’s complexities with grace.
Gabriel describes himself as a connector. Though he shies away from terms like “super connector” or “community builder,” his actions consistently embody the spirit of those roles. For Gabriel, it’s less about labels and more about the genuine desire to help others thrive. This ethos is deeply rooted in lessons from his mother, who not only ran a flower shop but also became an etiquette teacher and author. Her influence, though cut short by her passing when Gabriel was just 10 years old, continues to guide him.
Her legacy of kindness, curiosity, and community-building remains at the core of who he is.
“She was my first mentor,” Gabriel reflects. “Even now, I look back at the lessons she taught me and realize how much they’ve guided my decisions.”
This legacy inspires his commitment to mentorship—not just as a recipient, but as someone who pays it forward.
Years of consulting with over 30 startups gave Gabriel a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape, but it also revealed a personal truth: the desire to create something of his own.
Founding Titans, his company, emerged from this vision. Designed as a community-focused relationship management platform, it connects startup founders with funding, vetted service providers, and essential resources. The idea was born during long nights and early mornings, when Gabriel juggled a demanding day job with building his dream.
Starting his own business came with its own set of challenges.
“Discipline wasn’t the issue; it was focus,” he admits. “I’ve always juggled multiple projects, but narrowing my scope to one project for 18 hours a day—that was new for me.”
Through the guidance of mentors and his dedication to growth, Gabriel learned to navigate the balance between ambition and the realities of entrepreneurship. Surrounding himself with the right people and knowing when to seek advice became pillars of his journey.
“Not all advice is good advice, but even bad advice can be helpful if you know how to apply it.”
This discernment extends beyond his professional life, informing his approach to personal challenges as well. Open about his struggles with social anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, Gabriel’s candidness reflects his resilience.
“It’s about being honest with yourself and others. If you’re not, it’s impossible to grow.”
ADHD and bipolar disorder have long carried a stigma, perpetuated by misunderstanding and oversimplified portrayals in media. These conditions are often reduced to stereotypes—the erratic mood swings of bipolar disorder or the perceived lack of focus in ADHD. Such portrayals neglect the complexity of living with these conditions, as well as the strengths they can bring. For Gabriel, managing these diagnoses requires a blend of self-awareness, support, and adaptability—qualities that also shape his entrepreneurial spirit. Gabriel recognizes that while society has made strides in acknowledging mental health, there is still work to be done.
“We need to show what people can do, not just focus on the challenges they face.”
Representation matters, and nuanced portrayals in books, films, and media are essential for shifting public perception. Works like Kay Redfield Jamison’s An Unquiet Mind, which offers an intimate look at bipolar disorder from both a personal and clinical perspective, or the show Atypical, which highlights neurodivergence with humor and depth, pave the way for broader understanding.
Yet, Gabriel believes the real change begins with everyday conversations. By sharing his experiences openly, he hopes to dismantle the shame often associated with mental health diagnoses. “The key is honesty—with yourself and with others,” he says, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where vulnerability is met with compassion and understanding.
When asked about success, Gabriel offers a thoughtful perspective:
“Success is the impact you leave behind. It’s about how many lives you’ve touched and how much of a difference you’ve made. I want people to look back on my life and say, ‘Job well done.’”
This vision also reveals his fears.
“I’m not afraid of dying, but I’m afraid of being forgotten.”
It’s a fear that propels him forward, driving his commitment to meaningful work and the creation of a legacy.
At the heart of Gabriel’s philosophy is the power of connection. Whether through his business, mentorship roles, or personal relationships, he continually seeks ways to build bridges and foster growth. His ability to balance pragmatism with vision, and vulnerability with strength, makes his story a poignant reminder of the complexities of modern life and the human spirit’s capacity for resilience.
Gabriel leaves us with a question that lingers long after the conversation ends:
“What will your impact be?” It is a question that invites us to reflect on the essence of being and acting. To act is to imprint a part of ourselves onto the world, shaping both it and us in the process. As Jean-Paul Sartre suggested, "Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself." Our actions do not merely ripple outward; they carve the contours of our existence, demanding that we consider not just the legacy we leave but the authenticity of the journey itself. Follow us on our journey and discover our episodes. Explore Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life Podcast, where we dive into the hopes, fears, and ambitions shaping Gen Z’s journey. At founding_up, our mission is to spark meaningful conversations with this generation, addressing topics like mental health, the evolving challenges of higher education, and the critical decisions they face—from careers to identity. Through a blend of expert insights and authentic stories, our podcast features a dynamic lineup of industry professionals, thought leaders, and the voices of Gen Z themselves.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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