The Ripple Effect of Showing Up | Default to Yes

(The Meeting, the Protest, and the Ripple Effect We Don’t See)

I was in a work meeting, the air felt… heavy.
You know the kind—where there’s something important underneath the agenda, but no one’s quite sure how to bring it up.

Then, one person spoke up—boldly, directly, with courage.
Another person spoke up too… but instead of addressing the real issue, they talked about how others weren’t speaking up.
Some sat quietly, arms crossed, deciding it was easier not to get involved at all.

And I get it.
Sometimes not speaking up feels safer. Less risky.
You tell yourself it probably won’t change anything anyway.

I’ve Been There Too

Years ago, I went to a protest for an issue I cared about deeply.
I stood there in the crowd, holding my sign, looking at the faces around me.

And then the thoughts started:

• Is this really making a difference?

• Or am I just making myself feel like I’m doing something?

• If I’m not sure this will matter, should I be here at all?

My overthinking brain went into overdrive.
Because here’s the truth: I’m not always sure if an action will have a visible, measurable outcome. And maybe you’re like me—you want to know it’s worth it before you put your energy into it.

The Ripple Effect We Can’t Always See

Here’s what I’ve learned since—both from personal experience and neuroscience:
Even when we don’t see the results right away, our actions can have ripple effects we’ll never fully know.

In neuroscience, there’s something called social contagion—the way emotions, actions, and courage spread through a group.
When one person shows up with conviction, it changes what others believe is possible.

That meeting?
The one person who spoke up gave others permission to be bolder next time.

That protest?
Maybe my presence helped the crowd grow enough to be noticed by someone who did have the power to make change.

Culture Doesn’t Change on Its Own

Leadership pioneer Frances Hesselbein said it this way:

“Culture does not change because we desire to change it. Culture changes when the organization is transformed; the culture reflects the realities of people working together every day.”

In other words—culture shifts when we shift.
When we speak up.
When we decide that not playing small matters more than avoiding discomfort.
When we show up, even if we can’t see the ending yet.

You Have Agency

Governor Gavin Newsom once said:

“We do have agency. We’re not bystanders in this world. We can shape the future… This time requires us to act anew, not just think anew.”

And that’s the truth—waiting for the perfect moment to speak, act, or create change means we’ll likely wait forever.

Every choice we make has action potential, like a neuron in the brain waiting to fire. Once it fires, it can spark something bigger than itself.

The Real Risk

The real risk isn’t that we’ll speak up and nothing will happen.
The real risk is that we’ll stop speaking up entirely—because we’re not sure it will matter.

I believe your presence matters. Your actions matter. Your voice matters.
Even when the results aren’t immediate. Even when you feel like you’re just “one person in the crowd.”

Your Next Right Step

If you’ve been holding back, waiting until you “know for sure” something will make a difference, maybe it’s time to stop waiting.

Sometimes the first step is simply getting clear about where your voice and presence can have the greatest impact.

That’s why I offer Clarity Sessions—to help you identify your next right step, and to make sure you’re not just reacting to life, but shaping it.

📅 CLICK HERE to Schedule your Clarity Session

Because the world doesn’t just need more noise.
It needs your voice.