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How To Turn Inner City Struggles Into Stepping Stones To Success
What does it take to go from inner city struggles to a live of abundance, wealth, and success?
Welcome back to ep110 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here.
Can you really build wealth if you come from nothing?
If you've ever asked yourself this question — this episode will light a fire in you.
In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Darius Ross — founder of DariusARoss.com, a seasoned real estate investor, developer, and generational wealth strategist — who went from growing up in one of America’s toughest neighbourhoods to building an empire that spans across multiple real estate sectors.
But this episode isn’t about flashy deals or overnight success stories. It’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and refusing to accept the limits society tries to place on you.
Darius opens up about growing up in the South Bronx, surviving childhood trauma, and facing systemic oppression. But he also shares how he turned that pain into purpose — and eventually into power. With no safety net, no head start, and no wealthy connections, he forged a path forward by educating himself, staying disciplined, and investing not just in real estate — but in his mindset.
If you're stuck in survival mode, or trying to figure out how to rewrite your financial story, this is a must-watch. Darius doesn’t hold back. He shares hard truths, practical strategies, and the kind of wisdom you don’t find in textbooks — only in real life.
🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What poverty really means (it’s not just about money)
- How Darius used real estate as a tool for freedom
- Why mindset is your greatest asset — or your worst enemy
- How to get started in real estate when you have nothing
- How to protect your focus and energy in toxic environments
- Why representation and mentorship can change everything
- Tactical advice for first-time investors and wealth builders
- What legacy means when you’re the first to build one
💬 One of my favourite quotes from Darius in this episode:
"You don’t need a silver spoon. You need a steel spine and a relentless plan."
If you’ve ever felt like your background disqualifies you from success — think again.
This episode will inspire you, challenge you, and give you the tools to start building something better.
Darius shares how he overcame extreme childhood trauma, systemic barriers, and financial hardship to create economic freedom — not just for himself, but for his community. This is a must-watch for anyone who believes their past is too messy to build wealth.
🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL so you never miss an episode filled with real stories and practical strategies for wealth-building!
👇 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Darius Ross & his story
02:42 – Growing up in the South Bronx and early trauma
06:18 – What poverty really means beyond just money
10:05 – How Darius found his way into real estate
14:47 – The power of mentorship & representation
17:33 – Escaping systemic cycles and building confidence
21:56 – First real estate deals and lessons learned
27:41 – The importance of mindset when you come from struggle
30:22 – What keeps people stuck (and how to get unstuck)
34:18 – Advice for first-gen wealth builders
39:02 – Where to start if you have $0 and a big dream
43:45 – The legacy Darius is building
46:10 – Final words of wisdom: "You don’t need a silver spoon. You need a steel spine."
💬 If this episode moved you — comment below and share your biggest takeaway. Let’s break cycles together.
📌 Resources & Links:
🔗 Learn more about Darius Ross: https://dariusaross.com/
🎧 Subscribe to the Inspired to Invest Podcast
Thank you to M1 Capital Connectors for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. If you’re an experienced real estate investor who needs support raising capital, find out how to raise your next $1 to $3 million dollars in the next 90 days. Learn more!
“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.
➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to personal branding, business, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀
➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀
__________________
Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!
__________________
Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!
__________________
Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions.
__________________
How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!
__________________
📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.
__________________
💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex!
💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫
__________________
🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯
__________________
🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀
👉🏼YouTube & Instagram
__________________
LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥
→ Instagram
→ LinkedIn
→ TikTok
→ Online
Serena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
View all episodes
By Serena HolmesWhat does it take to go from inner city struggles to a live of abundance, wealth, and success?
Welcome back to ep110 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here.
Can you really build wealth if you come from nothing?
If you've ever asked yourself this question — this episode will light a fire in you.
In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Darius Ross — founder of DariusARoss.com, a seasoned real estate investor, developer, and generational wealth strategist — who went from growing up in one of America’s toughest neighbourhoods to building an empire that spans across multiple real estate sectors.
But this episode isn’t about flashy deals or overnight success stories. It’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and refusing to accept the limits society tries to place on you.
Darius opens up about growing up in the South Bronx, surviving childhood trauma, and facing systemic oppression. But he also shares how he turned that pain into purpose — and eventually into power. With no safety net, no head start, and no wealthy connections, he forged a path forward by educating himself, staying disciplined, and investing not just in real estate — but in his mindset.
If you're stuck in survival mode, or trying to figure out how to rewrite your financial story, this is a must-watch. Darius doesn’t hold back. He shares hard truths, practical strategies, and the kind of wisdom you don’t find in textbooks — only in real life.
🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What poverty really means (it’s not just about money)
- How Darius used real estate as a tool for freedom
- Why mindset is your greatest asset — or your worst enemy
- How to get started in real estate when you have nothing
- How to protect your focus and energy in toxic environments
- Why representation and mentorship can change everything
- Tactical advice for first-time investors and wealth builders
- What legacy means when you’re the first to build one
💬 One of my favourite quotes from Darius in this episode:
"You don’t need a silver spoon. You need a steel spine and a relentless plan."
If you’ve ever felt like your background disqualifies you from success — think again.
This episode will inspire you, challenge you, and give you the tools to start building something better.
Darius shares how he overcame extreme childhood trauma, systemic barriers, and financial hardship to create economic freedom — not just for himself, but for his community. This is a must-watch for anyone who believes their past is too messy to build wealth.
🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL so you never miss an episode filled with real stories and practical strategies for wealth-building!
👇 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Darius Ross & his story
02:42 – Growing up in the South Bronx and early trauma
06:18 – What poverty really means beyond just money
10:05 – How Darius found his way into real estate
14:47 – The power of mentorship & representation
17:33 – Escaping systemic cycles and building confidence
21:56 – First real estate deals and lessons learned
27:41 – The importance of mindset when you come from struggle
30:22 – What keeps people stuck (and how to get unstuck)
34:18 – Advice for first-gen wealth builders
39:02 – Where to start if you have $0 and a big dream
43:45 – The legacy Darius is building
46:10 – Final words of wisdom: "You don’t need a silver spoon. You need a steel spine."
💬 If this episode moved you — comment below and share your biggest takeaway. Let’s break cycles together.
📌 Resources & Links:
🔗 Learn more about Darius Ross: https://dariusaross.com/
🎧 Subscribe to the Inspired to Invest Podcast
Thank you to M1 Capital Connectors for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. If you’re an experienced real estate investor who needs support raising capital, find out how to raise your next $1 to $3 million dollars in the next 90 days. Learn more!
“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.
➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to personal branding, business, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀
➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀
__________________
Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!
__________________
Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!
__________________
Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions.
__________________
How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!
__________________
📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.
__________________
💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex!
💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫
__________________
🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯
__________________
🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀
👉🏼YouTube & Instagram
__________________
LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥
→ Instagram
→ LinkedIn
→ TikTok
→ Online
Serena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.