Amberly Lago is a globally recognized resilience expert, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host whose work centers on grit, mindset, leadership, and turning pain into purpose.
In this episode of The Health Movement Podcast, Derek sits down with Amberly for a powerful and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and connection. From surviving childhood trauma to building a successful career as a professional dancer and fitness entrepreneur — and then facing a life-altering motorcycle accident that nearly cost her leg — Amberly shares how pain became the foundation for her purpose.
Rather than framing resilience as simply “pushing harder,” Amberly explains why grit without connection leads to burnout, and how true resilience is built through purpose, service, faith, and community. She opens up about identity loss, healing trauma, learning to accept her scars, and the moment she chose to live as a victor rather than a victim.
This episode is for anyone navigating pain, uncertainty, or major life change — especially those who feel strong on the outside but are struggling internally. Amberly’s story is a reminder that healing begins with honesty, purpose, and connection.
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She shares:
◼️ Why grit alone isn’t enough for long-term resilience
◼️ How identity loss can become identity growth
◼️ The difference between being a victim and a victor
◼️ Why connection accelerates healing
◼️ How purpose fuels perseverance through pain
◼️ Turning trauma into service and leadership
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:30 Amberly’s early life, resilience, and dance career
05:40 The motorcycle accident and near amputation
09:30 Pain, trauma, and unlearning “just push harder”
13:00 Grit vs connection
16:30 Purpose, identity, and the power of “why”
21:40 Service as a source of healing
25:30 Accepting scars and redefining identity
32:00 Raising empathetic leaders and children
38:50 Events, books, and where to connect
The Health Movement Podcast explores fitness, mindset, recovery, and purpose through long-form conversations focused on clarity, depth, and long-term growth. Subscribe for weekly episodes designed to help you build a stronger body, sharper mind, and more intentional life.
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