Amber Cabral

Business adviser, Change Agent, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Idea generator, Life mentor, Writer/Editor

Amber Cabral is a dynamic speaker, bestselling author, and leadership and culture strategist who helps organizations build resilient teams, improve communication, and lead effectively through change. She has partnered with global brands across many industries, like Apple, Amazon, Medtronic, and Gap, to elevate workplace experiences, foster adaptability, and equip leaders with the tools to thrive in complexity. Known for her sharp insights, relatable storytelling, and authentic delivery, Amber specializes in creating mindset shifts that drive meaningful behavior change. Her work emphasizes that better conversations create better outcomes—at work and in life. Amber is the author of two acclaimed books: Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture (2020) and Say More About That: ...and Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others (2022). She also serves as Chair of Brown Girls Do Ballet, an organization dedicated to expanding access and opportunities in classical ballet. Her TED Talk, 3 steps to better connect with your fellow humans, has inspired audiences worldwide to rethink how they approach differences and build meaningful connections. She brings fresh perspectives to leadership, resilience, and workplace transformation by contributing her insights to outlets like Fast Company, MSNBC, Harvard Business Review, and The Washington Post. Amber is also an experienced podcaster and currently hosts her third podcast, Human(ing) Well.

Allyship, Communcation, Diversity, Equity, Human Behavior, Inclusion, Leadership Development

In January 2023, I was slated to do a TED talk, but was overcome with grief after my father’s passing about two weeks before my talk. I was devastated because I’d wanted to deliver a TED Talk for years, so when I fumbled my chance I felt like such a failure. And I am not used to failing. Or rather, I am not used to my skills and my mind failing me. But I learned you cannot out-strategize grief. And fortunately, I got another chance to deliver a TED Talk in January 2024. But it was so hard! After multiple attempts during rehearsal, I wondered if this talk would be a repeat of last year: Me emotional on stage, reading cards through tears. But at the last moment - my dear friend Jose Vilson told me pointedly, “Amber, no podium - just take a note card.” On the verge of tears, I agreed. I got mic’d for my talk with just an emergency notecard folded in my pocket, and on the strength of countless prayers and well wishes, I took the stage and shared what I believe to be an amazing talk. Mere moments before, I was stumbling over my words. But once in front of the audience, I was clear-headed and coherent. And I could not have done it without the dozens of people who rooted for me - both in and beyond that room. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I delivered what I believe to be an idea truly worth spreading. 💫 And I hope you enjoy it. I am grateful beyond words. Now, run it up! 😜