Dirrerent Is Your SUPER POWER with Dylan Smith

What if the very thing that made you feel different growing up could become your greatest strength?

Welcome back to The Amberly Lago Show! Today, I'm sitting down with someone I've had the privilege of knowing since he was just 19 years old, Dylan Smith. He's a motivational speaker, dyslexia advocate, international bestselling author, and someone who is making an incredible impact by helping others turn their challenges into purpose.

Dylan's story is one of resilience, determination, and learning to believe in yourself when the world makes you feel like you're not enough.

Adopted twice as a child and diagnosed with dyslexia at 16, Dylan spent years struggling in school, working harder than many of his classmates just to keep up, and facing bullying from people who didn't understand what he was going through.

He shares what it felt like to be labeled the kid who wasn't smart enough, how those experiences affected his confidence, and the moment he finally understood that he wasn't the problem. His brain simply worked differently.

But what I love most about Dylan's story is how he chose to use those experiences to help others.

In this conversation, we talk about how he went from being an angry kid determined to prove everyone wrong to becoming someone who leads with gratitude, kindness, and a genuine desire to serve others.

Dylan shares how mentorship changed his life, why believing in someone for even five minutes can make a lasting difference, and how taking action on the lessons we learn is what creates real growth.

We also discuss the importance of finding your people. Dylan opens up about how wrestling gave him a place where he felt accepted, supported, and valued for who he was. We explore why community can be life-changing, especially for young people who feel misunderstood or alone.

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation is hearing about Dylan's mission to impact one million lives through his nonprofit initiative, Mission to a Million Lives. His vision is to bring his message into schools, create conversations around dyslexia and bullying, and help children recognize that their differences don't make them less capable or less worthy.

We also talk about his bestselling book, the importance of supporting parents and educators, and why he believes success should be measured by the lives we impact rather than the money we make or the titles we hold.

And toward the end of our conversation, Dylan shares a powerful lesson that I think we all need to hear: You are enough exactly as you are.

You don't need a certain number of followers, a fancy car, a successful business, or someone else's approval to prove your worth.

If you've ever felt different, been underestimated, struggled with confidence, or wondered whether your story could make a difference, this conversation is for you.

I hope Dylan's journey reminds you that your challenges do not define your potential, and that sometimes the experiences that hurt us the most become the very things that allow us to help others. ❤️

We Discuss

Dylan's experience being adopted twice and growing up with dyslexia
What it was like struggling in school before receiving his diagnosis at 16
The emotional impact of bullying, labels, and feeling misunderstood
The moment Dylan realized he wasn't the problem and began seeing himself differently
Turning anger and frustration into motivation and purpose
How a year-long unpaid internship helped him develop his work ethic
The power of mentorship and why believing in someone can change their life
Why applying what you learn matters more than simply consuming motivational content
How gratitude and helping others transformed Dylan's outlook on life
The speaking engagement that inspired him to become a dyslexia advocate
Encouraging parents to listen, support their children, and seek appropriate evaluations
How wrestling provided Dylan with confidence, belonging, and community
Why collaboration and community are more meaningful than competition
Dylan's nonprofit initiative, Mission to a Million Lives, and his vision for schools
How kindness, friendship, and understanding can help address bullying
The role of social media in building relationships and expanding his impact
His bestselling book and the message he hopes it brings to children and families
Why success should be measured by the people we help, not material achievements
Learning to recognize your worth without external validation
Dylan's definition of resilience and the importance of showing up as the person you're becoming

Timestamps

0:00 – Mission to a Million Lives: A Vision to Impact the World

1:12 – Meet Dylan Smith: Turning Pain Into Purpose

2:18 – Growing Up With Dyslexia and Being Adopted

2:45 – The Struggles of Dyslexia in School

3:36 – The Moment Everything Changed: His Dyslexia Diagnosis

4:19 – Facing Bullying and Being Called the Stupid Kid

5:37 – Turning Anger Into Motivation

5:52 – From Almost Joining the Air Force to Building a Career

6:16 – Working for Free to Learn and Grow

7:07 – The Power of Mentors and Learning From Others

8:23 – How Believing in Someone Can Change Their Life

8:54 – The Power of Gratitude

9:12 – Finding Joy in Helping Others

10:05 – Discovering His Purpose as a Dyslexia Advocate

11:24 – Signs of Dyslexia Every Parent Should Recognize

12:10 – Why Proper Evaluation Matters

13:02 – Navigating Medication Experiences and Recovery

14:19 – How Wrestling Became His Outlet and Support System

15:00 – The Importance of Community and Connection

15:25 – Measuring Success by the Lives You Impact

16:58 – Building Mission to a Million Lives

17:29 – Changing Perspectives and Ending Bullying

18:07 – Advice for Kids Struggling With Bullying

18:25 – The Power of Asking, "How Can I Support You?"

19:08 – How Serving Others Can Transform Your Career

19:25 – Growing a Brand Through Social Media and Relationships

20:21 – Bringing His Book Into Schools and Reaching More Lives

21:36 – The Legacy He Wants to Leave: You Are Enough

22:29 – Why Your Worth Isn't Measured by Followers or Success

23:20 – Finding Your Purpose and Defining Resilience

23:37 – Show Up No Matter What

24:00 – Where to Find Dylan and His Upcoming Events

24:25 – Final Words and Closing

To Connect with Dylan Smith

Instagram: @disfordyslexia19

Website: disfordyslexia.com

Get Dylan's Book: disfordyslexia.com/book

Learn more about Dylan's advocacy, speaking engagements, book, and mission to help others embrace their differences and recognize their potential.

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