About Angela
Hi, I’m Angela “Angie” Pennella! I'm a TEDx and motivational speaker, human connection leader, encourager, and founder of 5 H Collective™. I’ve built my life and work around five simple pillars: Hugs. Hope. Hustle. Healing. Heart. These aren’t just words—they’re my way of living, leading, inspiring and helping others move forward.
Hugs
Known as The Official Hug Dealer™, I believe hugs are more than a gesture—they’re a universal language of hope and connection. Through my Hug & Tell,™ micro-series, Hugs in the Wild™ episodes, and Hug Tour™, I bring people together to remind them they’re not alone and to stay connected.
Hope
Life can be heavy, and I live to encourage people when they need it most. Whether through a YouTube series, a keynote talk, or a simple daily Inspire Moment message, my goal is to deliver light in dark places and inspire resilience.
Hustle
I know the cost of always chasing “more.” That’s why I created Achiever Syndrome®, a registered trademarked framework that helps high performers break free from burnout and rediscover their worth beyond achievement. Through my speaking, coaching, and writing, I help people understand the syndrome and hustle with heart—not exhaustion.
Healing
My journey as a traumatic brain injury survivor has given me a deep passion for recovery advocacy. I share my story to encourage others walking through head injury trauma, and I speak on resilience, courage, and healing—because I believe broken things can still build beautiful lives.
Heart
I believe that every person is born with something powerful to give — but too often, life’s noise, fear, and pressure drown it out. Through her speaking and storytelling, she helps people reconnect to that inner compass — the one that reminds them who they are, what they value, and how much light they bring into the world.
From Trauma to Triumph
Achiever, Believer, Survivor, Angela is a woman who reaches for the stars and dreams BIG…no matter what curve ball, or truck in her case, may hit her! Angela’s Don’t Stop Believing attitude helped her to survive an almost deadly car accident in 2002 when a reckless driver hit her head-on. She suffered severe head trauma, had over 1000 stitches to her face and body, in addition to a lacerated liver, punctured lung, and many other internal injuries & contusions. Drawing upon her physical and mental inner strength as a standout student-athlete (Division 1 college volleyball Captain), and she found the courage to fight through a year-long rehabilitation and survive the horrific accident.
Against all odds, she got back on her feet and built a very successful career in medical & pharmaceutical sales. After learning how fragile life can be, and being given a second chance in life, she felt a responsibility to inspire others and make an impact on the way they live their lives!
After several years of success achieving outer goals, her emphasis on work led her to the realization that she wasn’t doing what her heart was truly calling on her to do. She decided it was time for a change. A big change! In December of 2010, she took a leap of faith to follow her dream and moved 3000 miles west to Southern California. After establishing herself in her new community, she decided to use the wisdom she gained from her car accident to help people across the country overcome challenges in their lives. Some of the issues she helps people with include achieving work-life balance, understanding their nervous system, goal-setting, motivation, assertiveness, transitions, communication, and guidance and courage to take the next step in life.
At the heart of everything I do is this simple mission:
Helping people move — in life, in healing, and in purpose.
Whether I’m speaking on stage, giving a hug, sharing hope, or guiding someone through a life transition, my goal is always the same: to connect, encourage, and remind you that you are not alone — and that you are loved.