Behind Success: How NY Times Best Seller and Entrepreneur Marc Kielburger Overcame His Rock Bottom
In partnership with Miss Investigate
Society tends to celebrate the wins, with success often measured by achievements, accolades, and the pursuit of excellence. An example is Marc Kielburger, a Harvard graduate and Rhodes scholar, a New York Times bestselling author, social entrepreneur, and co-host of the My Legacy podcast and syndicated radio show.
With a career spanning decades and partnerships with luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey and Richard Branson, Kielburger’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, behind the glittering success is a deeply personal story of struggle and resilience that few know about.
Four years ago, Kielburger faced one of the most challenging moments of his life. But instead of succumbing to despair, the entrepreneur started on a journey rooted in what he calls his three-pillar approach: biohacking, longevity medicine, and consciousness. What is this method, and how did it lead him to a more fulfilling life today?
A Moment That Changed Everything
In 2020, Kielburger’s life took an unexpected turn. By all outward appearances, he had achieved what many could only dream of. But internally, he was unraveling. A traumatic event left him feeling disconnected from himself and those around him. He was weighed down—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“I was unhealthy and angry,” Marc Kielburger shared. “My life felt devoid of purpose.”
This period marked what he describes as his personal rock bottom. The Western ideals of happiness—rooted in material success and external validation—had left him unfulfilled. “I realized that chasing dopamine-fueled highs wasn’t sustainable. It was time for a reset,” he mentions.
For many, such moments can lead to despair or stagnation. But for Marc Kielburger, they sparked something different. He discovered what psychologists refer to as post-traumatic growth—a process through which adversity becomes an avenue for profound personal development combined with a three-pillar approach to healing and wellness.
The Three-Pillar Approach: Rebuilding From Within
Kielburger’s journey toward healing wasn’t linear or straightforward. His experience with post-traumatic growth (PTG) was pivotal. Unlike post-traumatic stress (PTS), which focuses on the negative impacts of trauma, PTG highlights the potential for positive psychological change following adversity. It required him to adopt an integrative wellness philosophy rooted in three interconnected pillars: biohacking, longevity medicine, and consciousness.
Biohacking and Longevity Medicine: Keeping the Body at Its Best
One of the first steps in Kielburger’s transformation involved addressing his physical health through longevity medicine and biohacking, a practice that uses science and technology to optimize the body’s performance. For over 25 years, Kielburger had struggled with a debilitating ankle injury sustained during his competitive rugby playing days. Traditional treatments had failed to provide relief.
Determined to heal, Marc Kielburger underwent four rounds of stem cell therapy directly into his ankle joint using advanced ultrasound mapping techniques. The results were remarkable.
“Before this treatment, I couldn’t stand on my left foot at all,” Marc Kielburger recalled. “Today, I can run again—and even balance on one foot.”
During this time, Kielburger also learned that as people age, the number and function of stem cells throughout the body significantly decline. This process, called “stem cell exhaustion,” refers to the decline in the number and functional capacity of stem cells.
According to Kielburger, this decline contributes to various age-related health issues, including frailty, weakened immune responses, and diminished tissue regeneration capabilities.
Acknowledging this, Kielburger also underwent plasma exchange, effectively removing harmful substances accumulated from the bloodstream, akin to an “oil change” for the body. This process significantly reduced chronic inflammation and improved his overall health.
Marc Kielburger shares, “At 47 years old, I feel like I am 25 again. This small example shows me how the human body has the capacity to heal itself when given the right tools and when we have the knowledge of how to act.”
Kielburger has also embraced oxygen therapy using a hyperbaric chamber as well as cold therapy. His diet has been transformed, including a focus on eating healthy fats such as sunny side up eggs, avocadoes, and walnuts. He equally spends his time with his Bernese Mountain dog on morning walks at 6am, which helps regulate his circadian rhythm and maximize his sleep patterns.
Consciousness: Finding Emotional Alignment
While physical health was crucial to Kielburger’s recovery, his focus on consciousness brought about the most profound changes. His daily routine includes 30 minutes of meditation to cultivate emotional resilience, mindfulness, and presence, setting a positive tone for the day. This year he will regularly travel to Dharmsala, in India, to visit the Dalai Lama and learn more about meditation and consciousness.
Kielburger aims to help people align their daily actions with what truly matters, focusing on fulfillment rather than external validation. He encourages readers to ask themselves the big questions: ‘What do you really want?’ ‘What’s really most important to you?’
The New York Times best-selling author believes anyone can unlock a more vibrant and purposeful life by embracing small, intentional habits. These are grounded in biohacking, regenerative medicine, and consciousness. He readily shares that he treats himself somewhat like a guinea pig, trying new therapies and ways to improve his health and wellness.
“Living a fulfilled life comes from connection,” Marc Kielburger explained. “Connection with yourself, others, and the world around you. When your actions align with your values and purpose, you create a life worth living.” This holistic perspective allowed him to shed unhealthy habits and rebuild relationships that had been strained during his lowest moments.
Overcoming Struggles and Inspiring Others
Kielburger’s journey is not just about personal transformation but also about inspiring others to live fulfilled lives. As a motivational speaker, he has hosted over 130 stadium events for 1.5 million attendees, featuring Nobel laureates and global leaders. His work extends beyond these events, as he co-leads Legacy+, a platform dedicated to building purposeful movements and impactful legacy projects.
Kielburger’s latest book, “What Is My Legacy?” debuted on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025 and offers profound insights into purposeful living. Co-written with prominent figures Craig Kielburger, Martin Luther King III, and Arndrea Waters King, the book highlights the author’s commitment to empowering others to create lasting legacies. The Dalai Lama wrote the foreword to the book.
With iHeartMedia, Martin Luther King III Foundation, and Legacy+, Kielburger proudly debuts the “My Legacy” podcast and syndicated radio show. “My Legacy” features some of the most successful figures today and uncovers the unseen struggles that define their successful lives.
Marc Kielburger shares, “Through these platforms, we aim to reach as many people as possible and inspire them to create their legacies rooted in both stories of triumphs and failures.”
Living a More Fulfilling Life
Marc Kielburger’s story highlights that true success is not just about achievements but overcoming adversity and finding fulfillment. Through his three-pillar approach to wellness, the entrepreneur believes it is still not too late for those suffering as he did to overcome their feeling of unfulfillment and start on their wellness journey.
To motivate others, Kielburger shares his daily routine—including meditation, morning meals, daily exercise, and self-care habits–on his LinkedIn page. He is working with Dr. Tim Cook, one of the world’s foremost longevity doctors, on sharing their experiences.
Now enjoying what he calls his ‘best life’ as a husband, father, entrepreneur, and author, Kielburger’s legacy displays the power of resilience, compassion, and commitment to living a life of purpose and connection.
He mentions, “I’m dedicated to living a fulfilled life and empowering people to live legacies they are proud of, demonstrating the power of connection, leadership, and compassion in making the world a better place.”
Rolling Stone UK newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this featured content