TV presenter, bestselling author, and SWIISH co-founder who turned a stage-3 cancer diagnosis into a wellness movement
Sally Obermeder is a television presenter, radio host, bestselling author, and entrepreneur who spent seven years hosting Channel 7's The Daily Edition — a live weekday program combining breaking news, interviews, and entertainment. Days before giving birth to her first child in 2011, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive stage-3 breast cancer. Over the following year she underwent intensive chemotherapy, radiation, and ultimately a double mastectomy and reconstruction — and returned to work. That sequence of events forms the backbone of her memoir Never Stop Believing, published in 2013 through Allen & Unwin.
What distinguishes Obermeder is not simply the survival story but what she built from it. In November 2012 she co-founded the wellness brand SWIISH with her sister Maha Koraiem, launching an online store in 2015 and developing a range of products including the bestselling SWIISH Wellness Powders. Their cookbook Super Green Smoothies became Australia's number-one bestselling smoothie book and the third highest-selling non-fiction title of 2015. A further five cookbooks followed, each reaching bestseller status. She also launched wish by SWIISH — a charitable initiative supporting breast and ovarian cancer sufferers. In 2017, she received the Readers' Choice Award at the InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards.
For event organisers, Obermeder offers a rare combination: television credibility, entrepreneurial substance, and a story audiences find genuinely galvanising. She speaks on resilience, wellbeing, leadership through adversity, and building a business alongside a full media career. She is equally effective as a keynote speaker or MC, and connects naturally with audiences at women's leadership events, health conferences, and corporate gatherings.
Sally Obermeder is a keynote speaker and MC based in New South Wales who speaks on mental health & wellbeing, motivation and resilience. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
The media industry has long been a male-dominated space, but women have continued to carve out their place, reshaping the narrative and redefining success. From TV hosting to producing, digital storytelling, and brand building, my journey has shown that resilience, authenticity, and innovation are the keys to thriving in this evolving landscape. In this keynote, I’ll share personal stories of triumphs and challenges, the power of reinvention, and how women can leverage their voice to create real impact.
Key Takeaways:
- How to own your story and build a powerful personal brand.
- The importance of adaptability and reinvention in an evolving media landscape.
- Strategies to navigate challenges, overcome biases, and create meaningful opportunities.
- Practical steps for building influence in traditional and digital media spaces.
- Why authenticity is the most valuable currency in today’s media world.
Starting a business as a woman comes with its own unique challenges—but it also brings unparalleled opportunities. From launching SWIISH from my kitchen table to scaling it into a leading wellness brand, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to turn obstacles into stepping stones. This keynote is about the grit, resilience, and strategic thinking it takes to build a business from the ground up. I’ll dive into the reality of entrepreneurship—the highs, the lows, the wins, and the lessons—so you leave inspired and armed with actionable steps to take your business to the next level.
Key Takeaways:
- The mindset shifts required to build and scale a successful business.
- Lessons from growing a brand in a competitive market.
- How to build resilience, confidence, and leadership as a female entrepreneur.
- Key strategies for brand growth, product development, and audience connection.
- How to balance ambition with well-being and avoid burnout.
Being diagnosed with cancer changed Sally's life in every way—but it didn’t define her. Instead, it became a catalyst for growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
In this deeply personal keynote, Sally shares her journey of overcoming cancer, the mindset shifts that helped her push through the toughest moments, and how sheb transformed pain into power. Whether you’re facing a personal battle or supporting someone who is, this talk is about hope, strength, and finding joy after hardship.
Key Takeaways:
- How to build resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
- The importance of self-care, mindset, and community in recovery.
- How challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal reinvention.
- Practical tools for navigating fear, uncertainty, and change.
- How to embrace life with gratitude, purpose, and passion after hardship.
Sally Obermeder is a highly engaging MC and Event Host, bringing warmth, professionalism, and charisma to every stage. With a career spanning television, radio, and entrepreneurship, she is a familiar face to Australian audiences, having hosted The Daily Edition for seven years and interviewed some of the world's biggest celebrities. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences, coupled with her personal journey of resilience and success, makes her an inspiring and polished presence at any event. Whether steering a panel discussion or hosting a gala, Sally ensures a seamless and engaging experience for all.
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