Margo Wickersham

Keynote Speaker • Bestselling Author • Cancer Survivor

Margo Wickersham helps leaders and organizations build resilience through gratitude. A former sales + marketing executive turned global speaker, she blends real-world business experience with a powerful personal story of surviving a rare cancer—and teaches practical tools teams can apply immediately.

Before becoming a speaker, Margo built a standout corporate career working with companies across multiple industries—from global giants like Dell to high-growth startups. She led high-performing teams, drove revenue growth, launched go-to-market strategies, and built customer-centric cultures that delivered results. Her background gives her a deep understanding of business pressures, change management, organizational dynamics, and the human side of leadership—insight that informs every keynote she delivers.

Margo’s personal story began when a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Center revealed a rare and aggressive bladder cancer variant that would not have responded to her initial treatment plan. She faced a fight for survival in isolation during the darkest days of the pandemic, compounded by the devastating loss of her mother.

At her lowest moment, Margo discovered a grounding truth: she didn’t need to feel brave—she just needed to not give up. When gratitude felt impossible, she began practicing what she now calls “micro-gratitude,” identifying even the smallest things she could appreciate. That simple mindset shift became a powerful resilience framework she now teaches to corporations and associations worldwide.

Her bestselling book, Gratitude in the Storm – When Not Dying Is Enough to Keep Fighting, offers practical tools for navigating uncertainty, burnout, and organizational change—skills that resonate deeply with leaders creating cultures of psychological safety, performance, and well-being.

Known for her authenticity, humor, and powerful storytelling, Margo has spoken to thousands globally in both live and virtual settings. Her programs help organizations strengthen resilience, improve engagement, elevate emotional well-being, and foster teams that can adapt and thrive under pressure. Her podcast and video appearances consistently rank among the most engaging and most downloaded episodes.

As a leading advocate for bladder cancer awareness, Margo is committed to closing the deadly diagnostic gap for women, who die at a 30% higher rate within the first year due to later detection and misdiagnosis. Through her ThriverSurvivor™ movement—supporting patients, caregivers, and anyone facing adversity—she donates a portion of merchandise proceeds to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network to fund research and awareness.

Margo’s mission is clear: to inspire individuals and organizations to lead with resilience, compassion, and gratitude—especially in the moments that challenge us most.