Michelle Obama, the former first lady of the United States, was a keynote speaker at the annual Bits & Pretzels Founder Festival in Munich, Germany.
The event, which took place on Monday, saw Mrs. Obama in a one-on-one conversation with venture capitalist Karim Jalbout. The dialogue revolved around the promotion of self-confidence, diversity, and inclusion.
In a revelation that has since stirred up conversations, Mrs. Obama reportedly received a staggering $750,000 for her hour-long engagement at the festival. As per the Daily Mail, insiders close to the festival's organizers disclosed that the fee paid to Mrs. Obama was "one of the highest fees that they ever have paid." The sources further added, "they really pulled out all the stops to get her."
The Bits & Pretzels website acknowledged Mrs. Obama as their most sought-after guest, stating that she has "topped the list year after year." The festival organizers expressed their belief in their mission of aiding founders in shaping a better future. They lauded Mrs. Obama's story of determination, community, and personal conviction as "nothing short of inspiring."
The festival's organizers further elaborated on Mrs. Obama's credentials, citing her accomplishments as an attorney, bestselling author, Grammy winner, loving wife and mother, and former First Lady. They stated that Mrs. Obama would inspire the audience to "embrace their unique strengths and push past self-doubt" while discussing the significance of inclusivity and diversity.
Mrs. Obama and Jalbout's conversation was the highlight of the festival's second day, scheduled from 6 pm to 7 pm. Other distinguished speakers at the event, which coincides with Oktoberfest, included AirBnB founder Nathan Blecharczyk, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck, and former football star turned entrepreneur Oliver Kahn.
Interestingly, Michelle Obama is not the first member of her family to grace the stage at the Bits & Pretzels Founder Festival. In 2019, her husband, former President Barack Obama, was invited to speak about leadership and the role of those in power in addressing the world's most pressing issues.
Since their departure from the White House, the Obamas have amassed significant wealth through book deals, TV specials, and numerous speaking engagements.
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