Speaker SlamĀ® Announces Speaker Lineup for the 5th Competition of the 2024 Season on the theme "Power of Yes"
Aug 07, 2024Last Speaker Slam of the Year!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration at Speaker Slam's Power of YES Competition! On September 17th, 2024, at the renowned Lula Lounge in Toronto, ten extraordinary individuals will take the stage to share their inspiring stories of saying "Yes." These speakers have stepped out of their comfort zones and explored uncharted territories, ready to inspire us all with their remarkable journeys. This is the last competition before the Grand Slam, where the Grand Slam theme will be revealed.
What is Speaker Slam?
Speaker Slam® is North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, dedicated to cultivating influential speakers, changemakers, and thought leaders. We provide a platform for individuals to share their life stories and inspire their communities to take action. Each year, we hold 5 competitions, each featuring 10 speakers delivering 5-minute inspirational speeches around a specific theme. Winners receive prizes valued up to $10,000, including cash, and move on to the prestigious Grand Slam finals in November, where they compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.
Meet Your Power of Yes Speakers:
Kate Mosher
Entrepreneur, Feminist Coach, Podcast Host
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Meet Kate Mosher, an Entrepreneur, Feminist Coach and Podcast Host. Kate's work focuses on tilting the lens towards equity and liberation while celebrating the joy of being a human on this spinning ball of stardust. She partners with people and organizations who want to disrupt, revolutionize, and reimagine. Working for philanthropic and charitable organizations in Canada and the US for over 15 years, Kate's skills range from expertise in fundraising, marketing, communications, board management to project leadership and strategic planning. Kate is passionate about lifelong (un)learning and is committed to equity, justice, and liberation for all. Kate is interested in reimagining of what is possible for our world and the ideas that arise when we listen to understand.
"Speaker Slam is a space to risk being seen and known- I am excited for the world to get to see & know ME."
Sara Knapp
Career & Leadership Coach
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Meet Sara Knapp, a Career and Leadership Coach with 14 years of experience enabling corporate leaders to have career success on their own terms. Before coaching, she held executive leadership roles in strategy, risk, compliance and human resources in the financial services industry. A CPA, CA, and CFA with deep business acumen and experience, Sara is sought out by her clients for her candour, insights, and deep commitment to their success.
"While I'm comfortable presenting to a corporate board or leadership committee, getting on stage at Speaker Slam to share an inspirational personal story is way outside my comfort zone. That's exactly why I'm doing it."
@SaraKnapp
Christine Farrugia
Leadership Coach, Strategic Advisor, Speaker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Meet Christine Farrugia, a passionate leadership coach, strategic advisor to high-growth companies, and an inspiring speaker. Christine has over 20 years of real-world experience leading teams of up to 300 people at major Canadian companies, including Wealthsimple, Loblaws, and KPMG. She now coaches corporate leaders and executives who want to create a career that excites them to get out of bed in the morning, advises high-growth companies on their company strategy, and is a motivating, high-energy speaker. Christine has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and is a Certified Khan Method Coach. Most importantly, she is a mom to two incredible kids, Oliver and Harper.
"Last December I decided that 2024 was the year of doing things that scare me - and Speaker Slam was one of the 'scary' items on my list! I am excited to get on stage at Speaker Slam to push myself out of my comfort zone, join a community of world-class speakers, and hopefully inspire others along the way."
Susan LeBlanc
North York, Ontario, Canada
Susan is a professional coach and executive marketer who has learned that saying yes to experiences is the most fulfilling way to learn anything in life.
"If you never try it, how will you know?"
Gabriella Embon
Life Engineering Coach, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author
Lasalle, Quebec, Canada
Meet Gabriela Embon, a certified coach, member of ICF, Podcast Host, and Speaker. She is also the Founder of Coaching Academy by Gabriela Embon. Before her career in the personal development industry, Gabriela was an engineer for 8 years. She leverages her diverse background to empower high achievers to engineer legendary careers and marriages, challenge their limiting beliefs, and create a life of no regrets. When she’s not working you can find her spending time with her three amazing children and husband of 26 years.
"Excited to be part of the Speaker Slam community, where every story has the power to inspire and ignite hearts and minds"
Heather Di Santo
Entrepreneur, Event Specialist, Movement Motivator
Aurora, Ontario, Canada
Meet Heather Di Santo, a woman on a mission to inspire people to do hard things, one step at a time. She is a daughter, wife, and mom to two loveable young men and is the proud owner of DiSH Events. After a significant 18 career in the financial industry and an impactful year executing run/walk charity events across Canada she's spent the last eight years navigating entrepreneurship. This blessing gave her the flexibility to delve into her spiritual journey, expand her network, volunteer in her community and be available for her kids.
Heather is a seasoned Event Specialist who puts her heart and soul into every experience she's a part of. Her 20+ years of experience range from conferences and client appreciation events to retreats for women and organizations. Through her passion for movement and deep desire to share the concept of NetWalking, she encourages and motivates professionals to network differently through walking and talking. This new paradigm for doing business allows for the creation of authentic connections, and uninhibited brainstorming, and moves people forward physically and mentally.
Heather empowers and showcases others through an interview series called ‘What's your DiSH? conversations’ which activates her love for meaningful and perspective-shifting discussions. She is the Event Manager at Royal Rose Gallery, located in downtown Aurora, which is a connection hub for arts, culture, learning, and entertainment. Heather hosts a variety of fun, active, and interactive workshops, events, and day retreats from this venue and others.
"If it's both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it ~ Erada"
Mari Haruno
Motivational Special Educator, Inspirational Speaker, Canada Study Abroad Expert
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Meet Mari Haruno, a woman who has navigated numerous life challenges, from nearly losing an arm in a chemical burn accident to losing all her teeth while heroically saving a child from an oncoming truck. These harrowing experiences have not only shaped her but also inspired others; her story has been captured in two autobiographies published in Japan.
Since relocating to Canada, Mari has expanded her audience, sharing her journey not only in Japanese but also globally in English. Her compelling speeches quickly gained traction online, leading to numerous requests for live presentations. To date, she has delivered her motivational talks to over a thousand attendees, resonating deeply with people across the world and establishing her as a global motivator.
"Give it a shot!! Believe in yourself!! Because... your possibilities are endless!!"
Scott Ferron
Sales Professional, Business owner, Entrepreneur.
East Amherst, New York, United States
Scott Ferron is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur. I travel the world sourcing clear organic coffee beans. I take in the experiences and give back to live the best life I can.
"Part of living my life is to push myself and have my voice be heard"
https://mycoffeeadventure.com/
Shawna Akerman
Mental Health Warrior, Registered Psychotherapist & Camp Founder
North York, Ontario, Canada
Meet Shawna Akerman, Shifting her perspective, she embraces the mindset of continual growth and self-improvement as a neurodiverse individual. As a "personal development enthusiast," she eagerly seeks out opportunities to learn, evolve, and refine herself, recognizing that her unique neurology adds richness to her journey. Shawna views challenges as valuable chances for growth, understanding that neurodiversity brings both strengths and areas for growth. She is committed to finding balance between hard work and fun, understanding the importance of both productivity and enjoyment in life. Shawna approaches her pursuits with authenticity and a romantic heart, finding beauty and meaning in the little moments as well as the grand adventures. As a proud mom of two thriving humans, she is deeply invested in their growth and well-being, finding fulfillment in nurturing and supporting them as they navigate their own journeys. Shawna's commitment to personal development extends to fostering an environment of growth and learning within her family, where they celebrate each other's strengths and support one another through challenges.
“Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of courage and authenticity.” – Danielle LaPorte.
FB: @Shawnaakerman
IG: @Karmacares
LI: @Shawnaakerman
Steve Wilkes
Award-winning Dragon Boat Coach & Paddler, Leadership Speaker, Teamwork Expert | Living with Leukemia
Pickering, Ontario, Canada
As a seasoned dragon boat paddler Steve has been a part of some amazing teams that built a history of success. As a paddler he has participated in the IDBF Club Crew World Championships 3 times, winning multiple gold medals, and won at the Canadian Dragon Boat Championships, gold medals 8 years in a row. The competitions award medals in the 200-meter, 500 Meter and 2000 Meter events. He is a former member of the Sr. A Team Canada Crew and won Gold at the World Nations Cup. A certified level 2 dragon boat coach & Steers person, CPR/AED trained and licensed boat operator.
Married for 38 years to a wonderful person, Janis is also a very accomplished Dragon Boat racer and world and Canadian Champion, as well she is a Gold medal member of Team Canada. They have two wonderful kids. Trevor is engaged and is pursuing his Masters degree. Michele is married to a great guy (Chad) and they have a beautiful son Carson.
"When you surround yourself with like-minded people who challenge and inspire you, it will change your life forever, and you will discover you’re more capable than you imagine! "
Mark your calendars for September 17th, 2024, and prepare to be moved by the incredible stories of seizing opportunities and fostering a spirit of cooperation at Lula Lounge. Our speakers are set to deliver compelling speeches that will empower you to step out of your comfort zone and explore uncharted territories!
Buy Your Ticket Here: https://www.speakerslam.org/eventsJudging Criteria
Speeches are scored out of 100 points across these categories:
- Message Clarity (25 pts): Clear, concise, powerful, and meaningful messages.
- Storytelling (25 pts): Vivid, descriptive, captivating personal stories.
- Transformative (15 pts): Inspiring, impactful, and transformative for both speaker and audience.
- 'IT' Factor (15 pts): Star power, unique identity, and creativity.
- Entertaining (10 pts): Engaging and entertaining through props, humor, or performance.
- Presentation (10 pts): Effective body language, vocal variety, and authenticity.
Contest Details
- 10 speakers deliver 5-minute prepared speeches on the theme.
- Judged by 4 industry experts.
- Prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2000 in cash.
- Speech Rules: Props allowed, music requiring technical setup not permitted. Exceeding 5.30 minutes results in point deductions. 1 point for every 5 seconds.
This event is not just about hearing inspiring stories; it's about fostering a community where you can connect with like-minded individuals on a journey towards self-discovery and positive transformation. Don't miss out on this final competition before the Grand Slam. See you there!
