Speaker Slam® Unveils Judges for the 2025 "No Risk, No Reward" competition
Mar 05, 2025Speaker Slam®, North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, is thrilled to present the highly anticipated "No Risk, No Reward" event! Join us on March 25th, 2025, at the iconic Lula Lounge in Toronto for a night of electrifying storytelling that explores the power of bold choices, taking chances, and embracing the unknown in pursuit of greatness.
This competition is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, overcoming fear, and betting on yourself. Our speakers will take the stage to share their most transformative moments, proving that the biggest rewards come to those who dare to take the biggest risks.
Meet Your Judges for "No Risk, No Reward"
As we gear up for this powerful event, we are honored to introduce an exceptional panel of judges who bring expertise, insight, and passion to the Speaker Slam® stage.
Stephanie Lui-Valentim
Co-Founder & CEO of Quell Agency
York, Ontario, Canada
Stephanie Lui-Valentim is a strategic marketer, relationship builder, and transformational leader with 25 years of experience spanning both client and agency landscapes. As the co-founder of Quell, an award-winning talent management and consulting agency, she is deeply committed to elevating underrepresented voices and fostering a more equitable and inclusive world. Her expertise in customer-driven innovation and brand strategy makes her a powerhouse in marketing and leadership.
Jay Wong
Podcast Rainmaker, Entrepreneur, and Lifelong Experimenter
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jay Wong is a podcast marketing expert and business strategist who has helped 250+ podcasts hit the Top 100, generating over $50 million in revenue for his clients. As the Founder & CEO of Podcast Your Brand, he works with global brands like Procter & Gamble and Inc. 5000 companies, helping them use podcasting as a powerful tool for sales, branding, and audience growth. Beyond business, Jay is an avid runner and world traveler, passionate about helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices and monetize their message.
Steve Lowell
Master Trainer to High-Impact Speakers Around the Globe
Manotick, Ontario, Canada
Steve is a globally acclaimed speaker with over 40 years of experience training and mentoring professional and aspiring speakers worldwide. His expertise has earned him multiple awards and the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, held by less than 12% of speakers.
Steve is a past president of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the Global Speakers Federation. His dedication to elevating speakers' messages and stagecraft to elite levels has made him a respected figure in the industry. Steve's influence extends globally, inspiring and shaping the next generation of speakers with his passion and expertise.
Theresa Beenken
Theresa is one of the most experienced and passionate leaders in the public speaking industry with a 25+ year career, including her role as CEO of National Speakers Bureau; on a mission to be a catalyst for new ideas by connecting audiences with speakers who inspire, inform and engage.
Her speaker roster included astronauts, former Prime Ministers, Gold medal Olympians, and passionate advocates with a wide range of areas of expertise.
Her industry roles have included that as global President of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB), & Learning Chair with Entrepreneurs Organization in Toronto.
The Prize Package
Our judges have generously contributed to a game-changing prize package designed to propel our winners to the next level of their speaking careers:
First Place
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Speaker Slam®: $2000 Cash Prize + Invitation to the Grand Slam.
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Jay Wong: The Podcast Powerhouse Package A full-production, Top 100 podcast season—done for you. You'll get a professionally produced 12-episode podcast season (audio + video) with professional editing and branded assets that you can use across your marketing and sales engine with a custom strategy playbook tailored for you ($20,000 Value)
Plus: You’ll also receive: Two private strategy sessions with Jay Wong to build a Million-Dollar Growth Plan for your brand + Full access to Podcast Your Brand Flagship Program so you can master the art of podcasting on your own terms
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Steve Lowell: 1 Coaching session + Signature Talk Mastery Online Program ($7,500 Value).
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Stephanie Lui-Valentim: Legacy in Motion: Crafting Your Intentful Journey - A 3-hour workshop that will engage in deep reflection and action planning to build a purposeful journey rooted in joy, vision, and lasting impact (Valued at $2,000).
- Theresa Beenken: Speakers Bureau 'Rising Star' ready package:
Review + constructive feedback on your current speaker portfolio with coaching on best next steps. Includes one or more of your website, speaker package & speaking video + Bonus - Audience member invitation to NSB's next in person event (Valued at $2,000).
Second Place
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Speaker Slam®: Invitation to the Grand Slam.
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Jay Wong: The Million-Dollar Growth Blueprint - Two (2) high-impact strategy sessions with Jay Wong. In these two private consultations, we’ll break down your brand, marketing, and sales strategy—then craft a custom roadmap to generate either $1M+ in new revenue or 1M+ in new audience growth. You'll get expert guidance, clarity on your next moves, and a proven game plan to scale like a top-tier entrepreneur. ($6,000 Value)
Plus: You’ll also receive full access to Podcast Your Brand Flagship Program so you can launch a Top 100 podcast yourself.
- Steve Lowell: 30 Minute Talk review + Signature Talk Mastery Online Program ($5,000 Value).
- Stephanie Lui-Valentim:1 hour of coaching (Valued at $1,000)
- Theresa Beenken: 3 bestselling personal and professional development books (Valued at $100)
Third Place
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Speaker Slam®: Entry to Wildcard Race.
- Jay Wong: The Podcast Launch Mastery Program - Step-by-step guidance to launching a Top 100 podcast. This flagship program gives you exclusive access to Podcast Your Brand’s signature system—the same process we’ve used to launch 250+ Top 100 podcasts. You’ll learn how to position, launch, and scale your show to drive real business growth. ($1,500 Value)
- Steve Lowell: Signature Talk Mastery Online Program ($2,500 Value).
- Stephanie Lui-Valentim: 1 hour of coaching (Valued at $1,000).
As the "No Risk, No Reward" competition approaches, excitement is building—not just to hear the life-changing stories from our speakers but to witness how these industry-leading judges will inspire and mentor the next wave of bold, fearless voices.
Don't miss this one-of-a-kind event where courage meets opportunity and where risks taken today can lead to life-changing rewards tomorrow.
Get Your Ticket Here!
