This year marks Speaker Slam®'s 9th annual Grand Slam, an event that highlights the profound impact of storytelling. On November 22nd, 2025, at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, the top 14 speakers from 2025 will take the stage to share their inspiring and life-changing stories under this year's theme, Legacy.
The theme invites us to reflect on the mark we leave behind, on the people we touch, the values we uphold, and the impact we create through our choices. Legacy isn't just about achievements; it's about meaning, purpose, and the ripple effect of our actions.
Throughout 2025, Speaker Slam® hosted five unforgettable qualifier competitions:
- Resilience (January 28th) - Rising above hardship and finding strength through struggle
- No Risk, No Reward (March 25th) - Daring to take chances and bet on yourself
- The Power of No (May 27th) - Reclaiming boundaries and choosing alignment over approval
- The Underdog (July 15th) - Defying the odds and proving that heart and grit can outshine any obstacle
- Leaders (September 16th) - Inspiring others through vision, action, and authenticity
Meet Your Grand Slam Judges
A panel of 8 esteemed judges will be evaluating this year's finalists, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight.
Gordon Breault
CEO and Co-Founder of the Speakers Bureau of Canada, North America's fastest-growing speakers' bureau. Mentored by his father, Roger Breault, Gordon launched the bureau in 2016, carrying forward a legacy of integrity and excellence in the speaking industry.
Breanna Xavier-Carter
A passionate storyteller with over six years of experience in some of Canada's top newsrooms, including the Toronto Star, blogTO and CTV Your Morning. Her work is driven by a deep curiosity and commitment to bringing stories of marginalized communities to light.
Jacqueline Clements
TV Host and Producer known for communicating with heart and connecting authentically with audiences.
Anne Marie Perrault
Award-winning CEO, founder, and entrepreneur who has been empowering talent and brands for over 20 years. As the CEO and President of AMP Talent Group Inc., she has become a recognized leader in Canada's entertainment industry, working with brands like Apple, Netflix, Amazon, Nike, Google, Disney, and Coca-Cola.
Kat McMorrow
Journalist at CBC since 2010, contributing her skills and leadership across The National, Toronto Local, and various network assignments.
Angie Seth
Award-winning journalist and media trainer, known for her expertise in on-camera storytelling and interview presence.
Evan Carmichael
Entrepreneur, author, and YouTuber with 3M+ subscribers, known as one of the world's leading voices in entrepreneurship and personal growth.
Stu McLaren
Membership expert and entrepreneur whose system has helped thousands of speakers, creators, and entrepreneurs turn their expertise into recurring revenue.
The Prize Package
The Grand Slam trophy, $5,000 in cash prizes, and a total prize package valued at up to $50,000 await the top finishers, PLUS the #1 speaker receives a book deal with Lucky Book Publishing including a New York Times Square billboard feature (Valued at $20,000!).
Join us on November 22nd at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio and witness the rise of the next Inspirational Speaker of the Year.