Last 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.
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. 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.
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
Sara Knapp is 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.
Christine Farrugia
Leadership Coach, Strategic Advisor, Speaker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Christine Farrugia is 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, advises high-growth companies on strategy, and is a motivating, high-energy speaker. Christine has an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.
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!
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?
Gabriela Embon
Life Engineering Coach, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author
Lasalle, Quebec, Canada
Gabriela Embon is 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.
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
Heather Di Santo is a woman on a mission to inspire people to do hard things, one step at a time. She is the proud owner of DiSH Events. After a significant 18-year 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. Heather is a seasoned Event Specialist who puts her heart and soul into every experience. Through her passion for movement and deep desire to share the concept of NetWalking, she encourages professionals to network differently through walking and talking.
If it's both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it.
Mari Haruno
Motivational Special Educator, Inspirational Speaker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mari Haruno 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. Her story has been captured in two autobiographies published in Japan. Since relocating to Canada, Mari has expanded her audience globally in English. Her compelling speeches quickly gained traction online, leading to numerous requests for live presentations.
Give it a shot!! Believe in yourself!! Because... your possibilities are endless!!
Scott Ferron
Sales Professional, Business Owner, Entrepreneur
East Amherst, New York, USA
Scott Ferron is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur who travels the world sourcing clear organic coffee beans. He takes in the experiences and gives back to live the best life he can.
Part of living my life is to push myself and have my voice be heard.
Shawna Akerman
Mental Health Warrior, Registered Psychotherapist & Camp Founder
North York, Ontario, Canada
Shawna Akerman 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. She is committed to finding balance between hard work and fun. As a proud mom of two thriving humans, she is deeply invested in their growth and well-being.
Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of courage and authenticity.
Steve Wilkes
Award-winning Dragon Boat Coach & Paddler, Leadership Speaker
Pickering, Ontario, Canada
As a seasoned dragon boat paddler Steve has been a part of some amazing teams that built a history of success. 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. He is a former member of the Sr. A Team Canada Crew and won Gold at the World Nations Cup.
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.