Speaker Slam® is North America's Largest Inspirational Speaking Competition bringing together the most talented speakers, reputable professional judges, and hundreds of passionate attendees who thrive on personal development, community, and connection for the 2023 Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals.
This year's theme is JOY
Date: November 18th, 6-10 pm EST
Location: CBC Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto
Meet Your Speakers for the 2023 Grand Slam
Adrian Leckie
Professional Speaker, Coach, Imani Program Team Lead (UTSC)
Ontario, Canada
I am passionate about empowering young people to break through barriers, achieve their career aspirations, and leave their mark as leaders in their communities. I am focused on researching and developing creative interventions, curriculums and programs for Black-Identifying Youth using the arts.
Lasaunia Thompson
Abundance Coach & Inspirational Speaker
Washington, D.C., USA
I am Lasaunia "So" Thompson, a Washington, D.C. native and dedicated cosmetologist with over 3 decades of experience. My journey led to the creation of 'SoBeIt' Women's Organization, aimed at developing women for greatness.
Karen Agro
Musician, Scientist, Pharmaceutical Consultant
Ontario, Canada
I help stressed and burned-out individuals and corporate teams, get relief in under 10 minutes, using music. I woke up to the power of music when facing my own mortality and rekindled my love affair with it.
Jay Kalryzian
Happy Father, Founder & CEO of The ZEN DAD Method
Ontario, Canada
I'm Jay Zen Kalryzian, the founder and CEO of The ZEN DAD Method. Being a happy, intentional father is my life's purpose. As a passionate breathwork facilitator and speaker, I strive to share my joy and laughter with others wherever I go.
Stacey Lynnes
Lawyer and Inspirational Speaker
Ontario, Canada
I am someone who is passionate about sharing my experiences in life with the hope that what I have learned along the way will inspire others to step into their power and live their lives to the fullest.
Lydia Knorr
Speaker, Coach, Author
Ontario, Canada
With a combined professional background and personal passion for health and communications, I help people create personal agency for themselves by offering them strategies to navigate their most pivotal life moments and find meaning in those experiences.
Claudia Chan
Life Coach
Ontario, Canada
After working with me as a life coach, Asian women finally get to choose themselves. They become more courageous to find the clarity in their hearts, do what brings them joy, and live a fulfilling life free of other people's judgement.
Lindsy Matthews
Certified Master Life Coach, Fitness Entrepreneur
Ontario, Canada
I am a wife & mother navigating life with autoimmune disease and stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. My purpose is to help others overcome their own health obstacles with a positive mindset and resilience. Never underestimating the power of humour!
Roberto Paez
The #1 Men's Transformation Coach
Ontario, Canada
I am here to co-create a world where the highest level of integrity is a global standard. Where we as people, leaders, and organizations in power always focus on adding value to our people and planet.
Martin Lesperance
Speaker, Motivator, Engagement Expert
Quebec, Canada
My objective is to INSPIRE people to take action so that, together, we can live in a better world. I've spent my entire career in the field of coaching and training. I've worked as an artistic gymnastics coach, Canadian Armed Forces Reserve soldier, science high-school teacher, and am certified in performance coaching with LMI.
Anu Tahemaa
TEDx Speaker, Presentation & Public Speaking Expert
Tallinn, Estonia
I am a Corporate Maestro, inspiring leaders to curate a harmonious work environment and foster collaborative company culture through the arts. I value time, effective communication and leadership.
Samantha Plavins
Entrepreneur and Adventurer
Ontario, Canada
In 2019, I walked 800 kilometers across Northern Spain to sort out my life. I decided to walk a new path, launching She Walks The Walk to help women lead more authentic, inspired lives.
Chris Ruden
Speaker, Coach, Consultant
Florida, USA
I am a full-time keynote speaker born with a physical disability who focuses on helping people see their world without limits. From breaking records in powerlifting to modeling adaptive clothing for major brands to speaking on stages around the world.
Lauren Pires
Invisible Disability Ambassador, PR & Media Lead
Ontario, Canada
I'm an invisible disability ambassador and PR & Media Lead for a nonprofit arts organization. Born with a rare neuromuscular disorder, I have about 33% strength of the average person, but I'm known for my enthusiasm, yay-saying and 100% spirit. I'm the first-ever Canadian to receive the "But You LOOK Good" Inspiration Award from the Invisible Disabilities Association.