Rise as a Leader: Speak Boldly. Lead Powerfully.
Every movement, every transformation, every breakthrough begins with a leader -- someone brave enough to speak their truth, step into the unknown, and inspire others to follow. Leader isn't just a title -- it's a way of being. It's the courage to take responsibility, the vision to spark change, and the commitment to uplift others even when the path is uncertain.
At Speaker Slam®, we're shining the spotlight on the voices of emerging leaders -- those who have chosen to rise, to lead, and to light the way forward. These are the visionaries, the changemakers, and the everyday heroes stepping into their power to shape a better future.
"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." -- Simon Sinek
Join us on September 16th, 2025, live in Toronto at Lula Lounge, for Speaker Slam®: The Leaders Edition -- an electrifying night of influence, impact, and inspiration. Witness 10 powerful speakers take the stage to share what it truly means to lead -- from the inside out.
What is Speaker Slam®?
Speaker Slam® is North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, where purpose-driven individuals turn personal stories into powerful messages that spark transformation. We are on a mission to amplify voices, celebrate authenticity, and build a community of leaders who are changing the world -- one speech at a time.
Each year, we host five themed competitions, featuring 10 speakers who deliver 5-minute speeches packed with emotion, purpose, and passion. Winners take home a prize package worth up to $10,000 -- including $2,000 cash -- and secure their place at the prestigious Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals in November.
Meet Your Leaders Speakers
Dean Correia
Protector of People & Assets, Keynote Speaker, Author
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Dean Correia is a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience leading the Security function for some of the world's most recognized global brands. Now at the helm of his own consulting practice, Dean has investigated hundreds of incidents and spoken with both victims and perpetrators of violence. His career has brought him face-to-face with the devastating aftermath of workplace homicides and tragic losses -- experiences that have deeply shaped his mission: to lead every day with the goal of making workplaces and communities safer.
In his talk, Dean combines powerful personal stories with evidence-based research to help audiences recognize the warning signs of violence before it occurs.
"I'm participating in Speaker Slam to share my 'Why?' as well as the 1 simple action that we can all take to lead daily to better protect our loved ones at work and in our communities."
Nadee Fernando O'Driscoll
Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, Advocate
Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada
At an age when many are content to rest in the comfort of the familiar, Nadee chose reinvention. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Nadee's journey led her to academic success at the University of Pune, and later, to Canada, where her story continued to unfold in the close-knit community of Carleton Place.
At the age of 49, Nadee discovered the true power of transformation. She wrote and published her bestselling debut novel, Labyrinth of Dreams, launching a new chapter that would redefine not just her own narrative, but inspire countless others. Through her writing, Nadee shines a light on societal biases and the burdens of tradition, particularly those impacting women and marginalized communities.
"To stand on the Speaker Slam stage is to proclaim that our stories matter and that by sharing our truths, we ignite hope, challenge bias, and spark change that transcends borders."
Inga Tkachenko Ramage
Public Speaker, Road Safety Advocate, Co-founder of Inga Educates
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Inga Tkachenko Ramage is a public speaker, road safety advocate, and founder of a movement that's changing lives. A survivor of a serious car crash, she turned her personal trauma into a powerful mission: to prevent accidents, educate communities, support victims, and help families rebuild after collisions.
She is the co-founder of INGA EDUCATES, a not-for-profit organization that empowers newcomers to Canada, families with children, cyclists, and pedestrians through road safety education and trauma-informed recovery programs. In just one year, Inga Educates mobilized 150+ volunteers, organized 15+ major community events and distributed more than 1,250 free helmets to the public.
Originally from Ukraine, Inga immigrated to Canada at 16 solo and graduated from the University of Waterloo with a double degree. Her work has received national and international recognition: Award of Excellence in Healthcare (2023), Motivator Award (2024), and the Philanthropist Award from the International Women's Achievers Awards (2025).
"I'm stepping onto the Speaker Slam stage not just to speak -- but to ignite real change!"
Heather Coleman
TEDx Speaker, Author, Financial Wellness Geek
Woodlawn, Ontario, Canada
Heather Coleman, MBA is a dynamic leader dedicated to fostering financial wellness across varying organizations throughout Canada. She researched the impacts of Financial Wellness on Employees while she completed her Masters of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University. The successful completion of her MBA led to presenting her research, in collaboration with Dr. Scott Rankin at the ASAC Conference in 2024.
Heather's passion has led her to travel the country engaging thousands of Canadians in breaking the barriers of having real "money talk" without the pressure of having to buy. Beyond her corporate prowess, Heather is a passionate ringette player and a proud mother of two beautiful girls.
"Being bold enough to share your story is one thing. Getting to compete while doing it? That is AMAZING!"
Robert Alexander
Finance and Business Executive, Entrepreneur, Aspiring Coach
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Robert Alexander is a dynamic Finance and Business Executive whose multifaceted passions span leadership, finance, fitness, and fashion. With a strong foundation in corporate strategy and financial management, Robert has built a reputation for driving growth, fostering innovation, and inspiring those around him to reach their full potential.
Beyond the boardroom, Robert is deeply committed to personal development and living a well-rounded, purpose-driven life. He approaches everything he does with passion, integrity, joy, excellence, and love.
"Exciting and thrilled to finally be participating in Speaker Slam. I have watched for many years and now it is time to step into arena and play on the court!"
John McGraw
Multicultural Workplace Expert, Inclusive Communication Specialist, Human Connection Speaker
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
John Edward McGraw is an Intercultural Communications Coach and the founder of Hiyaku Coaching. Hiyaku (pronounced hee-YA-koo) is Japanese for "leap forward," and John empowers businesses and international talent to leap over cultural gaps to work and thrive together.
Born and raised in Canada, John's passion for cultural learning stems from his 15 years of experience as an English instructor in Japan and Canada, where he saw that language skills alone weren't enough to overcome cultural barriers. An ICF certified coach and intercultural trainer, John has worked with organizations such as JVS Toronto, the Workplace and Immigrant Network in Waterloo, and the Simcoe County Department of Economic Development.
"At Speaker Slam, I get to share a meaningful story with an audience that truly knows great speaking. It's where I challenge myself, refine my message about bridging cultural divides, and grow."
Aimee Mack
Transformational Speaker, Identity and Leadership Coach, CEO & Founder
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Aimee Mack is a transformational speaker, coach, and founder who went from being shy, overlooked, and voiceless to standing on stages that spark deep transformation. Years of staying silent led to illness, including cancer and autoimmune disease, until she realized her voice had the power to be the medicine, the mirror, and the turning point.
As a mother of four daughters, Aimee is deeply committed to modeling the power of self-belief while inspiring changemakers on their own bold path. She helps powerhouse individuals lead from within using her B.O.L.D. Framework. Her mission is to transform one million lives through story, community, and connection.
"To me, Speaker Slam is more than a competition. It's a circle of courage, connection, and community, where growth is shared and every story makes room for another."
Lalita Dixit
Award-Winning Storyteller, Author, Leadership Advocate
Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Lalita Dixit is a leadership speaker, author, and coach who empowers individuals to lead with credibility and accountability -- no title required. Drawing from her own experiences in the corporate world, she challenges the notion that leadership is defined by position or personality, showing instead that it's built through action, integrity, and impact. Her upcoming book, I Am Not a Leader, But..., offers a bold, employee-centered perspective on leadership in today's workplace.
"For me, Speaker Slam is the chance to turn a deeply personal story into a call to action -- inspiring others to lead, speak up, and make a difference."
Emily Branton
Tech CEO, Mindfulness Teacher, Executive Coach
Ontario, Canada
Emily Branton is a little bit Boss... and a little bit Buddha. As the Boss, Emily has led two mission-driven tech companies through major growth. At Link2Feed, she transformed a grassroots startup into one of the top social enterprises in the world, leading its successful exit to a top-performing U.S. private equity firm.
She holds an MBA, is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, and has been featured in national media like the Financial Post. Her TEDx talk, "Bad at Math," has inspired thousands. As the Buddha, Emily is a certified yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork instructor who weaves these practices into every part of her work and life.
Emily is the founder of Boss & Buddha -- a boutique coaching and consulting firm that helps high achievers and their teams achieve all the success, without all the burnout.
"Speaker Slam is giving me the chance to share the truth I wish I'd known sooner: that your nervous system is your leadership style and that real leaders don't 'do more', real leaders regulate."
Jenni Cathcart
Keynote Speaker, Coach & Innovation Catalyst
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Jenni Cathcart is a keynote speaker who combines creativity, strategy, humor and heart to demonstrate that every one of us not only has the potential to innovate, but also the responsibility to do so. As the CEO of Lead Boldly, she helps business leaders adopt the mindset, skillset and systems to effectively catalyze innovation from within.
With 20 years of experience guiding Fortune 500s, utilities, and public sector teams, Jenni brings a human-centered lens to solving today's toughest challenges. She is a certified coach and change manager who holds an MBA from UC-Berkeley and a journalism degree from UW-Madison.
"Speaker Slam has given me the coaching and accountability I needed to take my skills as a professional speaker to the next level."
Words of Wisdom Speaker: Rina Rovinelli
Co-Founder of Speaker Slam®
Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
Rina Rovinelli is the Co-Founder of Speaker Slam®, North America's Premier Speaking Competition. She runs a Speaker Development Agency and is committed to helping Speakers get booked and paid to speak. She is the winner of Woman of Influence and Brilliant Minded Women, and a powerful speaker in her own right. Rina is a heart-centered leader and uses her voice to make impact. Her vision is to create possibilities for people everywhere to shine in their truth.
How the Competition Works
10 speakers deliver 5-minute prepared speeches on the theme, judged by 4 industry experts. Prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2,000 in cash. The Top 2 speakers move on to the Grand Slam.
Speech Rules: Props are allowed, but music requiring technical setup is not permitted. Exceeding 5:30 results in point deductions (1 point for every 5 seconds over).
Judging Criteria (scored out of 100 points):
Message Clarity (25 pts) | Storytelling (25 pts) | Transformative (15 pts) | 'IT' Factor (15 pts) | Entertaining (10 pts) | Presentation (10 pts)
Join us on September 16th and experience Leaders -- reclaiming your voice, setting boundaries, and making decisions that honor your true self. Who will be the next to spark transformation and create a ripple effect of taking a chance?