Harnessing the Power of No: Setting Boundaries to Unlock Your Potential
Life's most profound transformations often begin with a simple, yet powerful word: "No." The Power of No is about reclaiming your voice, setting boundaries, and making decisions that honor your true self. At Speaker Slam, you'll hear from individuals who have courageously said "no" to what no longer served them, paving the way for growth, authenticity, and fulfillment.
"The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes." - Tony Blair
Join us on May 27th, 2025, live in Toronto at Lula Lounge, for Speaker Slam®, an electrifying evening of inspiration, transformation, and personal breakthroughs. Witness 10 extraordinary speakers share their compelling stories of boundaries set and lives reclaimed.
What is Speaker Slam?
Speaker Slam® is North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, dedicated to cultivating influential speakers, changemakers, and thought leaders. We provide a platform for individuals to share their life stories and inspire their communities to take action. Each year, we hold five competitions, each featuring 10 speakers delivering 5-minute inspirational speeches around a specific theme. Winners receive prizes valued up to $10,000, including $2,000 cash, and move on to the prestigious Grand Slam in November, where they compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.
Meet Your Power of No Speakers
Lacey Artemis
Event Host & Producer | Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Lacey Artemis (she/they) is a versatile and multi-passionate speaker, performer, creative producer, and more. She was a socially awkward introvert in her youth and has blossomed into a dynamic and engaging voice at any event. Lacey is a published author, filmmaker, podcaster, musician, graphic designer, comedian, and storyteller. Lacey has the unique distinction of being an accountant turned performer, and is also a member of the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
"I am extremely excited to share my story and inspire the crowd. I pride myself in knowing I can deliver both earnestness and humour as the situation calls for them."
Paula Johnson
Registered Nurse, Story Teller, Survivor, Inspirer | Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Paula Johnson is a Registered Nurse, Ironman triathlete, and inspiring survivor who embodies transformation, resilience, and the power of determination. Her incredible story is one of courage and unwavering strength, competing in the Ironman triathlon while unknowingly battling both a brain tumor and breast cancer. Through these challenges, Paula has learned that limitations are self-imposed and that true strength lies within each of us.
"I'm terrified, but also incredibly excited, to see what I can inspire in people who have any self doubt."
Alessia Di Cecco
Peak Performance Strategist, Workplace Leadership Expert | North York, Ontario, Canada
Alessia Di Cecco is a dynamic Peak Performance Strategist, Workplace Leadership Expert, and Human Connection Speaker dedicated to helping leaders unlock their full potential. With a passion for fostering intentional leadership, meaningful connections, and sustainable success, Alessia equips individuals and teams with the tools to set boundaries, create balance, and lead with purpose.
"It was by saying no to what didn't serve me that I was able to liberate my time to say yes to what does."
Danielle C. Baker
Registered Early Childhood Educator, Founder & CEO, Author, Podcast and TV Host | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Danielle C. Baker is a TV and podcast host, author of Bringing Up the World, Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), and the Founder and CEO of Being Connected e-Learning Inc. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a powerful voice to parenting, education, and child development. Danielle helps educators and teachers create inclusive learning spaces by putting the focus back on the child.
"I've spent years helping others shine from behind the scenes - this stage is my next step, not just to grow, but to speak up for those still searching for their voice."
Craig Colby
Executive Producer, Author, Entrepreneur | East York, Ontario, Canada
Craig Colby is an award winning-executive producer, showrunner, director, and writer who makes highly rated television programs, seen around the world. His work has been seen on Discovery Channel, BBC Earth, Smithsonian Channel, CTV, and TSN. Currently, Craig owns colbyvision, a video production and consulting company and is the author of the multiple award-winning book ALL CAPS: Stories That Justify an Outrageous Hat Collection.
"I've been public speaking, in one form or another, for years but never competitively. I'm looking forward to testing myself in this new environment and getting feedback from the judges."
Vivian Meraki
Parenting Expert, Human Connection Speaker, Founder of Unshakable Parenting | Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vivian Meraki helps parents step into their power, break generational cycles, and build unshakable bonds. As the author of Parenting Through Divorce and the founder of Unshakable Motherhood, she teaches parents how to raise emotionally secure kids while navigating life's toughest transitions. For over 20 years, Vivian worked in corporate leadership, leading marketing and brand strategies for organizations like the United Nations in Afghanistan and health-tech pioneers.
"To me, Speaker Slam is about taking a step and answering the call. Every one of us has a story to tell and gifts to share. The question is whether we will share them."
Patti Bevilacqua
Speaker, Storyteller, MS Warrior | Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada
Dr. Patti Bevilacqua is a two-time bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and the unstoppable force behind fearLESS with MS. In 1989, she was a passionate high school PE teacher with big dreams. But in 1990, an MS diagnosis changed everything, cutting her teaching career short after just 10 years. Rather than letting adversity define her, she chose to rise, reinventing herself with grit, determination, and a healthy dose of humour.
"Speaker Slam is an incredible opportunity to share my message, inspire others, and showcase the power of resilience. I'm all in, focused on impact, and ready to prove that no is just a detour to something greater."
Liz Jakoi
ADHD Leadership Coach, Saboteur Disruptor | Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Liz Jakoi is a dynamic Leadership Coach and Saboteur Disruptor, fiercely committed to empowering professional leaders with ADHD to break free from the cycles of procrastination, distraction, and overwhelm. With a powerful blend of neuroscience, psychology, and ancient wisdom, Liz doesn't just offer surface-level strategies. She dives deep to uncover and dismantle the root causes of self-sabotage.
"I'm stepping onto the Speaker Slam stage to honor the power of No, not as rejection, but as reclamation. Every time I said no to my saboteurs, I said yes to my truth."
Katie Faloon-Drew
Habit Change Expert, Speaker, Wellness Coach | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Katie Faloon-Drew is a habit change expert who knows exactly why we're stuck. With a Master's in Health Psychology, years of wellness coaching experience, and a personal journey of breaking free from the trap of external validation, Katie teaches you how to build and stick to sustainable habits that lead to real internal vibrancy.
"I can't wait to share at Speaker Slam how the power of NO is the secret to creating the space for the simple shifts that help you feel healthy and authentically confident."
Ivan Fredette
Entrepreneur and Coach | Fenwick, Ontario, Canada
Ivan Fredette is the founder of Ironclad Brotherhood, a movement for men who are ready to reclaim their masculinity, forge inner strength, and live lives of excellence. A successful entrepreneur and the owner of Safe Tree Ltd., Ivan knows firsthand the discipline and grit it takes to build something meaningful, from the ground up. After changing his life through sobriety, Ivan discovered a truth most overlook: sustainable transformation begins with emotional change, not behavior.
"Resilience doesn't come factory installed, it comes from leaning into fear and discomfort"
Words of Wisdom Speaker
Farah Nasser
Global Speaker and Journalist | North York, Ontario, Canada
Farah Nasser is one of Canada's most trusted and recognizable voices in journalism. With a career spanning two decades, she has served as the anchor for Global National, bringing clarity, empathy, and insight to the nation's most pressing stories. Beyond her work as a journalist, Farah is a passionate advocate for social change. As an ambassador for Plan International Canada and World Animal Protection, she uses her platform to amplify voices that often go unheard.
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 $2000 in cash. Top 2 move on to Grand Slam.
- Speech Rules: Props are allowed, but music requiring technical setup is not permitted. Exceeding 5:30 minutes results in point deductions, 1 point for every 5 seconds.
Judging Criteria (scored out of 100 points):
- Message Clarity (25 pts): Clear, concise, powerful, and meaningful messages.
- Storytelling (25 pts): Vivid, descriptive, captivating personal stories.
- Transformative (15 pts): Inspiring, impactful, and transformative for both speaker and audience.
- 'IT' Factor (15 pts): Star power, unique identity, and creativity.
- Entertaining (10 pts): Engaging and entertaining through props, humor, or performance.
- Presentation (10 pts): Effective body language, vocal variety, and authenticity.
Join us on May 27th and experience the power of NO - 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?