Against All Odds: A Night of Courage, Resilience, and Triumph
Lula Lounge was alive with energy as bold speakers took the stage for Against All Odds, each one ready to share the moments that tested them, shaped them, and ultimately propelled them forward.
The evening was a powerful reminder that resilience isn't reserved for the lucky or the privileged. It belongs to those who keep going when the path is uncertain, the stakes are high, and the odds are stacked against them.
Through deeply personal stories of survival, perseverance, and transformation, each speaker revealed what it truly means to rise against all odds, leaving the audience inspired by the strength it takes to turn adversity into purpose and challenge into growth.
Meet Your Against All Odds Champions
1st Place: Dave Jonsson
Motivational Speaker, Plane Crash Survivor, Professional Skateboarder
Speech: "Finding Purpose in the Pain"
Prizes Won:
- Speaker Slam®: $2000 Cash Prize + Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Anna Sinclair: A two-hour Personal Brand Advisory Call focused on refining your brand, positioning, and visibility, plus an Instagram story feature with direct link-back. Valued at $5,600
- Bobby Umar: Access to the Personal Branding Discovery Course, including 25 videos and over 20 guided exercises. Valued at $1,997
- Amanda Cupido: A one-hour private coaching session, one complimentary ticket to The Soundwave Summit, and a copy of Let's Talk Podcasting. Valued at $800
- Kevin Bourne: A featured written profile or business advertorial on ShifterMagazine.com plus a one-hour business consultation. Valued at $1,200
2nd Place: Dr. Sujata Ives
Keynote Speaker, Employment Psychologist, Editor, Coach, and Author
Speech: "Voice of Valor"
Prizes Won:
- Speaker Slam®: Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Anna Sinclair: A one-hour Personal Brand Advisory Call. Valued at $2,800
- Bobby Umar: Access to the Networking Mastery Program, a 12-module course. Valued at $897
- Amanda Cupido: One complimentary ticket to The Soundwave Summit plus a copy of Let's Talk Podcasting
- Kevin Bourne: A one-hour business consultation. Valued at $500
3rd Place: Andrew Daye
Entrepreneur, Coach, Speaker
Speech: "Reauthor Your Odds"
Prizes Won:
- Speaker Slam®: Entry to Wildcard Race
- Anna Sinclair: A one-hour Personal Brand Advisory Call. Valued at $2,800
- Bobby Umar: A six-month membership to Thought Leadership Branding Club. Valued at $425
- Amanda Cupido: One complimentary ticket to The Soundwave Summit plus a copy of Let's Talk Podcasting
4th Place: Neil "Logik" Donaldson
Multi-Disciplinary Artist, Cultural Educator, Storyteller
Speech: "Presence is The Promise"
Meet the Judges Who Made It All Happen
- Amanda Cupido - Podcast Consultant, Author, Speaker and Post-Exit Entrepreneur
- Anna Sinclair - Award-winning CEO & Agency Owner & Angel Investor
- Bobby Umar - President of Raeallan: Transformation Speaking and Training, CEO of DYPB
- Kevin Bourne - Entrepreneur, Storyteller, Strategist
Their wisdom, warmth, and generosity provided invaluable feedback and life-changing opportunities for the competitors.
Words of Wisdom Speaker: Joze Piranian
One of the most meaningful moments of the night was welcoming back our 2017 Inspirational Speaker of the Year, Joze Piranian, as our Words of Wisdom speaker. We were honoured to finally present him with his Speaker Slam trophy, a long-overdue recognition, and one we were thrilled to make right.
Unforgettable Moments
Calissa Ngozi stepped in to co-host, bringing humor and heart to the evening. A longtime member of the Speaker Slam family, she embodied the essence of the event's theme.
Momentum members showed up in full force, creating an electrifying atmosphere of support and celebration.
What's Next?
Our next competition, Breakthrough, is happening on March 31st at Lula Lounge Toronto.