Power of Yes: The Last Qualifier of 2024
On September 17, ten speakers took the stage at Lula Lounge in Toronto for the last qualifier of the 2024 Speaker Slam® season, each sharing what happened when they said yes. The stories ranged from a beginners' improv class to dragon boat racing to a hike up the Inca Trail.
With the qualifiers complete, the night helped set the field for the 2024 Grand Slam, Brave, held November 9 at CBC Glenn Gould Studio. All three podium finishers went on to compete there.
1st Place: Christine Farrugia
Leadership Coach, Strategic Advisor, Speaker Speech: "Create Opportunities for Yourself"
Christine has over 20 years of experience leading teams of up to 300 people at major Canadian companies, including Wealthsimple, Loblaws and KPMG, and holds an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. She had decided 2024 would be her year of doing things that scare her, and Speaker Slam® was on that list. Her speech told of losing her influence at work during the pandemic and the 15-minute HR meeting that knocked her off the path she had been on for 20 years.
2nd Place: Scott Ferron
Sales Professional, Business owner, Entrepreneur Speech: "Old Man at the Bar"
Scott is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur who travels the world sourcing organic coffee beans. His speech recounted striking up a conversation with an older man watching the 49ers game at a bar in California, and asking him what advice he would give his younger self.
3rd Place: Mari Haruno
Motivational special Educator, Inspirational Speaker, Canada study abroad expert Speech: "Melon Bun Magic"
Mari's story has been captured in two autobiographies published in Japan. Her talk went back to age 18, when she told her boss she would sell 580 melon buns in a single day, and to the habit of talking to herself that has given her confidence since she was three years old.
Meet the Judges Who Made It All Happen
- Blake Fly
- Christina Pearo, Television Host, Producer and Emcee
- Ivan Wanis Ruiz, Speaker and Trainer
- Tami Adams
Prizes donated included:
- Christina Pearo: content review, brand boost and presentation coaching sessions
- Ivan Wanis Ruiz: his End Boring program, including his book, a one-on-one coaching session and access to his Udemy and Skillshare courses
Words of Wisdom Speaker: Ivan Wanis Ruiz
Communication expert Ivan Wanis Ruiz, author of End Boring and founder of Public Speaking Lab, shared words of wisdom with the room.
Meet the full lineup in Meet the Speakers for Power of Yes and the panel in Meet Your Judges for Power of Yes 2024.