Speaker Slam®, North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, is thrilled to present the highly anticipated "No Risk, No Reward" event! Join us on March 25th, 2025, at the iconic Lula Lounge in Toronto for a night of electrifying storytelling that explores the power of bold choices, taking chances, and embracing the unknown in pursuit of greatness.
This competition is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, overcoming fear, and betting on yourself. Our speakers will take the stage to share their most transformative moments, proving that the biggest rewards come to those who dare to take the biggest risks.
Meet Your Judges for "No Risk, No Reward"
We are honored to introduce an exceptional panel of judges who bring expertise, insight, and passion to the Speaker Slam® stage.
Stephanie Lui-Valentim
Co-Founder & CEO of Quell Agency | York, Ontario, Canada
Stephanie Lui-Valentim is a strategic marketer, relationship builder, and transformational leader with 25 years of experience spanning both client and agency landscapes. As the co-founder of Quell, an award-winning talent management and consulting agency, she is deeply committed to elevating underrepresented voices and fostering a more equitable and inclusive world.
Jay Wong
Podcast Rainmaker, Entrepreneur, and Lifelong Experimenter | Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jay Wong is a podcast marketing expert and business strategist who has helped 250+ podcasts hit the Top 100, generating over $50 million in revenue for his clients. As the Founder & CEO of Podcast Your Brand, he works with global brands like Procter & Gamble and Inc. 5000 companies, helping them use podcasting as a powerful tool for sales, branding, and audience growth.
Steve Lowell
Master Trainer to High-Impact Speakers Around the Globe | Manotick, Ontario, Canada
Steve is a globally acclaimed speaker with over 40 years of experience training and mentoring professional and aspiring speakers worldwide. His expertise has earned him multiple awards and the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, held by less than 12% of speakers. Steve is a past president of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the Global Speakers Federation.
Theresa Beenken
CEO of National Speakers Bureau | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Theresa is one of the most experienced and passionate leaders in the public speaking industry with a 25+ year career, including her role as CEO of National Speakers Bureau; on a mission to be a catalyst for new ideas by connecting audiences with speakers who inspire, inform and engage. Her speaker roster included astronauts, former Prime Ministers, Gold medal Olympians, and passionate advocates.
The Prize Package
First Place
- Speaker Slam®: $2000 Cash Prize + Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Jay Wong: The Podcast Powerhouse Package - A full-production, Top 100 podcast season done for you. Professionally produced 12-episode podcast season (audio + video) with professional editing and branded assets, plus a custom strategy playbook. Two private strategy sessions with Jay Wong to build a Million-Dollar Growth Plan + Full access to Podcast Your Brand Flagship Program ($20,000 Value)
- Steve Lowell: 1 Coaching session + Signature Talk Mastery Online Program ($7,500 Value)
- Stephanie Lui-Valentim: Legacy in Motion: Crafting Your Intentful Journey - A 3-hour workshop (Valued at $2,000)
- Theresa Beenken: Speakers Bureau "Rising Star" Ready Package - Review + constructive feedback on your current speaker portfolio with coaching on best next steps (Valued at $2,000)
Second Place
- Speaker Slam®: Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Jay Wong: The Million-Dollar Growth Blueprint - Two high-impact strategy sessions with Jay Wong + Full access to Podcast Your Brand Flagship Program ($6,000 Value)
- Steve Lowell: 30 Minute Talk review + Signature Talk Mastery Online Program ($5,000 Value)
- Stephanie Lui-Valentim: 1 hour of coaching (Valued at $1,000)
- Theresa Beenken: 3 bestselling personal and professional development books (Valued at $100)
Third Place
- Speaker Slam®: Entry to Wildcard Race
- Jay Wong: The Podcast Launch Mastery Program ($1,500 Value)
- Steve Lowell: Signature Talk Mastery Online Program ($2,500 Value)
- Stephanie Lui-Valentim: 1 hour of coaching (Valued at $1,000)
As the "No Risk, No Reward" competition approaches, excitement is building. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind event where courage meets opportunity and where risks taken today can lead to life-changing rewards tomorrow.