Speaker Slam®, North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, returns with a powerful new theme that dares us to draw the line, walk away, and reclaim our power.
Join us on May 27, 2025, at the iconic Lula Lounge in Toronto for "The Power of NO" - an evening of bold storytelling where speakers explore the life-altering impact of saying NO. Whether it's walking away from what no longer serves them, turning rejection into redirection, or setting boundaries that changed everything - these are the stories of strength, clarity, and transformation.
This event is about standing firm, choosing self-worth, and finding empowerment in the word NO. Each speaker will take the stage with a personal story that shows how one decision, one boundary, one NO... became the moment everything shifted.
Meet Your Judges for “The Power of No”
We're thrilled to introduce our dynamic panel of judges - leaders in storytelling, business, and personal development - who will help guide and elevate the voices taking the stage.
Jason Reid
Speaker Mentor, Professional Speaker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jason Reid is a professional speaker, in-demand speaker mentor, and the founder of the boutique agency InclusionSpeakers.com. With a background as a television producer and storytelling consultant, Jason spent decades coaching some of Canada's most recognized TV personalities.
Known for his own impactful keynotes, Jason quickly became a trusted guide for speakers looking to elevate their craft. From helping emerging speakers break into lucrative markets to refining the message of seasoned pros, Jason's mentorship is all about helping them find their voice, tell unforgettable stories, and land powerful stages.
Robb Gilbear
Business Mentor, Author, and Founder of Growth Habit
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Robb toured from coast to coast as DJ + music producer in his 20s. Spent much of his 30s as head of People & Culture in award-winning tech companies. And has helped 390+ in 17 different countries since launching Growth Habit 2019. He's the author of the book "Die Before They Do", a proud papa to two teenagers, he loves to dance, and has an addiction to funky socks.
Priya Sam
Story Architect & Strategic Communication Coach
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Priya Sam is a former national news anchor and morning show host turned Story Architect & Strategic Communication Coach. Priya went from working behind the scenes in a small newsroom to being a news anchor and morning show host on national television in just five years. Later, in the tech industry, her ability to tell the right stories helped her double her salary in just two years while working at top companies including Slack and Salesforce.
Now, Priya helps people harness the power of storytelling to advocate for themselves, build strong personal brands, and confidently navigate networking and job interviews.
Tami Adams
Founder & Curator of TA Speakers Management
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tami Adams is the high-energy matchmaker behind TA Speakers Management - where finding the perfect keynote speaker is equal parts art, strategy, and heart. Known as the "Energizer Bunny" of the speaking world, she helps clients ditch boring and book brilliance. Human connection is her jam, and changing the world one mic drop at a time is her mission.
Prize Packages
First Place
- Speaker Slam®: $2,000 Cash Prize + Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Jason Reid: Book Yourself Like A Pro Speaker Launch Guide, Book Yourself like a Pro - Guide to Speaker Marketing Copy plus Quick Start mentoring package (valued at $3,500)
- Robb Gilbear: The Turn Strangers Into Clients Package - A 60 minute strategic deep dive with Robb on your messaging, offer, and enrollment process so you can consistently turn Strangers Into Clients. A personalized LinkedIn profile audit. The "Get Coaching Clients on LinkedIn" mini-course (valued at $2,500)
- Priya Sam: Strategic Storytelling Consulting - Three 45min personalized sessions from a seasoned storytelling expert who will help you refine your storytelling ability and ensure that your key stories are strategically placed and told in your Talk (valued at $2,250)
- Tami Adams: 2 x 1hr coaching sessions speaker profile audit with suggested changes (valued at $1,500)
Second Place
- Speaker Slam®: Invitation to the Grand Slam
- Jason Reid: Book Yourself Like A Pro - Speaker Launch Guide, Book Yourself like a Pro - Guide to Speaker Marketing Copy plus 60 minute mentoring session (valued at $2,000)
- Robb Gilbear: The Content That Creates Clients Package - 30 minute strategic session with Robb to review your messaging so you can start Creating Clients with Your Content. A personalized LinkedIn profile audit and the "Get Coaching Clients on LinkedIn" mini-course (valued at $1,500)
- Tami Adams: 1 x 1hr coaching session on all things keynote speaking (valued at $750)
Third Place
- Speaker Slam®: Entry to Wildcard Race
- Jason Reid: Book Yourself like a Pro - Speaker Launch Guide and 60 minute mentoring session (valued at $1,500)
- Robb Gilbear: The LinkedIn Growth Package - A personalized LinkedIn profile audit and the "Get Coaching Clients on LinkedIn" mini-course (valued at $500)
- Tami Adams: Two top speaker books from our experts
As The Power of NO competition approaches, the energy is rising - not just to hear the transformative stories from our speakers, but to see how our incredible panel of judges will empower and guide the next wave of courageous, truth-telling voices.
Don't miss this unforgettable night where clarity meets courage, and where one powerful NO can lead to a life-changing YES.