Speaker Slam® Announces Speaker Lineup for the 2025 Theme "Leaders"
Aug 06, 2025Rise as a Leader: Speak Boldly. Lead Powerfully.
Every movement, every transformation, every breakthrough begins with a leader—someone brave enough to speak their truth, step into the unknown, and inspire others to follow. Leader isn’t just a title—it’s a way of being. It’s the courage to take responsibility, the vision to spark change, and the commitment to uplift others even when the path is uncertain.
At Speaker Slam®, we’re shining the spotlight on the voices of emerging leaders—those who have chosen to rise, to lead, and to light the way forward. These are the visionaries, the changemakers, and the everyday heroes stepping into their power to shape a better future. Their stories will challenge you to level up, to lead with heart, and to live with purpose.
"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." – Simon Sinek
Join us on September 16th, 2025, live in Toronto at Lula Lounge, for Speaker Slam®: The Leaders Edition—an electrifying night of influence, impact, and inspiration. Witness 10 powerful speakers take the stage to share what it truly means to lead—from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt called to make a difference, this night is for you.
What is Speaker Slam®?
Speaker Slam® is North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition, where purpose-driven individuals turn personal stories into powerful messages that spark transformation. We are on a mission to amplify voices, celebrate authenticity, and build a community of leaders who are changing the world—one speech at a time.
Each year, we host five themed competitions, featuring 10 speakers who deliver 5-minute speeches packed with emotion, purpose, and passion. Winners take home a prize package worth up to $10,000—including $2,000 cash—and secure their place at the prestigious Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals in November, where they compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.
Meet Your Underdog Speakers:
Nadee Fernando O'Driscoll
Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Advocate
Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada
At an age when many are content to rest in the comfort of the familiar, Nadee chose reinvention. Having built a life filled with love and perseverance—as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague—she stepped boldly into the unknown. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Nadee’s journey led her to academic success at the University of Pune, and later, to Canada, where her story continued to unfold in the close-knit community of Carleton Place.
But it was at the age of 49 that Nadee discovered the true power of transformation. With courage as her compass, she wrote and published her best-selling debut novel, Labyrinth of Dreams, launching a new chapter that would redefine not just her own narrative, but inspire countless others. Embracing a challenge that many might have considered insurmountable—navigating new languages, cultures, and the vulnerability of sharing her truth—Nadee proved that it is never too late to dream big or to dream new. Her journey is a living testament: the limitations of age and language are illusions when met with resolve, passion, and the will to stand up for what is right.
Through her writing, Nadee shines a light on societal biases and the burdens of tradition, particularly those impacting women and marginalized communities. Her voice—clear, compassionate, and unafraid—urges others to question the status quo, to rise above obstacles, and to pursue their aspirations with boldness.
As an acclaimed author, keynote speaker, and relentless advocate for positive change, Nadee embodies resilience and the importance of perseverance. She encourages us all: do not be afraid to take on new challenges. Do not let age, language, or any barrier limit your potential. Stand up for justice, pursue your passions, and remember that the journey to transformation can begin at any stage of life. Above all, Nadee’s story reminds us that our triumphs are measured not by how we avoid failure, but by the courage with which we rise, time and again, to sing our own song—however new, however bold.
"To stand on the Speaker Slam stage is to proclaim that our stories matter and that by sharing our truths, we ignite hope, challenge bias, and spark change that transcends borders."
John McGraw
Multicultural Workplace Expert, Inclusive Communication Specialist, Human Connection Speaker
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
John Edward McGraw is an Intercultural Communications Coach and the founder of Hiyaku Coaching. Hiyaku (pronounced hee-YA-koo) is Japanese for “leap forward,” and John empowers businesses and international talent to leap over cultural gaps to work and thrive together.
Born and raised in Canada, John’s passion for cultural learning stems from his 15 years of experience as an English instructor in Japan and Canada, where he saw that language skills alone weren’t enough to overcome cultural barriers.
An ICF certified coach and intercultural trainer, John has worked with organizations such as JVS Toronto, the Workplace and Immigrant Network in Waterloo, and the Simcoe County Department of Economic Development to foster cultural awareness and help multicultural workplaces thrive.
"At Speaker Slam, I get to share a meaningful story with an audience that truly knows great speaking. It’s where I challenge myself, refine my message about bridging cultural divides, and grow—for me, and for those I empower."
Inga Tkachenko Ramage
Public speaker, road safety advocate, and co-founder of Inga Educates
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Inga Tkachenko Ramage is a public speaker, road safety advocate, and founder of a movement that’s changing lives. A survivor of a serious car crash, she turned her personal trauma into a powerful mission: to prevent accidents, educate communities, support victims, and help families rebuild after collisions.
She is the co-founder of INGA EDUCATES, a not-for-profit organization that empowers newcomers to Canada, families with children, cyclists, and pedestrians through road safety education and trauma-informed recovery programs.
With 17 years of experience supporting accident victims, Inga understands firsthand the fear, confusion, and deep loneliness people often feel after a collision. In 2011, she was cut out of her car by first responders after being trapped inside following a T-bone collision — a moment that changed everything and set her on a new path. That trauma became the catalyst for her life’s work.
In just one year, Inga Educates mobilized 150+ volunteers, organized 15+ major community events and distributed more than 1,250 free helmets to the public. Inga and her team have also helped over 20,000 accident survivors through her multidisciplinary clinic, Prime Health Care, offering support in every stage of recovery — from physical rehabilitation to emotional care.
Originally from Ukraine, Inga immigrated to Canada at 16 solo and graduated from the University of Waterloo with a double degree. She is a proud mother of three and a founding member of Immigrant Women in Business (IWB).
Her work has received national and international recognition: In 2023, she was awarded the Award of Excellence in Healthcare by Elgon International. In 2024, she received the Motivator Award by Meet the Motivators. In 2025, she received the Philanthropist Award from the International Women’s Achievers Awards
Inga’s messages are urgent and clear: Road safety doesn’t happen by accident! Most collisions are preventable! No one should be left behind!
"I’m stepping onto the Speaker Slam stage not just to speak — but to ignite real change! Because this isn’t just my story. It’s the story of every life that could be altered by a split-second decision on the road. A story of preventable loss, unshakable resilience, and the collective responsibility we all share to do better. It’s a wake-up call to stop tragedies before they happen, and to remind every survivor that they are not alone. Because road safety doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when we make a choice to care!"
@inga_tkachenko_ramage
Dean Correia
Protector of People & Assets, Keynote Speaker, Author
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Dean Correia is a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience leading the Security function for some of the world’s most recognized global brands. Now at the helm of his own consulting practice, Dean has investigated hundreds of incidents and spoken with both victims and perpetrators of violence. His career has brought him face-to-face with the devastating aftermath of workplace homicides and tragic losses—experiences that have deeply shaped his mission: to lead every day with the goal of making workplaces and communities safer.
In his talk, Dean combines powerful personal stories with evidence-based research to help audiences recognize the warning signs of violence before it occurs. He delivers a compelling message that challenges individuals to take ownership of safety—and reveals the number one action we can all take to create more secure environments at work and in our neighbourhoods.
"I'm participating in Speaker slam to share my "Why?" as well as the 1 simple action that we can all take o lead daily to better protect our loved ones at work and in our communities."
Heather Coleman
TEDx Speaker, Author, Financial Wellness Geek
Woodlawn, Ontario, Canada
Heather Coleman, MBA is a dynamic leader dedicated to fostering financial wellness across varying organizations throughout Canada. She researched the impacts of Financial Wellness on Employees while she completed her Masters of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University. The successful completion of her MBA led to presenting her research, in collaboration with Dr. Scott Rankin at the ASAC Conference in 2024.
Leading the growth and development of the Associations and Corporations division, Heather collaborated with Canadian Companies, guiding them in establishing a robust culture of financial well-being among employees or their respective memberships. Heather's passion has led her to travel the country engaging thousands of Canadians in breaking the barriers of having real "money talk" without the pressure of having to buy.
Heather also brings her empowering leadership style to the Medical Education world having spent the last 13 years, dedicated to leading teams through change, process improvements, and strategic projects. Beyond her corporate prowess, Heather is a passionate ringette player, showcasing her commitment to both teamwork and athleticism, and a proud mother of two beautiful girls. Heather's multifaceted approach underscores her commitment to holistic well-being, in the workplace, home and on the ice.
"Being bold enough to share your story is one thing. Getting to compete while doing it? That is AMAZING!"
Aimee Mack
Transformational Speaker, Identity and Leadership Coach, CEO & Founder
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Aimee Mack is a transformational speaker, coach, and founder who went from being shy, overlooked, and voiceless to standing on stages that spark deep transformation. Years of staying silent led to illness, including cancer and autoimmune disease, until she realized her voice had the power to be the medicine, the mirror, and the turning point.
Transformed and now using her voice to ignite change, Aimee leads international conversations around identity, leadership, and rising after the rebuild.
As a mother of four daughters, Aimee is deeply committed to modeling the power of self-belief while inspiring changemakers on their own bold path. She helps powerhouse individuals lead from within - through boundaries, ownership, leadership, and declaration, using her B.O.L.D. Framework. Her mission is to transform one million lives through story, community, and connection. And she wants you to know it was always you.
"To me, Speaker Slam is more than a competition. It’s a circle of courage, connection, and community, where growth is shared and every story makes room for another. I'm beyond thankful to be part of it!"
Robert Alexander
Finance and Business Executive, Executive Leader, Entrepreneur, Aspiring Coach
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Robert Alexander is a dynamic Finance and Business Executive whose multifaceted passions span leadership, finance, fitness, and fashion. With a strong foundation in corporate strategy and financial management, Robert has built a reputation for driving growth, fostering innovation, and inspiring those around him to reach their full potential.
Beyond the boardroom, Robert is deeply committed to personal development and living a well-rounded, purpose-driven life. He approaches everything he does—whether it's leading a team, closing a deal, hitting the gym, or expressing his unique sense of style—with passion, integrity, joy, excellence, and love.
"Exciting and thrilled to finally be participating in Speaker Slam. I have watched for many years and now it is time to step into arena and play on the court!"
Emily Branton
Tech CEO, Mindfulness Teacher, Executive Coach
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Emily Branton is a little bit Boss… and a little bit Buddha.
As the Boss…Emily has led two mission-driven tech companies through major growth. At Link2Feed, she transformed a grassroots startup into one of the top social enterprises in the world, leading its successful exit to a top-performing U.S. private equity firm- where she went on to acquire and scale another business alongside them.
She holds an MBA, is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, and has been featured in national media like the Financial Post. Her TEDx talk, “Bad at Math,” has inspired thousands. As the Buddha… Emily is a certified yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork instructor who weaves these practices into every part of her work and life. She brings nervous system regulation, personal definitions of success and embodied leadership into conversations that are normally focused on hustle and pressure.
Emily is the founder of Boss & Buddha- a boutique coaching and consulting firm that helps high achievers and their teams achieve all the success, without all the burnout.
She lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her partner Matt and their silver lab Baloo, whose name is a reminder that all you really need are the bear necessities in life.
"I’ve led teams through growth, burnout, and back again. I know what happens when leaders run on empty...and what becomes possible when they lead from wholeness. Speaker Slam is giving me the chance to share the truth I wish I’d known sooner: that your nervous system *is* your leadership style and that real leaders don’t ‘do more’, real leaders regulate. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this message to the stage!"
@bossandbuddhaJenni Cathcart
TBD
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TBD
Lalita Dixit
Award-Winning Storyteller, Author, Leadership Advocate
Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Lalita Dixit is a leadership speaker, author, and coach who empowers individuals to lead with credibility and accountability — no title required. Drawing from her own experiences in the corporate world, she challenges the notion that leadership is defined by position or personality, showing instead that it’s built through action, integrity, and impact. Her upcoming book, I Am Not a Leader, But..., offers a bold, employee-centered perspective on leadership in today’s workplace. Lalita’s mission: to inspire others to speak up, stand tall, and lead from wherever they are.
"For me, Speaker Slam is the chance to turn a deeply personal story into a call to action — inspiring others to lead, speak up, and make a difference."
Words of Wisdom Speaker:
TBD
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.
- Speeches are scored out of 100 points across these categories:
Judging Criteria
- 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 September 16th and experience Leaders – 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?
