Speaker Slam® News: Recap of Against All Odds 2026 Competition

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 to elevate your exposure. Valued at $5,600
• Bobby Umar: Access to the Personal Branding Discovery Course, including 25 videos and over 20 guided exercises to help you clarify your purpose and align your message with your authentic story. 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: The Essential Guide to Doing It Right. Valued at $800
• Kevin Bourne: A featured written profile or business advertorial on ShifterMagazine.com, spotlighting your story and brand, 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 focused on refining your positioning, message clarity, and brand presence. Valued at $2,800.

• Bobby Umar: Access to the Networking Mastery Program, a 12-module course designed to help you build meaningful relationships and expand your influence. Valued at $897.

•  Amanda Cupido: One complimentary ticket to The Soundwave Summit, a full-day experience connecting with top podcasters from across Canada, plus a copy of Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing It Right.

•  Kevin Bourne: A one-hour business consultation focused on strategy, growth, and visibility. 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 focused on clarifying your message and strengthening your personal brand. Valued at $2,800.

•  Bobby Umar: A six-month membership to Thought Leadership Branding Club, a supportive community for entrepreneurs focused on brand growth, monetization, and digital strategy. Valued at $425.

• Amanda Cupido: One complimentary ticket to The Soundwave Summit, a full-day immersive experience with Canada’s top podcasters, plus a copy of Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing It Right.

   

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: Discover Your Personal Brand, Founder, TLB Club membership community for small biz owners
  

• 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

📅 Next Event: Breakthrough - March 31st