“Pain and vulnerability” turned into Speaker Slam triumph for Ajax business entrepreneur
Published March 28, 2024 at 4:58 pm
The first time was the charm for Val Vee, a serial entrepreneur, a powerhouse in women’s empowerment and the founder of Ladies Who Dine, who dazzled the audience and the judges in the second event of Speaker Slam Tuesday night, earning her a golden ticket to the Grand Slam, where she will compete for the Inspirational Speaker of the Year title and a prize package valued up to $50,000.
Vee was in audience for the first event in the series on January 30 at the Lula Lounge in Toronto and got on the stage during the Passion Speed Share segment (where an audience member gets randomly drawn to talk for 1-2 minutes) but Tuesday’s performance, where she gave a powerful speech on ‘Human Connection’ in front of 200 people, was her first shot at glory.
“Winning Speaker Slam means everything to me. I stepped out of my comfort zone and onto the stage, using my vulnerability as power,” said Vee, who calls Ajax home. “I turned the negativity from the last few years into a shining example of human connection. This victory is not just for me but for anyone who’s felt misunderstood or sidelined.”
Vee said the only reason she entered was because a friend had put her name in at the January event. “So I said my speech and people liked it,” she remembered. “So I just put both feet in.”
Known for her unapologetic authenticity, Vee shared her intense personal journey in her speech “Unfriend Me If.” She recounted experiences of isolation and public criticism during the pandemic for her inability to wear a mask due to medical reasons, turning her story into a powerful message about the importance of understanding and empathy in human connections.
“I really tried to bring my pain and vulnerability and turned it into a great speech and took the whole thing home.”
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Vee, with more than three decades of experience, has launched ten businesses, including one exceeding $1 million in revenue in its first year. Her journey spans from her family’s restaurant to franchising Tim Hortons and founding Olive That Tasting Bar. She now leads Ladies Who Dine, where she champions women’s empowerment and business innovation.
Val Vee
“Speaker Slam isn’t just a stage; it’s where my voice becomes a force,” she said before Tuesday’s event “I’m diving headfirst into the spotlight, ready to share my story and inspire others. Stepping out of my comfort zone is both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but I’m committed to embracing the challenge and making a meaningful impact.”
Vee was one of 10 speakers from diverse backgrounds who took the stage to share their personal journeys of human connection, who were all competing for a prize valued at up to $10,000, including $2,000 in cash.
Those prizes include a lot of coaching and mentoring from some the stars in the speaking and motivational industry, Vee said. “It’s quite a package. It’s quite remarkable.”
Vee now advances to the Grand Slam in November. “Looking ahead, I’m excited and a bit nervous about the Grand Slam. It’s a larger stage, but this win has shown me the incredible impact of sharing authentic stories.
Also taking the stage were Sonia Palleck from London, who secured second place with her insightful and vulnerable talk on racism, and Meagan O’Nan who flew in from Mississippi and captivated the audience with her riveting story about being outed in the deep south. Both speakers demonstrated the power of storytelling in addressing critical social issues and personal challenges. Palleck will also advance to the Grand Slam.
Speaker Slam hosts five competitions annually, with the top two from each advancing to the Grand Slam. Its 8th season features themes like Reinvention (January 30), Human Connection (March 26), Freedom (May 28), Perseverance (July 16), and the Power of Yes (September 17), culminating in the Grand Slam showcasing the year’s top speakers in November.
The Ajax entrepreneur will try to make it out to a few more events – strictly as a fan – at the Lula Lounge before the big events in November.
“I love hearing people speak.”
Since its inception in 2016, Speaker Slam, co-founded by publicist, event producer, speaker and Slam host Dan Shaikh, has become a cornerstone for inspirational speaking, fostering a community where powerful stories spark change and connection. Speakers fly in to compete in Toronto in what is North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition.
The event winner in 2019 was Whitby paddleboarder turned inspirational speaker and mental health advocate Mike Shoreman.
Speaker Slam winner Val Vee of Ajax (centre), with Sonia Palleck of London (left) and Mississippi’s Megan O’Nan.