Meet Dan Shaikh | Publicist for Inspirational Changemakers & Co-Founder of Speaker Slam

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan Shaikh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is: “Stick to what you know.”

If I had followed that advice, I would’ve stayed in my safe, predictable corporate job, never stepping outside the box or challenging myself. But my life changed when I embraced the opposite approach—saying yes to the unknown.

It all started when an old university friend invited me to her event, the Passion Search Competition. At the time, I was challenging myself to try 5 new experiences a week, and this event sounded completely outside my comfort zone. Without hesitation, I said yes. That one decision led to volunteering for the event, joining Toastmasters, and even attending a self-development program I was initially skeptical about (yes, I Googled it, and yes, the internet called it a cult!). Each “yes” led to transformative experiences and life-changing connections.

It was through one of those connections that Speaker Slam was born. A spur-of-the-moment idea—turning a speaking event into a competition—sparked excitement, and we said yes to taking the leap. One step led to the next, and Speaker Slam became a platform that celebrates storytelling, passion, and purpose.

For me, passion didn’t magically appear. It came from doing. From trying, failing, and learning. Each new experience built a foundation, creating opportunities I never could’ve imagined.

So here’s my challenge to you: What could you say yes to today that might just change your life?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career journey has been anything but conventional. I went from being a shy immigrant from Pakistan who avoided the spotlight to co-founding Speaker Slam®, North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition. Speaker Slam is not just a competition; it’s a platform where changemakers and thought leaders share their stories, inspire their communities, and leave a lasting impact. Over the years, we’ve helped over 1,000 speakers step onto our stage, with many going on to land TEDx talks, book deals, viral videos, and media appearances.

What sets me apart is my belief in the transformative power of storytelling. I’ve built a career around amplifying voices and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and celebrated. I’m most proud of how Speaker Slam has become a global platform for changemakers. The stories shared on our stage have sparked movements, changed lives, and inspired countless others.

But getting here wasn’t easy. In 2018, I left the security of a corporate job to pursue Speaker Slam full-time. Then the pandemic hit, and we lost everything we had built. Overnight, we had to pivot, creating the world’s first online speaking competition. It was a massive challenge, but it taught me resilience and the importance of innovation. Through that pivot, we reached a global audience and expanded our mission to amplify diverse voices, raising over $10,000 for various causes along the way.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities. I’ve also learned that challenges are often disguised opportunities to grow and evolve.

What I want the world to know about my story and my brand is that Speaker Slam isn’t just about public speaking—it’s about transformation, empowerment, and creating ripple effects of change. I want to inspire others to embrace their unique stories, step into their power, and take bold actions to create their own impact. Your story has the power to inspire the world, and I’m here to help make that happen.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to the incredible community of people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. First and foremost, my late friend Maria Racelis. She was the one who inspired me and Rina to start Speaker Slam with her “Share, Love, Celebrate” event. Without her spark, we might not have taken that leap together.

I also want to recognize my business partner, Rina Rovinelli. From the very beginning, she saw potential in me, mentored me, and showed me how to navigate the entrepreneurial world. Her guidance and resilience during some of our toughest moments have been invaluable.

Another huge influence was my Toastmasters group: CSI Pitchmasters. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the courage to step into public speaking. Their encouragement taught me to embrace fear and find my voice.

Lastly, I can’t leave out the co-worker: Naeemeh Shakoori who invited me to a self-development program called Landmark, where I learned to confront my inner doubts and took bold risks. She played a pivotal role in my journey, and I’m forever grateful for her support that brought me to where I am today.

Website: https://danshaikh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedanshaikh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedanshaikh/

Twitter: https://x.com/thedanshaikh?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDanShaikh

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDanShaikh

Image Credits
Jocelyn Phillips & Philip Zave