AfterTMU - Dan Shaikh

Why did you choose to study at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)?

Back in 2008, the idea of studying right in the middle of downtown Toronto was thrilling to me. It just felt like the place to be. I always had this itch for business, but I wasn’t quite sure which direction to take. That’s when a high school friend told me about the Business Technology Management program. It wasn’t just the content of the course that got me; it was the co-op option. The thought of getting actual work experience while still studying seemed like hitting two birds with one stone. It was a no-brainer for me — a chance to learn and get my feet wet in the real world at the same time.

How has your Business Technology Management degree helped set you up for success?

Getting my Business Technology Management degree was like getting a Swiss Army knife for the business world. It mixed the nerdy tech stuff with real business know-how, which is pretty much gold in our digital world today. The degree taught me how to think in systems and processes, connect the dots with the bigger picture, and find creative solutions — skills that have been super useful in shaking things up in the industry.

Through the co-op program, I was able to rub shoulders with big names like IBM and RBC while I was still a student. By the time I was 20, I was already in the thick of things at a bank! For a kid from an immigrant family, this was huge. At a very young age my parents instilled in me that working at a bank was the dream, the pinnacle of success in my culture, right alongside having an MBA, children, and hair after 30! From getting my first job to starting Speaker Slam, this degree has been a major player in my story.

Looking back, what learnings or relationships from your time at TMU do you find most impactful?

Reflecting on my time at TMU, the real game-changers weren’t just the classes or the books, but the life lessons and connections I made there. Two classes really hit home for me: Entrepreneurship 101 and Public Speaking 101.

Entrepreneurship 101 with Sean Wise opened my eyes to what starting a business really means. It was more than just theories and concepts; it was about seeing the possibilities of creating something from scratch, something I could call my own.

Public Speaking 101 was a different kind of challenge. Coming from a background where English wasn’t my first language, speaking up in front of others was pretty intimidating. This class pushed me way out of my comfort zone. It was tough, but it taught me to face my fears head-on, helping me grow into someone who could stand up and speak confidently — a skill that’s been super important for what I do now with Speaker Slam.

The combination of these experiences, along with the hands-on work I got to do in my co-op placements, was like building a foundation for everything that came next. The things I learned and the people I met at TMU have stuck with me, shaping not just the professional I became but also the person I am today.

What is Speaker Slam and what inspired you to co-found it?

Speaker Slam (external link)  is North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition, but to me, it’s more than just a competition; it’s this amazing place where people come to share their stories — the real, raw, and often vulnerable kind. It’s a space where people connect, grow, and inspire each other. We’ve created a community that’s all about turning vulnerability into strength.

The idea for Speaker Slam came when I was deep into my journey of personal growth and trying to conquer my fear of public speaking. I joined a Toastmasters (external link)  group and was invited to a seminar that totally changed my perspective. I saw people sharing their most personal stories, and it was a lightbulb moment for me. I realized how powerful and healing sharing your story can be for others. 

So, I teamed up with a friend from Toastmasters, Rina, and we thought, “Why not start our own speaking event?” We kicked off with just one event, thinking it would be a one-time thing. But it was a hit! We had over 100 people show up. So, we rolled up our sleeves and started hosting events every month. Each one was a learning experience, and slowly but surely, we started making our mark.

Fast forward to today, and Speaker Slam has grown into this incredible platform that’s all about helping speakers — from entrepreneurs to experts — get out there, share their stories, and really make an impact. We’re helping people not just compete on stage, but also build their brands, land speaking gigs, and even get paid for it. It’s been an incredible journey from just an idea to a movement that’s touching lives and changing the game in the world of public speaking.

What fears or barriers did you have to overcome in your entrepreneurial journey? How did you tackle them?

Starting Speaker Slam brought up all sorts of fears and doubts. Top of the list: imposter syndrome. I kept thinking, “Who am I to run a speaking competition?” I was this guy with zero experience in this world, suddenly trying to make a mark. But, I had a partner, Rina, who knew the ropes of speaking events. Her know-how and my drive to try something different made a solid team. We had this vision and the more events we pulled off, the less those doubts screamed in my head. Each event was like a building block, making me more confident in what we were doing. When you’re busy solving problems, being creative, and making things happen, you don’t have time to second-guess yourself. You’re too wrapped up in the action.That’s how I got over my fears.

What are the best parts of your work; what are the biggest challenges?

The best part of Speaker Slam? It’s got to be seeing people grow. There’s nothing like watching someone who’s scared to even stand on stage transform into a full-blown pro-speaker, changing lives with their stories. It’s like watching a caterpillar become a butterfly — and I get a front-row seat to that magic every day.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The tough bit? Knowing only one person can win in a competition. Some folks take the loss to heart, and it stings knowing they might walk away feeling down or even a bit bitter towards me. But, that’s part of the experience. You learn to roll with the punches and keep reminding everyone — including yourself — that it’s all about the journey, not just the trophy at the end. Seven years in, and I’m still celebrating the journey.

What advice would you give to someone eager to strike out and pursue something new?

Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to new things, even if they scare you a bit. You never know where these opportunities might lead you. Each one is a chance to learn, grow, and connect. It’s about being open to the journey, wherever it may take you. Who knows, your next ‘yes’ could be the start of something incredible. 

I remember being pretty hesitant when a university buddy invited me to a passion-finding event called the “Passion Search Competition.” Growing up in an immigrant family, our lives were about survival, passion was a luxury. So the concept of chasing your passion was a bit foreign to me. That single event pushed me out of my comfort zone, leading me to volunteer, join a public speaking group, and dive into personal development. This all led to the birth of Speaker Slam with Rina, my business partner. Every event, every meeting, and every opportunity I embraced played a role in where I am today. Speaker Slam didn’t just pop up out of the blue; it evolved from a series of ‘yeses’.

If you could start all over again, would you change your career path in any way? 

I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step I’ve taken, every decision I’ve made, it’s all led me to where I am now. I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to finding my purpose. I’m running the largest inspirational speaking competition in North America! It’s been a wild ride. I’ve even managed to get some time on TV and co-author a book, “Our Yellow Brick Road (external link, opens in new window) .” 

And the best part? I feel like I’m just getting started. There’s so much more to do, more lives to touch, and more stories to share. It’s going to be an exciting ride ahead!