From shy immigrant to leading voice in visibility

My journey from feeling voiceless to building platforms that amplify the stories of changemakers across North America.

Dan Shaikh - Award-winning publicist and brand visibility expert

The spark that started it all

At 19, I was full of self-doubt and deep insecurities. I would escape on Reddit, reading about regrets from people decades older than me. Their stories became my roadmap. Not a guide for what to do, but a warning about what I'd regret not doing.

I made it my mission to live fully in my twenties: skydiving, bungee jumping, traveling the world, and facing my biggest fear, speaking up. I joined Toastmasters, enrolled in Landmark's self-expression program, and discovered something that would change everything: the power of sharing your story.

In 2016, that discovery became Speaker Slam. What started as a single event in Toronto grew into North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, a platform that has given over 1,000 speakers the chance to share their story, build their brand, and change lives.

Dan Shaikh smiling - from shy immigrant to visibility expert
Dan Shaikh holding his bucket list adventure photos

In late 2018, I quit my day job to pursue this mission full-time. As a brown guy from a culture that values stable careers, walking away from banking was the biggest risk of my life. But I believed that the world needed more voices of hope, resilience, and transformation.

Today, as a publicist and brand visibility expert, I help changemakers get the coverage and recognition they deserve. Through Changemaker PR, I've secured features on CBC, CTV News, Global News, Breakfast Television, and dozens of other outlets. Through Speaker Slam, I've produced 100+ events and helped speakers land TEDx talks, book deals, paid gigs, and viral moments that sparked global conversations.

Key milestones

2008 – 2013

Toronto Metropolitan University

Earned a B.Com in Business Technology Management. Discovered Toastmasters and the power of public speaking during these formative years.

2016

Speaker Slam is Born

Co-founded Speaker Slam with Rina Rovinelli, launching what would become North America's largest inspirational speaking competition at Toronto's Lula Lounge.

2018

Full-Time Entrepreneur

Left a banking career to pursue Speaker Slam full-time. Took the biggest risk and never looked back.

2019

200+ Monthly Attendees

Speaker Slam events grew to over 200 attendees monthly, with speakers going viral on Goalcast, Jay Shetty, and Power of Positivity.

2020

Pivoted Through COVID

Rebranded, rebuilt, and took the competition online. What felt like a setback became an opportunity to grow in new ways.

2022

Launched Changemaker PR

Founded a publicity agency dedicated to inspirational changemakers, helping clients secure strategic media coverage on major networks.

2024

National Recognition

Named to The Peak's 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders and won Toronto Star Readers' Choice Gold Award for Best PR.

2025

Top 25 Canadian Immigrant

Recognized by Canadian Immigrant Magazine as one of Canada's Top 25 Immigrants for transformative work in public speaking.

Core values

Authentic Storytelling

Your real story is your greatest asset. Vulnerability creates connection. Polish can come later. Truth always comes first.

Strategic Visibility

Being seen by the right people at the right time changes everything. Visibility is the vehicle for your impact, and I help you drive it with intention.

Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

The people who most need to be heard are often the least likely to promote themselves. That's where I come in.

Impact Over Impressions

One meaningful media placement that moves your mission forward is worth more than a hundred vanity metrics.

Building the foundation

Toronto Metropolitan University

B.Com in Business Technology Management (2008–2013). Formerly Ryerson University.

Toastmasters Leadership

Developed public speaking and leadership skills through years of active Toastmasters membership.

Landmark Self-Expression Program

Completed the Self-Expression and Leadership Program, learning to communicate with authenticity and impact.

Want to work together?

Whether you need media coverage, speaker development, or strategic visibility, I'd love to hear your story.