A Cobourg native, breast cancer survivor, single mom, and leadership development expert has her sights set on an upcoming competition that could crown her with the title of inspirational speaker of the year.
Leisse Wilcox will compete in “Speaker Slam’s 8th Annual Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals” on Saturday, November 9 at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto.
In May, at one of the five differently themed Speaker Slam qualifier competitions during the year, Wilcox delivered a speech called “The Goldilocks Guide to Finding Freedom,” which explored the pressure of perfection and the pursuit of self-worth.
Her speech earned her second place in the freedom-themed competition. Now she’s going on to the Grand Slam finals with the theme of brave, which challenges speakers to share stories of courage and resilience.
Wilcox shared with kawarthaNOW what she hopes audience members will glean from her upcoming presentation.
“I hope people take away from this speech that anybody can be brave at any point because it is such a choice,” Wilcox said. “It’s a personal decision. It’s not one big, giant, momentous event. It’s a very quiet decision just to be brave by simply being yourself. To me, that is the most empowering gift we can give.”
For Wilcox, a single mother of three young kids, bravery wasn’t just about facing an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis. It was about redefining her identity, embracing vulnerability, and “showing up in the world as her authentic self,” a media release noted.
“Leisse is no stranger to overcoming adversity. From battling breast cancer and choosing to ‘go flat’ after a double mastectomy to navigating divorce and solo parenting, her journey is a testament to the quiet yet powerful acts of bravery that have shaped her life.”
From losing her hair during cancer treatment to choosing to undergo a double mastectomy, Wilcox has had to redefine her relationship with her body, femininity, and the concept of being “enough.”
“We live in a world that tells us to either be not enough or too much, and I had to fight those messages while literally fighting for my life,” Wilcox said.
She added that, with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, her story has increased significance.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that many women aren’t just battling their health, they’re battling how they perceive themselves. My story isn’t just about cancer. It’s about radically accepting who we are, right now, no matter what.”
Wilcox has moved forward from her diagnosis by accepting her new identity and finding strength in her vulnerability, which is what has landed her on the Grand Slam stage.
“Leisse’s journey of embracing herself after cancer and redefining her identity aligns perfectly with our Brave theme,” said Speaker Slam co-founder Dan Shaikh. “Her ability to mix humour with vulnerability will resonate deeply with audiences, making her a powerful contender in the Grand Slam.”
How will Wilcox know if she has been successful with her message?
“When I’m holding that trophy, that’s going to be a big indicator,” Wilcox said. “But on the impact side, I always know when people send me messages or stop me in the lobby to share how my words impacted their lives. That to me also counts as a win.”
The Grand Slam will feature the top 14 speakers from the 2024 season, with participants travelling from across North America, including from Starkville in Mississippi, Fort Worth in Texas, and various parts of Canada. They will compete for the title of inspirational speaker of the year, a $5,000 cash prize, and a prize package worth up to $50,000.
The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, November 9 at CBC Glenn Gould Studio, located at 250 Front St. W. in downtown Toronto. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca/e/862389388877, with livestream tickets also available.
For more information about the speakers and the event, visit speakerslam.org.
