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What happens when the thing you once feared most becomes your greatest strength?
In today’s episode, we explore the power of vulnerability as both a personal tool and a public force. Our guest has spent a lifetime navigating the challenges of a stutter, only to transform that journey into a platform for global impact—through comedy, public speaking, and now, the documentary film Words Left Unspoken. As the film finds new audiences through ChangeMaker Co’s powerful community screening initiative, we sit down to talk about what it means to live—and speak—your truth, even when it’s hard.
Meet the Guests:
JOZE PIRANIAN
Global Keynote Speaker | Forbes & 5x TEDx | Disability & Mental Health Advocate | Stuttering Awareness | Corporate Comedian
From avoiding speaking for most of his youth to commanding stages across the world, Joze is a powerful voice on turning fear into empowerment—and now, a central figure in the new documentary Words Left Unspoken.
BOBBY UMAR
CEO of DYPB – Discover Your Personal Brand and the Thought Leadership Branding Club | 5x TEDx Speaker | Inc Magazine Top 100 Leadership Speaker | Best-Selling Author
Bobby joins the conversation as a seasoned expert on personal branding and leadership, adding sharp insight into the inner transformation that drives outer impact.
Your Host:
Leigh Mitchell is a dynamic personal and business branding leader, guiding small and medium-sized enterprises through Market Your Mission® Branding and her podcast, ChangeMaker Collective. As the founder of Women in Biz Network and the ChangeMaker Collective, she expanded the organization from a local group to a national community of over 35,000 members. Recognized by Statistics Canada for her diversity, equity, and inclusion expertise, Leigh holds an executive certificate in Marketing Leadership from Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business and credentials in ethical leadership, DEI, inclusive design, and social-emotional learning. Her passion for equity spans mental health, business, education, and sports. Leigh teaches marketing, public relations, and business at York University, York Entrepreneurial Development Institute (YEDI) and the University of Guelph-Humber. She has collaborated with brands like Microsoft Canada, TELUS, and TD, and her insights have been featured in CBC & CTV News, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.
Attend Our In-Person Event Building Resilience & Courage
You get LinkedIn Local Toronto’s most inspiring event yet.
On Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, we’re hitting pause on the usual panels and PowerPoints and play on something truly transformative. Welcome to “Building Resilience & Courage” – a special movie screening and expert panel that’s as bold and powerful as the message it carries.
For our 28th LinkedIn Local Toronto Meetup, we’re trying something new. Something raw. Something real.
We’re proud to present a special screening of “Words Left Unspoken,” a deeply personal and award-nominated documentary that unpacks fear, identity, and self-acceptance through the lens of Joze Piranian– a 5x TEDx speaker, stand-up comedian, and lifelong stutterer turned global keynote speaker.
Why this film?
Because we believe courage doesn’t always roar, it sometimes stutters, stumbles, and still shows up.
“Words Left Unspoken” isn’t just a documentary. It’s a movement nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards, the film explores the power of vulnerability and reminds us that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about stepping forward when every instinct tells you to hide.
It’s funny, it’s fearless, and it’s everything we need to hear right now.
What to Expect?
Get ready for an evening of storytelling, transformation, and community, hosted at OneEleven, Toronto, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The night will begin with networking and a short inspirational talk by Dr. Samra Zafar, bestselling author and advocate for mental health and equity, followed by the 50-minute exclusive screening of Words Left Unspoken. Then, join a raw and unfiltered panel discussion with:
- Joze Piranian – The star of the film, known for turning discomfort into connection.
- Samra Zafar – A real-life warrior for women’s rights and resilient leadership.
- Bobby Umar – Your host, 5x TEDx speaker, and one of North America’s top leadership voices.
Bring your questions, bring your curiosity, and yes, bring a friend.
Why Should You Be There?
Because this event is for you: the bold, the curious, the ones willing to step into their stories.
Whether you’re:
- An ambitious professional ready to level up.
- A purpose-driven entrepreneur hungry for authentic connection.
- A workplace wellness advocate or mental health ally.
- Or simply a human being who’s ever felt “not enough.”
This evening will move you. Maybe it will even change you.
- Tickets are just $20 (or $15 each for groups of 4). Your support helps amplify voices and fund future creative projects like this one.
Event Rundown:
- 6:00 PM – Doors open for networking (and some good vibes)
- 6:30 PM – Opening remarks from Bobby Umar
- 6:40 PM – Samra Zafar on personal resilience through trauma
- 6:50 PM – Words Left Unspoken film screening
- 7:45 PM – Panel Discussion with Joze, Samra & Bobby
- 8:30 PM – Final thoughts + networking mingler
Meet the Trailblazers:
Joze Piranian: Once silent, now unstoppable. Joze has performed on stages from Netflix to the United Nations. Through humor and humanity, he opens minds and hearts.
Dr. Samra Zafar: Her bestselling memoir, A Good Wife, chronicles her escape from child marriage to becoming one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.
Bobby Umar: With a billion+ social impressions and a career built on meaningful connection, Bobby leads from the heart and lights up any room he walks into.
Let’s get vulnerable. Let’s get loud. Let’s get real.
