24 Questions with Sam Demma

Sam Demma is an alumni of the Top 35 under 35 global change-maker award, the co-founder of the social enterprise PickWaste, and a 19-year-old youth speaker. He’s been recognized on national news, he’s delivered 2 TEDx talks, he’s worked with brands such as A&W, he’s spoken alongside Craig Kielburger and had his speeches shared by Ashton Kutcher. Over the past two years Sam has travelled across the country speaking to thousands of students. He is a connector for the League of Innovators, the emcee of Speaker Slam youth, and the youngest member of an advanced Toastmasters club. From soccer to social impact, Sam is the example of what happens when young people follow their dreams with small consistent actions.


1. What does thriving mean to you?

Living in a beautiful state while simultaneously being hungry to continue moving forward towards the ultimate vision of my life.

2. What’s the one domino that moves you toward thriving?

Walking in nature


All you can eat sushi

4. How do you deal with challenging times?

I read over all the things I have been blessed to accomplish in my life no matter how small (this puts me in a state of gratitude). From a state of gratitude I think about what I can control in the situation and then begin taking action.


When I was 13 years old I was snorkelling with my family. We just got out of the water at the final destination and immediately after sitting on the bench inside the boat I realized I needed to go pee. It was a 45 minute boat ride back to the resort and I ended up peeing myself in front of 15 strangers before jumping off the boat while we were still moving.

6. What did you learn recently?

Patience is a part of the process. When we want something, we want it NOW, but without enough time in the game and consistency, the correct actions become irrelevant. So, take the correct actions but don’t expect immediate results.


Being completely honest with you I can’t remember grade 5 Sam. Back then I thought I would be a professional soccer player, and was slightly overweight due to the classic Italian diet which consisted of Nonna’s pizza and pasta.


Talking to people who are where I wanted to be. I recently had someone tell me, “You have had more mentorship conversations in a year than most speakers ever will in a lifetime.” Spending time with people who are significantly ahead of me and asking them questions has tremendously moved the needle.

9. Whats the one resource you would recommend?

Books. I love reading and have learnt so much from books. Find something that interests you and start reading about it. One book that changed the game for me was think and grow rich. I have read it multiple times.

10. What is your favourite quote?

“Vincit Qui Patitur” – He who endures, conquers

11. What are your top VALUES?

Respect, Integrity, Family, Health, Impact

12. What is your focus over the next 12 months?

To live in a beautiful state while surpassing my work, relationship, health and spiritual goals, but the main focus would be doing 100 speaking events from September to June.


1. You can make a difference. You don’t need to do something HUGE to make an impact and leave your mark. All it takes to change the world or create a better future for yourself is a small consistent action. #smallconsistentactions 2. Change takes time. The correct actions are irrelevant unless executed over an extended period of time. 3. Live a life that excites you to get out of bed every morning because there is no linear path that leads to your success and fulfillment.


Micheal Loudfoot, my grade 12 world issues teacher.

15. What are you thankful for?

The ability to create the life and impact that I envision.


Moving forward, focus on the things that are in your control and start surrounding yourself with people who will push and support you.


Dancing the bachata in Costa Rica with a local girl named Leyda.. AKA, my Latina princess.


I love dancing and when going out with friends and family I’m always the guy asking every girl to dance. There was one night when we went out and the music was all RAP and I asked over 15 girls to dance and every single one said “no.” My friends still talk about it when we go out to this day.


Social Media

20. What rule should we be breaking?

The unwritten rule that says that there is a perfect “timeline” for life.


Visit and backpack through every country in the world.

22. What is a step you would recommend one take to improve their life?

Gain clarity around what it is you really want. Everything starts with clarity.


Alvin Brown

24. How can people connect with you?

www.samdemma.com sam@samdemma.com