Nadja Piatka

Nadja Piatka made her dream come true. Armed only with an idea and a $100 investment, she became an international supplier to Subway, McDonald’s, grocery stores and many others.  As an unemployed single mother of two, Nadja's amazing story chronicles taking a company out of her kitchen and creating a multi-million dollar food company.

After 20 years of marriage, Nadja found herself as an unemployable single mother raising two children. Since no one would hire her, she decided that she would hire herself. Nadja believed the world needed better tasting healthy food, so she began experimenting with recipes in her kitchen and testing them on her children. She started her business by waking up at 4am to bake and deliver her goods to local coffee shops.

Nadja competed with the giant food corporations to become a national supplier to McDonald's, and didn't stop there. Within a few short years, she had a contract with Subway for her now-famous brownie. Today Nadja's products can be found in both foodservice and retail locations including grocery stores and schools throughout Canada and the US.

In addition to her food business, Nadja created the Ultimate Girls Getaway where she hosts a fun annual women's event at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Montebello Resort in Quebec to help raise funds for women survivors of war. She is also a former newspaper food columnist and has written two bestselling cookbooks.
 
In addition to appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Nadja has been a repeat guest on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. She has also been featured on The Fox Morning Show, The TODAY Show, Canada A.M. and The Learning Channel among others.  Articles about Nadja have appeared in More Magazine, Martha Stewart, Woman's World, Millionaire Blueprints, The Globe and Mail and The Wall Street Journal. 

After being diagnosed with Leukemia and undergoing chemotherapy several years ago, Nadja has come back strong to continue her journey.

Nadja is a sought after public speaker for her amazing life story and entrepreneurial spirit. She brings audiences not only to tears but to their feet, and delivers her terrific story of home grown success with heart-felt passion and determination.

Her biography will be published in 2012.

• 4. Healthy Eating and a Healthy Lifestyle

  Nadja believes in the 80/20 rule in everything she does. She will share her secrets to living better and living longer by staying healthy. As the author of two best selling cookbooks, a recipe developer for the American Heart Association and regular guest on cooking shows, Nadja loves to prepare food and talk about any of her topics. She grew up above her family's restaurant and has a passion for food. You'll love her humour and spontaneity as she dazzles you with healthy great tasting dishes.

• 3. How to Market Yourself, Your Business, Your Idea!

  Branding isn't always about the money! Whether you have a large budget or no budget, a well-orchestrated public relations campaign can be one of your most effective marketing tools. It's not about the product, it's about the story. Learn how to use the media to promote your business. Discover how to create an image much bigger than reality. Hear Nadja describe step-by-step marketing ideas that you can apply to your business. Regardless of size, Nadja will show you how to compete when the odds are against you.

• 2. Dream It . . . Achieve It!

  Nadja made a dream come true, armed only with an idea and a $100 investment, she became an international supplier to Subway, McDonald's, Giant, Wegmans and other nutrition conscious customers. Nadja's amazing story of taking a company out of her kitchen and creating a multi-million dollar food company was highlighted on the Oprah Winfrey and Donny Deutsch.
  
  What's in YOUR Life list? Discover what makes you tick. Learn the 5 steps of how to identify, implement, follow through and achieve your dreams. Nadja will take you through real life examples of how to successfully realize your goals. By sharing her remarkable journey, experiences and personal formula for success, Nadja will inspire and encourage you to stand up and say "Yes I Can!"

• 1. Now is Not the Time to Retreat

  The challenging economy is a time for opportunities for yourself and your business. They will present themselves in ways you may not understand. Learn to identify them. Learn how to get better than ever in your business or profession. History shows us that there will be companies who grow and even prosper in the recession. You can be one of them.
  
  Learn how to grow a business in a down market. Hear how to select your point of difference as a company. Discover strategies to recession proof your business. In this economic environment, learn why "Now Is Not the Time to Retreat," financially speaking, from either your business or personal life.

• Nadja Piatka speaks and brings audiences not only to tears but to their feet! If you are looking to inspire any crowd, Nadja delivers with her terrific story of home grown success with heart-felt passion and determination. She is genuinely warm, witty and shares not only her success but her humble beginnings as a start-up entrepreneur. She is driven by the important things in life that are truly relatable to all. Nadja is a living example of living your dreams and inspiring others to do so.
  University of Buffalo, School of Management, Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
• We continue to receive phone calls, letters and emails thanking Nadja for inspiring the participants and for her dynamic speech. It is so important for women to hear and see shining examples of success.
  Canisius College
• I have been associated with Great West Life Assurance Company for 27 years and have heard many speakers - but Nadja Piatka is the best!
  Great West Life Assurance
• Women business-owners were motivated and inspired to "dream it and achieve it." I received so much positive feedback; it really set the tone for a spectacular presentation. I will highly recommend Nadja as a fantastic Keynote speaker to the many organizations to which I belong.
  Trellis Marketing Inc.
• In my 30 years with McDonald's Restaurants, I have rarely met a supplier that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder Ray Kroc. In Nadja Piatka I have found what Ray would define as a true entrepreneur.
  McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Ltd.
• Nadja connected so very well with her audience through humor and by helping them see what is required to be a successful entrepreneur. I attend many conferences and listen to many speakers. Nadja was exceptional!"
  Lion Gate Training Ltd
• Nadja has truly inspired me to be confident and succeed in my dreams as a new business owner. She instilled courage and determination in me again! I feel I can conquer any obstacle!
  N & L Organization of Women Entrepreneurs

• 
  August 2002

  Outrageously Delicious Fat-Wise Cookbook

  An anthology of healthy and fat-friendly foods that are easily available in the supermarket.

  
  
• 
  September 1992

  The Joy of Losing Weight