Paul de Gelder
About
Paul de Gelder: Former Australian Navy Clearance Diver | Shark Attack Survivor | Speaker on Resilience, Courage and Change
Why Book Paul de Gelder?
Paul de Gelder brings a personal story of survival and rebuilding to conversations about resilience. A former Australian Navy clearance diver, he lost a hand and a leg in a shark attack and went on to become an author and Shark Week presenter.
Paul connects his military experience and recovery journey with questions about fear, discipline, and purpose. His presentations encourage audiences to examine the choices available when circumstances change unexpectedly and to recognize the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and taking the next step.
Why Is Paul de Gelder Right for Your Audience?
Paul is a strong fit for company gatherings, leadership meetings, sales conferences, and events focused on overcoming adversity. Consider him when your audience needs a memorable personal perspective on responding to setbacks and moving forward.
Book Paul when your audience needs to:
- Face change with greater courage
- Rebuild momentum after a difficult period
- Recognize the value of discipline and preparation
- Strengthen teamwork when pressure rises
- Reconsider assumptions about personal limitations
- Reconnect daily effort with a sense of purpose
Audience Takeaways
Depending on the program selected, attendees will leave:
- A fresh perspective on responding to adversity
- More aware of how fear can affect choices
- Ready to identify a manageable next step
- Clearer on the role of teamwork during challenges
- Motivated to approach change with persistence and purpose
Keynote Programs
Uncaged: Thriving Through Fear and Change
Paul draws on his survival and recovery to explore fear and adaptation. Ideal for teams facing uncertainty or significant transitions.
Never Say Die: Turning Pain into Power
Paul shares lessons from rebuilding his life after the attack. Ideal for audiences seeking inspiration around persistence and reinvention.
Courage Under Pressure: Leadership in High-Stakes Environments
Paul connects military experience with trust, clarity, and decision-making. Ideal for leaders responsible for teams working under pressure.
Is Paul de Gelder Right for Your Event?
Tell us about your audience, the challenges your audience faces and the response you want to encourage. We can help select Paul’s most relevant program, discuss customization, and confirm availability and fee.
Contact The Sweeney Agency 1-866-727-7555 or [email protected] for more information on this speaker.
Topics and Audience Takeaways
I have not seen a speaker of this magnitude & impact in my lifetime. Paul de Gelder is an Inspirational Speaker about determination, resilience, having a positive attitude in life and making good choices for your path forward! I’m not sure what else to say except it’s a true real-life story and hearing it firsthand will stay with me for years to come. It’s moving, it’s powerful and Paul is able to tie it directly to your audience."
Senior HR Leader, Amazon
