Paul de Gelder
Keynote Speaker: Former Army Airborne & Navy Bomb Disposal Diver; Shark Attack Survivor; Discovery Channel Host & Author
-
Travels From:
-
Speaking Fee:
-
Categories:
Paul de Gelder Biography
IMPROVISE...ADAPT...OVERCOME... These three words – a mantra Paul de Gelder learned in the Australian Army as a young paratrooper – resonated with him the first time he heard them. De Gelder chased adventure wherever he could find it, from his wild ride as a teen and his whirlwind lifestyle working in clubs and the music industry to hauling his way up to the elite echelons of the Australian Defense Forces as an Army paratrooper and then Navy bomb disposal diver.
In February 2009, de Gelder's adventurous life took a dramatic turn when a 10-foot bull shark attacked him during a routine Navy dive, severing his hand and leg. Rather than succumbing to despair, he channeled his indomitable spirit, fought through excruciating pain, and reclaimed his life. Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him, de Gelder left nothing to chance, conducting his own rehabilitation. He returned to full-time Navy service after only six months.
His journey from trauma to triumph is extraordinary, marked by resilience and determination. His inspiring story, vividly chronicled in his autobiography "Uncaged," takes "Never Say Die" to a new level.
In the years since the shark attack, de Gelder's life has changed in every aspect. Having left full-time Navy service in August 2012, after continuing to instruct Navy divers for a further three years, de Gelder has traveled the world as a top motivational speaker, passionate environmentalist, adventurer, and mentor to school kids. He has spoken at venues across the globe, from the United Nations in New York to conferences across the U.S., China, London, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
De Gelder has also been a guest on major TV talk shows and starred as a guest trainer twice on the "Biggest Loser Australia." He has hosted over 25 documentaries for Discovery Channel’s "Shark Week," where he learned to hand-feed bull sharks, hammerheads, and blue sharks, and dive with tiger sharks and Great Whites without the protection of a cage. Megastar Will Smith featured de Gelder in his Facebook series “Bucket List” as his shark diving mentor; UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey was taught how to hand-feed bull sharks by de Gelder; and most recently, Iron Mike Tyson became de Gelder’s shark diving student. De Gelder also became part of an anti-poaching team in Africa to film the excellent work the Rangers did for "Fearless," which aired on NatGeo.
De Gelder has been touted as one of the top 15 inspirational Australians and top 10 speakers, and now, based in Los Angeles, he is preparing to film yet more documentaries. Looking to expand his repertoire, de Gelder completed a lead acting role for a six-part miniseries for a major cable network and has since appeared in several commercials and short films.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Paul de Gelder and other top speakers and celebrities.
Paul de Gelder Speaking Topics
Paul de Gelder shares his powerful story of resilience, emphasizing its critical role in personal and professional growth. Through his experiences, including overcoming a life-threatening shark attack, Paul demonstrates how embracing uncomfortable change can catalyze growth. He draws lessons from his military background, highlighting the importance of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability in high-risk environments. Paul provides insights into recovery's psychological and physical challenges, offering strategies for developing a resilient mindset, including the power of positive thinking and self-belief.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Embrace change for growth.
- Learn from adversity.
- Apply discipline and teamwork.
- Develop mental and physical resilience.
- Cultivate positive thinking.
From his diverse background, Paul de Gelder offers valuable leadership insights from extraordinary life experiences. He discusses how adventure and leadership intersect, sharing personal stories from his time as a military paratrooper and clearance diver. Paul emphasizes decision-making and problem-solving strategies in high-pressure environments, navigating change and uncertainty, and fostering effective teamwork through trust, communication, and mutual support. He underscores the role of courage in leading oneself and others through adversity, reinforcing key leadership principles that inspire courage and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Master crisis decision-making.
- Navigate change effectively.
- Foster teamwork and trust.
- Lead with courage and resilience.
- Embrace adaptability.
Paul de Gelder guides audiences to discover their purpose and passion in life and work. He shares his journey of aligning personal and professional aspirations, emphasizing strategies for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and embracing personal growth. Drawing from his adventures as a Shark Week host, Paul highlights the importance of following one's passion, taking risks, and stepping outside one's comfort zone. He discusses crafting a fulfilling career path by aligning values with professional choices, continuous learning, and maintaining work-life balance for personal well-being and meaningful relationships.
Key Takeaways:
- Overcome self-limiting beliefs.
- Follow your passion.
- Align values with career.
- Pursue continuous learning.
- Maintain work-life balance.
Paul de Gelder explores the transformative power of facing fears and embracing change. He shares personal experiences with fear and change, highlighting their significance in personal growth. Paul offers strategies for managing fear and embracing calculated risks, drawing from his military experiences and encounters with dangerous waters. He provides lessons in courage and resilience from surviving a shark attack, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude. The presentation encourages audiences to view change as an opportunity for growth, adapt to new circumstances, and step outside their comfort zones to unlock their full potential.
Key Takeaways:
- Manage and confront fear.
- Embrace calculated risks.
- Learn courage and resilience.
- Adapt to change.
- Step outside your comfort zone.
Paul de Gelder Videos
How do I book Paul de Gelder to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Paul de Gelder for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Paul de Gelder, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Paul de Gelder or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Paul de Gelder for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Paul de Gelder, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Paul de Gelder are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Paul de Gelder, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Paul de Gelder speak about?
Paul de Gelder is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Navy, Veterans, Author, Military, Leadership, Inspirational, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Personal Growth, Mental Health, Resilience, Change Management, Environmental Activism, Television & Film, Reality TV, Storytelling and Disability.
Where does Paul de Gelder travel from?
Paul de Gelder generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Paul de Gelder?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Paul de Gelder for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Paul de Gelder for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Paul de Gelder or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Paul de Gelder is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Motivational, Overcoming Adversity and Navy. The estimated speaking fee range to book Paul de Gelder for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Paul de Gelder generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Robyn Benincasa, Anthony Trucks and Eric Boles. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Paul de Gelder for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Paul de Gelder Speaking Topics
-
Never Say Die: Turning Pain into Power
Paul de Gelder shares his powerful story of resilience, emphasizing its critical role in personal and professional growth. Through his experiences, including overcoming a life-threatening shark attack, Paul demonstrates how embracing uncomfortable change can catalyze growth. He draws lessons from his military background, highlighting the importance of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability in high-risk environments. Paul provides insights into recovery's psychological and physical challenges, offering strategies for developing a resilient mindset, including the power of positive thinking and self-belief.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Embrace change for growth.
- Learn from adversity.
- Apply discipline and teamwork.
- Develop mental and physical resilience.
- Cultivate positive thinking.
-
Courage Under Pressure: Leadership in High-Stakes Environments
From his diverse background, Paul de Gelder offers valuable leadership insights from extraordinary life experiences. He discusses how adventure and leadership intersect, sharing personal stories from his time as a military paratrooper and clearance diver. Paul emphasizes decision-making and problem-solving strategies in high-pressure environments, navigating change and uncertainty, and fostering effective teamwork through trust, communication, and mutual support. He underscores the role of courage in leading oneself and others through adversity, reinforcing key leadership principles that inspire courage and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Master crisis decision-making.
- Navigate change effectively.
- Foster teamwork and trust.
- Lead with courage and resilience.
- Embrace adaptability.
-
Beyond the Surface: Discovering Purpose in Life and Work
Paul de Gelder guides audiences to discover their purpose and passion in life and work. He shares his journey of aligning personal and professional aspirations, emphasizing strategies for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and embracing personal growth. Drawing from his adventures as a Shark Week host, Paul highlights the importance of following one's passion, taking risks, and stepping outside one's comfort zone. He discusses crafting a fulfilling career path by aligning values with professional choices, continuous learning, and maintaining work-life balance for personal well-being and meaningful relationships.
Key Takeaways:
- Overcome self-limiting beliefs.
- Follow your passion.
- Align values with career.
- Pursue continuous learning.
- Maintain work-life balance.
-
Uncaged: Thriving Through Fear & Change
Paul de Gelder explores the transformative power of facing fears and embracing change. He shares personal experiences with fear and change, highlighting their significance in personal growth. Paul offers strategies for managing fear and embracing calculated risks, drawing from his military experiences and encounters with dangerous waters. He provides lessons in courage and resilience from surviving a shark attack, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude. The presentation encourages audiences to view change as an opportunity for growth, adapt to new circumstances, and step outside their comfort zones to unlock their full potential.
Key Takeaways:
- Manage and confront fear.
- Embrace calculated risks.
- Learn courage and resilience.
- Adapt to change.
- Step outside your comfort zone.
VIDEO
Paul de Gelder Videos
NEWS
Paul de Gelder News
-
I Survived a Shark Attack in Sydney — Now I'm on Shark Week ...
Jul 16, 2024 ... Paul de Gelder, a 47-year-old former member of the Australian Navy, lost his right hand and leg after he was attacked by a shark while conducting a military ...
-
There's Nothing Left To Be Afraid Of | Paul de Gelder
There are not many of us who are going to go through an encounter with our worst nightmare that leave us with vital bits missing and with nothing left to fear.
-
Shark Attack Survivor Paul de Gelder Is Now a Shark Activist (VIDEO)
As an Australian Navy diver, Paul de Gelder is used to stressful situations, but five-and-a-half years ago, he faced one of his few fears right in the jaws.
FAQS
-
How do I book Paul de Gelder to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Paul de Gelder for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Paul de Gelder, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Paul de Gelder or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Paul de Gelder for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Paul de Gelder, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Paul de Gelder are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Paul de Gelder, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Paul de Gelder speak about?
Paul de Gelder is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Navy, Veterans, Author, Military, Leadership, Inspirational, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Personal Growth, Mental Health, Resilience, Change Management, Environmental Activism, Television & Film, Reality TV, Storytelling and Disability. -
Where does Paul de Gelder travel from?
Paul de Gelder generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Paul de Gelder?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Paul de Gelder for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Paul de Gelder for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Paul de Gelder or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK PAUL DE GELDER
We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.
Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.
We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.
We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.
Gauge Interest and check availability for appearances, speaking engagements, or corporate events.
Provide you with speaking fee to book Paul de Gelder or other celebrity appearance fees
Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities
Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
