Non-binding request for Paul de Gelder
Paul de Gelder
From Navy diver to shark attack survivor – Paul de Gelder delivers raw, real lessons in resilience, courage, and mindset.
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5.00 of 5
Top rated!
Why book Paul de Gelder for your next event
- A gripping, real-life story of survival, resilience, and returning stronger after losing a hand and leg in a shark attack
- Former Navy bomb disposal diver who brings elite-level mental toughness and adaptability to every stage
- Global keynote speaker featured by the UN, Discovery Channel, and major international conferences
Non-binding request for Paul de Gelder
Shark attack survivor, Navy veteran, and master of resilience
IMPROVISE. ADAPT. OVERCOME. These words shaped Paul de Gelder long before they were tested in the most extreme way imaginable. From a wild youth and fast-paced life in the music industry to the disciplined world of elite military service, Paul built a mindset rooted in action and accountability. When a brutal shark attack changed his life forever, he didn’t step back, he stepped forward. Today, Paul de Gelder shares a story that hits hard and stays with you, delivering powerful insights on resilience, mindset, and how to face adversity head-on.
Paul de Gelder – A Story That Redefines Resilience
Paul de Gelder’s life is anything but ordinary. His journey is shaped by extremes, extreme environments, extreme challenges, and an extreme will to keep going. From his early days chasing adrenaline to rising through the ranks of the Australian Defence Forces, Paul built a life around pushing limits. As an Army paratrooper and later a Navy bomb disposal diver, he operated in high-stakes situations where hesitation was never an option.
That mindset would later define his greatest challenge.
The Shark Attack That Changed Everything
In February 2009, during a routine Navy dive in Sydney Harbour, Paul was attacked by a 10-foot bull shark. In seconds, his life changed. He lost his hand and leg in the attack, an event that could have ended everything.
Instead, it became the beginning of a new chapter.
What followed was not just recovery, but a relentless fight back. Paul took control of his rehabilitation with the same discipline he had learned in the military. Through intense pain and constant setbacks, he pushed forward, refusing to accept limitations. Just six months after the attack, he returned to full-time Navy service, an achievement that stunned medical professionals and inspired people around the world.
Improvising Through Adversity
Paul’s philosophy is simple, direct, and battle-tested: improvise, adapt, overcome. These are not just words, they are tools he has used in real life when everything was on the line.
His keynote speeches translate these principles into practical strategies that audiences can apply immediately:
- Staying focused under pressure
- Adapting when plans fall apart
- Building mental resilience in uncertain environments
- Taking ownership of challenges instead of avoiding them
Paul doesn’t deal in theory. Every lesson he shares comes from lived experience.
From Navy Diver to Global Speaker
After leaving full-time Navy service in 2012, Paul continued instructing Navy divers before stepping fully into life as a speaker, adventurer, and environmental advocate. Since then, he has spoken across the globe, from the United Nations in New York to major conferences in the U.S., China, London, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
His presence on stage is engaging, honest, and often unexpected. He combines humor, intensity, and storytelling in a way that keeps audiences fully locked in from start to finish.
A Life Beyond Limits
Paul’s story didn’t stop with survival, or even with returning to the Navy. He has continued to seek out challenges in new arenas.
He has hosted more than 25 documentaries for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, diving alongside some of the ocean’s most feared predators. He has hand-fed bull sharks, hammerheads, and blue sharks, and swum with tiger sharks and great whites without a cage.
His work has brought him alongside global figures:
- Featured as Will Smith’s shark diving mentor in the series “Bucket List”
- Training UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey in shark diving
- Teaching Mike Tyson how to face sharks underwater
He also joined anti-poaching teams in Africa, documenting the work of rangers protecting wildlife for NatGeo’s FEARLESS.
More Than a Speaker
Paul de Gelder is also an author, with his autobiography Uncaged capturing his journey in vivid detail. The book reflects the same energy he brings to the stage, honest, raw, and forward-moving.
Based in Los Angeles, he continues to expand his career into television and film, including a lead role in a six-part miniseries and appearances in commercials and short films.
Book Paul de Gelder for Your Event
Paul de Gelder delivers more than motivation, he delivers perspective. His story challenges audiences to rethink what they are capable of and how they respond when things don’t go to plan.
Whether speaking to corporate teams, leadership groups, or large conference audiences, Paul leaves a lasting impression. His message is clear: adversity is inevitable, but how you respond defines everything.
If you are looking for a speaker who brings energy, authenticity, and a story that truly stands out, Paul de Gelder is a powerful choice for your event.
Customer Reviews
5 of 5
Paul de Gelder was a fantastic and motivating speaker. He was great to work with and a true professional. I received feedback from several attendees that said he was the best plenary speaker we have had in years. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Megan WeissNational Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks
5 of 5
Paul, I would like to take a second, or three, of your time and thank you for your passionate presentation at the NSW Primary Principals' Association 2016 Annual General Meeting. As a scuba diving instructor I found your presentation to be on another level, which I'm still trying to comprehend... I know that this is going to take more than a couple of days to do so. I know that you have opened my eyes wide on how to motivate both my adult staff and the children of Australia that we are preparing for the future Australia. I wish you well sir, and know that the path you've walked has made it easier for me to walk after hearing the passion in your presentation today.
Greg GrinhamPrincipal, Granville Public School
5 of 5
Hi Paul, I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you as I heard you speak at the recent Nursery & Garden Industry conference in Hobart. What an incredible human being you are. I'm very happy to have heard you speak. I felt so moved. I have heard a lot of speakers in my time but you are number one!
Karen SmithEditor, Hort Journal Australia magazine
5 of 5
Dear Paul, the 46th CSDA Convention and Tech Fair held at the Grand Wailea in Maui was an outstanding success. We received so much positive feedback from your inspiring presentation and many stated that this was the best keynote speaker in the history of CSDA. Your mantra to improvise, adapt and overcome mesmerised the convention attendees and many recounted changes they planned to make to their lives as a result. Your incredible story against overwhelming odds will be long remembered as you motivated attendees both personally and professionally. On behalf of CSDA, thank you for such an outstanding presentation. Best wishes for a successful 2018 with all your new endeavors in Los Angeles.
Patrick O’BrienExecutive Director, CSDA
5 of 5
Dear Paul, we have already received a tremendous amount of positive feedback on your keynote session - including the audio-visual team that made it a priority to tell me that of the 6,000+ keynotes he has seen over the years, yours was by far the best one he has ever seen! So thanks again for sharing your story with our delegates. I know your story has made a personal impact in my own life.
Trish RedekopProject Manager, Atlantic Venture Forum, Critical Path Group
5 of 5
At our annual event, we always aim to feature one dynamite speaker to really bring down the house, capture our audience, and deliver a genuinely worthwhile talk that they will hopefully remember (and talk about) for a long time. Hands down, Paul de Gelder is the most memorable and inspirational speaker we have ever had. The audience reviews are all incredibly positive and are still coming in, a month later. No one moved a muscle during Paul's talk. He was masterful in his storytelling and his real-life experience is more than a little intense. But Paul was acutely aware of when to inject comedy and crafted a narrative that left every person feeling hopeful and inspired. He is best in class and I could not recommend Paul any higher!
Rip EsselstynPlant Stock, NC
5 of 5
Paul de Gelder's story is a total story told with gusto. You are just engaged right from the outset, captivated by his ability to move from one ‘bite-sized’ interaction to another, leaving each participant feeling more enriched.
Shane GrangerCommSec Adviser Services Luncheon
5 of 5
Paul, I wanted to say a huge thank you – it was a pleasure and a privilege to meet you and have you give such an amazing keynote. I know from the incredible feedback that you made a massive impact on a lot of people, and can honestly say it was one of the most powerful and inspirational stories that our delegates have ever seen – even those that have been coming to the event for 30 years. I hope you enjoyed working with us and being part of our most successful event to date (11,500 delegates over the week!).
Innes MacleodSwift, Innotribe. SIBOS, London
5 of 5
This man, his mindset, what he's overcome and what he's done with his life is nothing short of unbelievable. His resilience, patience and drive to want to move past this traumatic experience had us all eager to understand how he was able to recover and redesign his life. I love his simple, yet powerful message about not waiting, let's all do/say what we need to today!
Audience member at EO Detroit
5 of 5
Paul’s presentation was superb and without doubt the highlight of our event. Our team was absolutely inspired by Paul’s courage and resilience. It was a privilege to be in the room to witness his presentation. We will happily recommend Paul to colleagues and friends for future events.
QANTAS regional sales conference
5 of 5
Paul was the best speaker we ever had. I had many people tell me that, I even bought a book myself. He was a hit. He was someone that people could relate to.
Scott BrownManager, Flight Standards FAA
5 of 5
Paul’s story is epic and needs to be heard. Our audience [predominantly marketers] were moved and inspired to take action in their lives and reframe their thinking!
Roman TsunderCEO & Co-Founder PTTOW! & WORLDZ
5 of 5
I cannot say enough how much this meant to our audience - people are still buzzing about your performance on stage and how much it moved them. Thanks again for everything!
Shachar G. ScottGlobal Head of Brand Marketing, Snap, Inc.
5 of 5
From the moment I met Paul in his hospital bed, I knew I was privileged. Horrendously mauled and recovering from such drastic surgery … I was overwhelmed by his aura, his positive outlook and his will to live. In eight years of reporting for 60 Minutes, Paul, without question is one of the most inspirational human beings I have met! Everyone, whoever they are, can learn so much from Paul… I know I have.
Peter OvertonReporter, 60 Minutes
5 of 5
Paul de Gelder has an incredible story to tell. It is a story of overwhelming odds, brilliantly overcome through hard work, gutsy determination, and a great sense of humor. I knew in an instant that I needed Paul to tell his story to the Divers of the United States Navy. His effortless charm and engaging manner reels you in for the most motivating ride of your life. A man is not defined by what happens to him, he is defined by how he handles it. That makes Paul a most remarkable man!
Commander Michael EganUnited States Navy, Supervisor of Diving
5 of 5
Paul was absolutely fantastic. First standing ovation in 17 years of conference. Wonderful. He was perfect for our group, a fantastic story-teller and our audience was captivated by him. The response from our attendees was that he was the highlight of our week at conference. Would highly recommend him to anyone. Look forward to working with you both again soon, all the best.
David Maher
5 of 5
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 first hand 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.
JoJo ConlanSenior HR Leader, Amazon New York
Rated 5.00/5 based on 17 customer reviews
Keynotes
KEYNOTE BY SPEAKER PAUL DE GELDER:
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.
KEYNOTE BY SPEAKER PAUL DE GELDER:
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.
KEYNOTE BY SPEAKER PAUL DE GELDER:
Beyond the Surface: Discovering Purpose in Life & 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.
KEYNOTE BY SPEAKER PAUL DE GELDER:
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.
Paul De Gelder Speaker Reel 2024
Watch Paul de Gelder in action!
Paul de Gelder speaking
Watch speaker Paul de Gelder in action
Books by Paul de Gelder
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Shark: Why we need to save the world’s most misunderstood predatorBy Paul de Gelder -
Uncaged: Soldier, Survivor, Shark GuyBy Paul de Gelder
