Meet Paul de Gelder

Paul de Gelder is a former Australian Army paratrooper and Navy bomb disposal diver whose life took a dramatic turn after surviving a devastating shark attack that cost him his hand and leg. Drawing from his military training and personal recovery, he speaks to organizations about resilience, courage, and adapting under pressure.

Today, Paul is a global motivational speaker, environmentalist, and television host known for his work on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. His experiences, both in elite military service and life after trauma, give audiences a clear and powerful perspective on overcoming challenges and embracing change.

Paul de Gelder is available to be booked for corporate and private events. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to inquire about Paul de Gelder’s fees.

Want to book Paul de Gelder for an event?

Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at (215) 995-0905 to book Paul de Gelder for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.

The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field. So whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.

Biography

From Military Service to Life-Changing Adversity

Paul de Gelder built his early career on action and discipline, serving as an Army paratrooper before advancing to the elite ranks of the Australian Defense Forces as a Navy bomb disposal diver. His path was defined by high-risk environments and a commitment to pushing limits.

In 2009, during a routine Navy dive, Paul was attacked by a bull shark, resulting in the loss of his hand and leg. Refusing to accept defeat, he took control of his own recovery, pushing through intense physical and mental challenges and returning to full-time Navy service within six months.

A Global Voice on Resilience and Adventure

Following his military career, Paul has become a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his story of resilience and determination with audiences around the world. He has spoken at major venues including the United Nations and conferences across multiple continents.

He is also widely recognized for his television work, hosting more than 25 documentaries for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. His work has taken him back into the water with some of the ocean’s most formidable predators, reinforcing his message of facing fear head-on. In addition to his speaking and television career, Paul is an author of the autobiography “Uncaged” and continues to pursue projects in media and film while advocating for environmental causes.

How to Hire Paul de Gelder

To hire Paul de Gelder for an event, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with the proposed event date, location, audience size, event format, and program goals. Paul de Gelder is available for corporate events, conferences, leadership meetings, private events, workshops, fireside chats, and virtual programs.

After receiving your request, a Mollie Plotkin Group booking agent will review Paul de Gelder’s availability, discuss the event details, and get back to you within 48 hours with next steps for securing Paul de Gelder for your program.

Paul de Gelder Booking Fee

The cost to book Paul de Gelder depends on the event date, location, format, audience size, and scope of the appearance. Speaking fees may vary for keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, private events, corporate meetings, and virtual programs.

For the most accurate Paul de Gelder booking fee, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with your event details. Our team will help confirm availability, pricing, and the best format for your event.

Speaking Topics & Programs

Hire Paul de Gelder

Paul de Gelder speaks to audiences about resilience, courage, leadership, and personal growth through change. Drawing on his experiences in the military, his recovery after a life threatening shark attack, and his work in dangerous environments, he offers a clear, hard earned perspective on how to face adversity, build mental and physical resilience, and move forward with purpose.

Common keynote themes include: resilience, leadership under pressure, teamwork, adaptability, courage, purpose, personal growth, overcoming adversity, and embracing change.

Never Say Die: Turning Pain into Power

How resilience, self belief, and disciplined action can help people grow through adversity.

In this talk, Paul de Gelder shares a powerful story of recovery and resilience, showing how painful setbacks can become a catalyst for growth. He explores both the psychological and physical challenges of rebuilding after adversity and connects those lessons to the role of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability in high pressure environments. Audiences leave with practical ways to strengthen mindset, respond to change, and keep moving forward.

Embrace change as part of growth
Learn from adversity instead of being defined by it
Build resilience through discipline, teamwork, and self belief

Ideal for audiences facing change, challenge, or recovery in demanding professional or personal environments.

Courage Under Pressure: Leadership in High-Stakes Environments

Leadership is tested most when the pressure is highest and the path ahead is uncertain.

Paul de Gelder brings leadership lessons from extraordinary real world experiences, including his time as a military paratrooper and clearance diver. He examines decision making, problem solving, and communication in high pressure situations, with a focus on trust, mutual support, and courage. The session shows how strong leadership helps teams stay steady, adaptable, and connected when the stakes are high.

Improve decision making in crisis situations
Strengthen teamwork through trust and communication
Lead with courage, resilience, and adaptability

Ideal for leaders, managers, and teams operating in fast moving or high pressure environments.

Beyond the Surface: Discovering Purpose in Life and Work

Purpose grows when people align passion, values, and the courage to take risks.

In this presentation, Paul de Gelder encourages audiences to think more intentionally about the connection between purpose and professional direction. He speaks about overcoming self limiting beliefs, following passion, and stepping outside comfort zones in pursuit of meaningful growth. He also highlights the importance of continuous learning, personal well being, and making choices that align with individual values.

Challenge self limiting beliefs that hold back growth
Align values with career and life decisions
Pursue passion, learning, and balance with greater intention

Ideal for audiences seeking more clarity, motivation, and purpose in their work and personal development.

Closing Takeaway

Paul de Gelder’s message is rooted in resilience, courage, and action. Whether he is speaking about adversity, leadership, fear, or purpose, his core takeaway is clear: growth often begins in discomfort, and people can meet change with discipline, adaptability, and belief in what is possible.

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