Paul de Gelder
Army Airborne, Navy Bomb Disposal Diver, and Shark Attack Survivor Paul de Gelder shows audiences how to build resilience, adapt to change, and overcome extreme adversity.
Paul de Gelder Booking & Availability
Speaking fees, availability and booking details for corporate events, keynotes and private appearances.
How do I book Paul de Gelder for a corporate event?
Use the Check Availability form above to send your proposed event date, location, audience size, event format and program goals. The Mollie Plotkin Group will follow up with availability and next steps.
What is Paul de Gelder’s speaking fee?
Paul de Gelder’s current speaking fee depends on the date, location, event format and scope of the appearance. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group for current pricing.
Is Paul de Gelder available for my event date?
Submit your proposed date and event details and the Mollie Plotkin Group will confirm current availability.
Who is Paul de Gelder’s booking agent?
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about booking Paul de Gelder.
What types of events can Paul de Gelder be booked for?
Corporate events, conferences, leadership meetings, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, private events and virtual programs may be available depending on the engagement.
Paul de Gelder Keynote Topics & Programs
Paul de Gelder speaks on growth, inspiration, leadership, mental health, overcoming adversity and team building through keynote presentations and related 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 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.
Paul de Gelder Biography & Credentials
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.
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.
