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Paul de Gelder
PrintIMPROVISE...ADAPT…OVERCOME… These three words – a mantra Paul learnt in the Australian Army as a young Paratrooper – resonated with him the first time he heard them. Surviving a shark attack in 2009, Paul took his life to a whole new level.
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- After Dinner Speakers
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- Organisational Change Speakers
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Testimonials for Paul de Gelder
His strength and will, only just out shine his humour and light heartedness, qualities that undoubtedly carried him through his darkest times. The impact and lasting impression he has made upon my groups and me personally is remarkable and I am blessed to call him friend.
Meredith Julliard, Customer Co-ordinator, Freshstart Australia
Paul’s presentation was definitely the highlight of our conference. He spoke very well and the feedback I have from the staff was fantastic, they were very inspired and touched by his story. Some of the staff wouldn’t let him leave as they had so many questions. He did a fantastic job and I only hope he continues to share his story.
Lauren Taylor, EA to Acting Director Aligned Channels Business Development, AMP Limited
I wish to thank you for your attendance at today’s successful 2011 Salvation Army breakfast. Your speech was inspirational and motivating and I believe contributed to the record number of attendees. Your story is inspirational and it is a reminder to al that nothing is insurmountable; congratulations on your achievements to date, I’m sure you’ll continue to achieve success.
Louise Duff, Managing Director, Brilliant Logic Pty Ltd
Excellent presentation & very down to earth. Paul kept the audience attention throughout – not an easy task. The detail of the operation performed was great. His motivation is amazing, I went straight home and down loaded his book. Lots of great feedback from the audience-they all enjoyed Paul’s presentation
Shaune Gillespie, CEO, Calvary John James Hospital
Fee Range: $5001 to $10000
Paul de Gelder's Biography
IMPROVISE...ADAPT…OVERCOME… These three words – a mantra Paul learnt in the Australian Army as a young Paratrooper – resonated with him the first time he heard them.
Paul de Gelder chased adventure wherever he could find it, from his wild ride as a hoodlum teen and his whirlwind lifestyle working in strip clubs & the music industry to hauling his way up to the elite echelons of the Australian Defence Forces as an Army paratrooper and then Navy bomb disposal diver.
But trouble hunted him down in the form of a 9ft bull shark in February 2009 while diving for the Navy. Paul lost two limbs, and his career as a daredevil diver was flung into jeopardy.
Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him, Paul left nothing to chance in his recovery. He fought through excruciating pain, smashing challenge after challenge whilst amazing the medical staff and the Australian public with his will to succeed. His inspiring story as detailed in his autobiography “No Time for Fear” takes the saying “never say die” to a whole new level.
In the years since the shark attack, Paul'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 and a half years, Paul has travelled 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 and the US Navy in San Diego to Military celebrations in front of thousands and keynotes for multimillion dollar corporations and charity organisations around Australia and Asia.
He has also been a guest on every major Australian TV talk show and many in the U.S. He starred as a guest trainer on the Biggest Loser Australia, and has hosted 12 documentaries for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Where he learnt to hand feed Bull Sharks, Hammerheads, Blue Sharks, dive with tiger sharks and even Great Whites without the protection of a cage.
Mega star Will Smith Featured Paul in his Facebook series “Bucket List” as his shark diving mentor and UFC hall of famer and now WWE start Ronda Rousey was taught how to hand feed bull sharks by Paul for a Shark Week special.
Paul also became part of an anti-poaching team in Africa to hunt poachers and film the amazing work done by the Rangers there for "FEARLESS", aired on NatGeo.
Paul has been touted as one of the top 15 inspirational Australians and top 10 speakers and now based between Sydney & Los Angeles he is preparing to film yet more documentaries and recently completed an acting role for a six part mini-series for Australia’s largest cable network.
An incredible life and an incredible story. Paul is available for speaking opportunities throughout the world.
Speaking Topics Include
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome - These three words, the mantra of the Australian Army, resonated with Paul de Gelder the first time he heard them. Paul chased adventure wherever he could find it, from his wild ride as a hoodlum teen to hauling his way up to the elite echelons of the defence forces. But trouble hunted him down in the form of a brutal shark in February 2009. Paul lost two limbs, and his career as a daredevil navy clearance diver was flung into jeopardy. Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him, Paul left nothing to chance in his recovery. He fought through excruciating pain, smashing challenge after challenge, and amazing the medical staff with his will to succeed. His inspiring story takes never say die to a whole new level.