Paul de Gelder

An extraordinary individual who has overcome incredible challenges to become a global motivational speaker, adventurist, and acclaimed Shark Week star. Paul’s captivating story, which includes surviving a shark attack while working as a Navy diver and hosting numerous documentaries for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, resonates with audiences worldwide, inspiring them to embrace change, face fear head-on, and live life without limits.

Books

Uncaged

Language (s)

English

Travels From

Los Angeles

Engagement Fee

Inquire

Biography

IMPROVISE… ADAPT… OVERCOME…

These powerful words became more than a mantra for Paul de Gelder – they became the guiding principles by which he transformed his life and inspired audiences around the world.

Paul’s journey began in the colorful chaos of his youth, filled with wild escapades as a hoodlum teen and exhilarating experiences in the music industry and a strip club. But it was in his time serving as an Army paratrooper and a Navy bomb disposal diver that his life took a fateful turn.

In February 2009, Paul’s life changed forever when a 9ft bull shark attacked him during a Navy diving operation. Faced with losing two limbs and the potential end of his daredevil career, Paul refused to accept defeat. Every lesson learned from his eventful life came into play as he defied the odds, pushed through excruciating pain, and shattered every challenge in his path. His inspiring journey, immortalized in his autobiography “Uncaged,” redefines the meaning of “never say die.”

Since the shark attack, Paul’s life has blossomed in remarkable ways. After leaving full-time Navy service, he embarked on a worldwide adventure as a captivating motivational speaker, impassioned environmentalist, fearless adventurer, and beloved mentor to young minds. His powerful messages have resonated on prestigious stages, from the United Nations and the US Navy to large-scale military celebrations and corporate keynotes. Paul’s influence has touched the hearts of audiences worldwide and made a tangible difference in both personal and professional lives.

With appearances on major Australian and American television shows, including hosting 20 documentaries for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, Paul’s magnetic presence has captivated audiences around the world. Mega-star Will Smith featured Paul as his shark diving mentor on his Facebook series “Bucket List,” while Ronda Rousey, UFC Hall of Famer and now WWE star, learned how to hand-feed bull sharks under Paul’s guidance for a Shark Week special.

Paul’s impact is not limited to the world of media and entertainment. He joined an anti-poaching team in Africa, capturing their incredible work in the NatGeo series “FEARLESS” and became a powerful ambassador for conservation efforts.

Recognized as one of the top 15 inspirational Australians and a premier speaker, Paul has taken his talents to Los Angeles, where he continues to thrive. He has filmed documentaries, completed acting roles for Australia’s largest cable network, and is poised for even more extraordinary projects.

Paul’s life story is undeniably incredible – a testament to determination, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

Paul is available for speaking engagements worldwide, ready to share his story and inspire audiences to exceed their own limitations and conquer any obstacles they face.

Paul de Gelder in Action

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Testimonials

‘ 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 Tsunder

CEO & Co-Founder PTTOW! & WORLDZ

‘ 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 Brown

Flight Standards FAA

‘’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 Esselstyn

Plant Stock NC

‘’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.’’

Shachar G. Scott

Global Head of Brand Marketing at Snap Inc

‘’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 Conlan

Senior HR Leader, Amazon NY

‘’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.’’