Paul de Gelder helps teams and leaders build resilience, embrace change, and lead with courage—transforming adversity into extraordinary success.
PAUL DE GELDER
Army Paratrooper · Navy Diver · Shark Attack Survivor
Paul de Gelder was an elite Army paratrooper and Navy bomb disposal diver when a 9-foot bull shark nearly ended his life during a routine exercise in 2009—tearing off his right leg and hand. What followed wasn’t just survival—it was a transformation. Through pain, grit, and relentless willpower, Paul rebuilt his body, his mindset, and his mission.
Global Speaker · Author · Resilience Expert
Paul lives by the mantra “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.” His journey from combat and catastrophe to international stages has inspired audiences from the United Nations to Fortune 500 boardrooms. With raw vulnerability and humor, he speaks on resilience, leadership, and turning fear into fuel for growth—delivering one of the most unforgettable keynotes in the world.
Shark Week Host · Fearless Adventurer · Environmental Advocate
As a host of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week and a passionate voice for ocean conservation, Paul pairs purpose with presence. His autobiography Uncaged chronicles his wild journey—from soldier to shark attack survivor to global adventurer—and leaves audiences with a single takeaway: your biggest obstacle might be your greatest advantage.
PRESENTATIONS
"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.
"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.
"Beyond the Surface: Discovering Purpose in Life and 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.
"Uncaged: Thriving Through Fear and 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.
Great Speaker for
- Delivering powerful keynotes on resilience, courage, and overcoming the unthinkable
- Inspiring leaders and teams to embrace change and grow through adversity
- Sharing real-world lessons in mindset, mental strength, and personal transformation
- Empowering audiences to lead with purpose, face fear, and thrive under pressure
Travels from Los Angeles, CA
