Paul de Gelder

Best described as an adventurous spirit and motivational mastermind, Paul de Gelder has always delved into the unknown as he loves the improvising that must take place during a period of uncertainty. His motto ‘Improvise, Adapt and Overcome’ became something that he lived for.

A young Paratrooper, Paul chased the adrenaline and reached higher into Australia’s defence forces and by 2009 he had become a Navy Clearance Diver.

However, in February of 2009, Paul lost two of his limbs to a shark attack and his career was thrown into jeopardy. Drawing on his personal mantra, Paul fought as hard as he could through the pain and his recovery amazed medical staff.

After his shark attack, Paul continued to instruct Navy divers for three and a half years, before retiring in 2012.

Since then, Paul has travelled the world, becoming a motivational speaker, an ambassador for environmental protection, a keen adventurist and a mentor to school children. Paul has also been heavily involved in military celebrations and speaks passionately at charity events and multimillion dollar organisations around the world.

Paul is well known for being a co-host for Discovery’s ‘Shark Week’ since 2014, but he has also been a guest trainer on ‘Biggest Loser Australia’. He was also involved in the production of a documentary in Africa about anti-poacher’s, further encapsulating his heavy involvement around the environment.

Recently Paul hosted behind the scenes footage for the movie ‘The Shallows’, interviewing Blake Lively in the process.

His courageous and inspirational story resonates with any audience member and leaves them with a mantra to live by which can be adapted to fit any situation.