Keynote Topics
How giving up everything, and breaking away from societies’ expectation can set you free to fulfil your true destiny
From 12 tours of Iraq and travel through more than 60 countries, Damien can recount numerous tales, lessons and methods to overcome many obstacles that life can throw at you
Conquering a fear of failure to graduate through some of the world’s most arduous military selection phases can only come with the acceptance of mistakes along the way. Some fatal. These are the school fees of life, not failure
If you chose not to follow anyone’s dreams but your own, it will require two things above all else: The belief that your concept is different and can effect change and the refusal to give up on making it reach its full potential.
The ability to operate a multinational organisation across three continents, with multiple cultures, languages and often in a hostile environment is not an online lesson or something university can prepare us
Damien Mander has lived an extraordinary life for his 37 years. From humble beginnings as a garbage collector in Melbourne, he transformed his future by joining the Australian Defence Force at 19. Through sheer determination and resilience, Damien graduated from one of the military’s most arduous courses, becoming a Clearance Diver. This early achievement set […]
Damien Mander has lived an extraordinary life for his 37 years. From humble beginnings as a garbage collector in Melbourne, he transformed his future by joining the Australian Defence Force at 19. Through sheer determination and resilience, Damien graduated from one of the military’s most arduous courses, becoming a Clearance Diver. This early achievement set the stage for a life dedicated to service, discipline, and excellence.
Following the tragic events of September 11, Damien’s path took a new and challenging direction. He became a Special Operations Sniper in an elite counter-terrorism unit, where his skills and bravery were tested in some of the most intense environments imaginable. His experiences in this role shaped his perspective on global security and personal responsibility, lessons he now shares with audiences worldwide.
Damien’s journey continued as he transitioned into the role of a mercenary, deploying to Iraq. Among his many responsibilities, he Project Managed the Iraq Special Police Training Academy, overseeing paramilitary training and the deployment of troops. His leadership in this capacity highlighted his ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations, making him a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from military strategy to leadership under duress.
Damien Mander’s expertise is vast and multifaceted, rooted in his diverse experiences across military and paramilitary roles. His early career as a Clearance Diver in the Australian Defence Force honed his physical and mental resilience, skills that would become crucial in his later roles. The rigorous training and discipline required for this position are central themes in his talks, emphasizing the importance of preparation and perseverance in achieving success.
As a Special Operations Sniper in an elite counter-terrorism unit, Damien’s responsibilities extended beyond marksmanship. He was involved in planning and executing high-stakes missions, often requiring split-second decisions under extreme pressure. This role developed his strategic thinking and situational awareness, skills he now translates into powerful messages on leadership and decision-making in his speaking engagements.
Damien’s time in Iraq as a mercenary and Project Manager at the Iraq Special Police Training Academy provided him with a unique perspective on international security and crisis management. He was responsible for overseeing the training and deployment of paramilitary forces, a role that demanded exceptional leadership and organizational skills. His firsthand experiences in conflict zones offer invaluable insights into the complexities of modern warfare and the human capacity for resilience.
Beyond his military accomplishments, Damien is a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. He founded the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), leveraging his skills and experiences to combat wildlife crime. This transition from military to conservation highlights his adaptability and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. In his talks, he draws parallels between military operations and conservation efforts, inspiring audiences to think creatively about problem-solving and leadership.
Damien’s influence as a speaker extends across various sectors, from corporate leadership and team-building to environmental sustainability and global security. His ability to connect with diverse audiences through compelling storytelling and actionable insights makes him a highly effective and engaging speaker. He brings a unique blend of real-world experience and visionary thinking, challenging audiences to reimagine their approach to leadership and responsibility.
Event planners seeking a speaker who can captivate and inspire their audience will find Damien Mander an exceptional choice. His life story alone is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and dedication. Damien’s presentations are not just about his experiences; they are about the lessons and insights that can be drawn from them, applicable to any field or endeavor.
Damien’s unique background allows him to speak on a wide range of topics, making him versatile for various event themes. Whether the focus is on leadership, security, conservation, or personal development, Damien delivers messages that resonate deeply with his audience. His ability to tailor his talks to the specific needs and interests of the audience ensures a memorable and impactful experience.
Moreover, Damien’s authenticity and passion shine through in every presentation. He speaks from the heart, sharing not just his successes but also his challenges and failures. This genuine approach helps to build a strong connection with the audience, fostering an environment of trust and openness. Event planners can be confident that Damien will leave a lasting impression, inspiring attendees to take action and make a difference in their own lives and communities.
Damien Mander’s life and career exemplify extraordinary dedication, adaptability, and impact. From his early days as a garbage collector to his distinguished military service and his transformative work in wildlife conservation, Damien’s journey is a source of inspiration and learning. His ability to translate his diverse experiences into powerful messages makes him a highly sought-after speaker.
In summary, Damien Mander is not just a speaker but a catalyst for change, encouraging audiences to embrace resilience, leadership, and innovation. Event planners looking for a speaker who can deliver compelling, impactful, and actionable insights will find Damien to be an exceptional choice. Through platforms like WeSpeak Global, securing such top-tier talent has never been easier.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Joel Stransky is a former South African rugby union rugby player, most recognizable for scoring all of South Africa’s points as a fly half (including the famous winning drop goal) against New Zealand in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final. Joel was born in Johannesburg and attended Rondebosch Boys High and Maritzburg College. After his […]
Simon Gear is the environmental and science correspondent for Primedia Broadcasting and the anchor presenter for 50/50 on SABC 2. He was a senior broadcasting meteorologist with the SABC from 1999 to 2011. He is an air quality and climate change specialist and has worked on a wide range of private and government projects in […]
Palesa Mosiea epitomizes the essence of resilience and achievement. As a dynamic speaker, she delves into multifaceted topics including entrepreneurship, embracing change, the power of dreams, overcoming challenges, women empowerment, leadership, image and branding, confidence and assertiveness, as well as health and fitness. With a compelling narrative rooted in her personal journey, Palesa inspires audiences […]
The founder and MD of Brilliance, Samantha Hillion-Burns is dedicated to helping companies around the world become more successful at and by proactively looking after customers’ best interests. Passionate about her clients, Samantha provides effective customer experience tools, practical advice and inspirational training. Having over 25 years’ executive experience in the field of keeping customers (including […]
Nicky Verd is a dynamic Digital Futurist, Kickass Author, International Keynote Speaker, and Consultant renowned for her pioneering insights into the AI-driven economy. A voice for those yearning to disrupt the status quo and reinvent themselves, Nicky’s electrifying presentations empower audiences to embrace the future with confidence and creativity. With a background that combines personal […]
Jenny Morris states “I simply cannot do without it. There is nothing better.” Since those early days, Jenny went on to cater for functions at high school, and later cooked for friends and family. Jenny is the well known creator of Giggling Gourmet a catering company of note. Jenny Morris – AKA The Giggling Gourmet […]
Victor Vermeulen had it all. He excelled in academics and sports and he boasted an expensive list of bursaries and awards. At the age of nineteen, played with a young South African team at Lords, the famous English test ground and he was settling into a career with Transvaal. It was a matter of time […]
Zola Nene culinary career spans over 10 years and started during her second-year study gap in England. After studying BCom. Law for two years, Chef Zola Nene realised that it was not the career path she wanted to pursue and so applied for a UK holiday working visa and ventured off to England to discover […]
No results available
ResetThese remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel