Damien Mander: Wildlife Conservation
Conservationist, keynote speaker, and founder of IAPF Damien Mander helps organizations build resilient leadership, purpose-driven cultures, and impactful strategies through lessons from frontline wildlife protection.
Quick Facts:
- Founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF)
- Former Australian Defence Force Clearance Diver and Special Operations member
- Creator of the Akashinga all-female anti-poaching unit
- Global leader in conservation and environmental strategy
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker, Conservation Leader, and Leadership Strategist
- Audiences:
Executives, leaders, organizations, and global forums focused on leadership, sustainability, resilience, and purpose-driven impact.
- Outcomes:
- Build purpose-driven leadership and organizational culture
- Strengthen resilience and decision-making under pressure
- Align business strategy with sustainability and social impact
- Travels from: Harare, Zimbabwe
- **Fee range: $10,000 - $15,000
Keynote Topics
Topics from Damien Mander include
- Follow your passion to live your dream
How giving up everything, and breaking away from societies’ expectation can set you free to fulfil your true destiny
- Conservation, Adventure & Leadership
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
- Destroying fear of failure
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
- Entrepreneurial spirit & raw grit
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.
- Overcoming adversity in hostile environments
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
Talent Short Bio
Damien Mander is a globally renowned wildlife conservationist, keynote speaker, and founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF). His extraordinary journey—from a garbage collector in Melbourne to a Clearance Diver and Special Operations member in the Australian Defence Force—reflects resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the natural world.
After his military service, Damien transitioned into wildlife conservation, applying his expertise in strategy, leadership, and crisis management to combat poaching across Africa. Under his leadership, the IAPF has become one of the world’s most innovative conservation organizations, protecting vast ecosystems and redefining how wildlife preservation is approached.
He is the driving force behind Akashinga, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, a groundbreaking initiative that empowers women while delivering highly effective conservation outcomes. This model has gained global recognition for its impact on both environmental sustainability and community development.
Videos
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Summary of User Reviews:
Damien's presentation has left a lasting impression on audiences, highlighting his strengths as an exceptional speaker with a compelling message. Reviewers praise his ability to engage and resonate with listeners, making his talks impactful and memorable. There are no notable weaknesses mentioned in the reviews, suggesting a consistently positive reception.
Overall Rating: Highly recommended for those seeking an inspiring speaker.
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