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: $20,001 - $35,000
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.
Read Full Bio
Damien Mander is a globally renowned wildlife conservationist, founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), and a motivational keynote speaker whose transformative life story inspires audiences around the world. From his beginnings as a garbage collector in Melbourne to serving as a Clearance Diver in the Australian Defence Force, Damien’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding the planet’s most vulnerable species.
With 20 years of diverse experience spanning military operations, wildlife conservation, and environmental advocacy, Damien has become an authoritative voice in conservation and a sought-after speaker for corporate, academic, and global forums.
Damien has been instrumental in developing innovative conservation strategies, including the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, Akashinga, which empowers women to protect wildlife while uplifting local communities. His deep understanding of human-wildlife dynamics, environmental sustainability, and community engagement underscores his ability to address critical conservation challenges and inspire action.
Damien Mander’s qualifications in wildlife conservation are rooted in his extensive on-the-ground experience and groundbreaking initiatives. After transitioning from a distinguished military career, Damien spent years immersing himself in the challenges of wildlife preservation in Africa. He witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poaching and habitat destruction, which fueled his passion for creating lasting change.
Under his leadership, the IAPF has grown into a pioneering force in conservation, employing innovative methods that blend military precision with community-centered solutions. Damien’s work has received accolades from international organizations, and his story has been featured in major media outlets such as National Geographic, BBC, and 60 Minutes. His expertise as both a strategist and practitioner makes him a leading figure in wildlife conservation globally.
As a speaker, Damien Mander captivates audiences with his compelling storytelling, blending military anecdotes with conservation insights. His presentations deliver actionable takeaways on leadership, resilience, and sustainability, making him a top choice for conferences, corporate events, and global summits. Damien’s authority is further bolstered by his extensive media presence and accolades from global conservation leaders.
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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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