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.
- Highlights:
- 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.
Looking to book this speaker for your next event?
At Speakers Inc., we connect you with the perfect speaker for your audience.
👉 Contact our team to check availability and secure your speaker
https://speakersinc.com/contact-us/speakers-inc/
👉 Watch more speaker videos on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@speakersincUSA/
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
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.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (20)
Former NASA Astronaut and Air Force Colonel Cady Coleman is a veteran of two Space Shuttle missions and a six-month expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Onstage, Coleman draws from her time at NASA and in extreme “remote work” situations to discuss team building, leadership, and innovation. With her extraordinary photos and videos, Coleman delivers a […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Military Speakers
- (35)
Former NFL Player Wade Davis is a thought leader, public speaker, and writer on gender, race, and orientation equality. Wade is currently the Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix and has consulted for companies including Google, Procter & Gamble, Viacom, and others to co-create transformative solutions to build inclusive corporate cultures. Additionally, […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Diversity Speakers
- (7)
- (1)
Madeleine Black is a powerful keynote speaker, author, and advocate whose compelling journey of survival and resilience has transformed countless lives worldwide. Known for her courage in breaking the silence on sexual violence, Madeleine uses her story as a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to confront trauma, embrace forgiveness, and foster understanding. Her work centers […]
- Travels from: Edinburgh
- Inspirational Speakers
- (24)
For over 25 years, Kristin Arnold has helped over a hundred different organizations, facilitated over four hundred executives and their teams, and presented to over a half a million people around the world around the topics of team leadership, team work, collaboration, culture, and critical thinking. Whether your meeting is completely online or a “hybrid” […]
- Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
- Communication Speakers
- (30)
As the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC., Stephanie Battaglino is an internationally recognized speaker, workshop presenter, trainer, author, coach, and workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. A major voice in the LGBTQ+ workplace equality movement with emphasis on transgender and non-binary individuals, Stephanie casts a bright light on all of the pertinent […]
- Travels from: Palm Desert, CA
- Diversity Speakers
- (31)
Dr. Lisa D Jenkins is a distinguished cultural strategist renowned for her expertise in cultivating environments of impactful cultural diversity within organizations. With a track record of excellence, she has garnered recognition as an award-winning professional speaker, empowering teams to thrive in multicultural settings. Lisa’s journey is enriched by her diverse background, including pivotal roles […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (7)
Keynote speaker Terence Mauri talks about the mindsets that leaders must embrace in order to thrive in the future – it’s all about courage, clarity, curiosity, and conviction. Without them, leadership efforts will fail. Building on lessons from diverse companies such as Netflix, Apple and Microsoft, the audience will feel inspired to create the next […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Futurists Speakers
- (18)
- (4)
Ryan Campbell is not your average pilot. At the age of 19, he made history by becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world. But his story is far more than just a record-breaking feat. From surviving a plane crash to thriving as a best-selling author and motivational speaker, Ryan’s journey is one […]
- Travels from: Nashville, TN
- Inspirational Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.