Derrick McManus is an inspirational Australian keynote speaker who is known for surviving being shot by a high-powered rifle 14 times. With his unique story and incredible message, he has inspired audiences across the world. With keynotes renowned for bringing laughter whilst delivering profound lessons, Derrick shares the importance of resilience. Using his framework of 'Human Durability', he has spent over 20 years teaching individuals and organisations how to positively perform under pressure and thrive throughout adversity.
Derrick's career began with the South Australian Police force in 1976 before joining the elite Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Group. Within this role, he was involved in an abundance of high-pressure situations such as hostage situations, terrorist incidents and high-risk events. Additionally, Derrick provided VIP protection to the Queen along with other dignitaries, working closely with the military SAS. In 1994, whilst working on a high-risk event, Derrick was shot 14 times within the space of 5 seconds. After bleeding for 3 hours, waiting to be rescued, he managed to survive despite being only 30 seconds away from death!
Whilst in hospital, Derrick knew the importance of mental strength, so he demanded to talk to a psychologist during a time when this was uncommon for men. Just two years later, Derrick returned to the police as a Sniper and Counter-Terrorist Operative. He has since been dedicated to inspiring stronger, more resilient people and teams. In 2017, Derrick founded the Australian Centre for Human Durability, where he aims to reduce stress and anxiety with confidence and courage. Grounded in real-world strategies and backed by decades of studying human performance under pressure, he guides teams towards sustainable high performance.
Blending humour with memorable insights into stress management and the durability of human performance, Derrick has delivered keynotes across the world. Recently, he gave the opening keynote speech for Spy-Q, a two-day executive retreat run by two former MI-5 intelligence officers. Whether talking to CEOs, corporate teams, fighter pilots, sales professionals, students and more, his message resonates across industries. Derrick inspires clients to unlock their cognitive capabilities that are usually lost under pressure to achieve outcomes they would never have imagined to be possible.
Derrick McManus's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Durability of Human Performance
- 7 Pillars of Tactical Leadership
- High Stakes Negotiation
Official Feedback From In-Person & Virtual Events:
"If Derrick could conjure up all the will power to endure what he did, and win through, then so can we. This is exactly the commitment we were looking for in our people." - Mitsubishi Motors Australia
"Westfield was looking for a speaker who could demonstrate the importance of (1) operating as a professional team, (2) planning and preparing for all eventualities, (3) setting and delivering goals. Derrick's life experience was a natural fit and in addition he was able to structure his speech to touch on our corporate objectives. The audience was inspired by his courage, tenacity and honesty and having listened to and/or engaged over 20 motivational speakers I rate Derrick as one of the best we have encountered." - Security Westfield
"You'll get a lot out of Derrick. He holds your interest. He will inspire you. He is so energetic and enthusiastic. Most importantly, he shows a genuine interest in you and what you need." - Macquarie Wealth Management
"Derrick's situation was such that I felt many parallels could be drawn to illustrate goal setting, teamwork, perseverance and determination, training, focus and courage. He delivered his talk in a very natural, open and insightful manner. It had a very positive effect on my staff." - Hudson
"So powerful that we booked Derrick for conferences in four states." - Austbrokers Holdings Ltd
"When you talk to Derrick, his warmth, authenticity, humour, intelligence and genuine desire to impart knowledge mean you want to stay talking to him for hours." - Madhavi Nawana Parker, Behavioural Consultant
- 2017 - Founded the Australian Centre for Human Durability
- 1997 - Director at Complete Communications
- 1994 - Survived being shot 14 times by a high-powered rifle
- 1976 - Sergeant at the South Australia Police
How to hire Derrick McManus
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Derrick McManus for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
