Derrick McManus

*Shot 14 times *Multiple, massive life-threatening injuries *Lying on the ground for 3-hours before rescue *30 seconds of death due to injuries and blood loss *2 years later returned to full duties *Sniper, tactical diver, counter-terrorist operative Derrick McManus isn’t just a speaker - he’s a living, breathing testament to the unbreakable power of the human spirit. As a former elite sniper, tactical diver, and counter-terrorist operative with South Australia Police’s STAR Group, Derrick’s story of surviving 14 bullet wounds and lying wounded for three hours is legendary. But more remarkable is what he did next: not only did he survive, Derrick refused to be defined by tragedy. He engineered his own incredible comeback, returning to the most demanding police duties and emerging as Australia’s pre-eminent authority on sustained optimal performance under pressure. His mental wellbeing journey has made him a sought after speaker and coach. Derrick experienced massive physical and psychological trauma but he experienced Post Traumatic Growth and not PTSD - this part of the lived experience is fascinating and empowering to all who hear it. Derrick also has a self-confessed sick, twisted, warped sense of humour and has audiences laughing out loud throughout his presentations and workshops a the crazy stuff that can go through your mind - when you are truly well prepared for what you have chosen to take on - professionally, personally and mentally. Signature Topics • Resilience and Human Durability: Going beyond resilience to sustained optimal performance - the cutting edge of positive psychology. Derrick knows what PTSD is but he experienced Post Traumatic Growth. • Confidence and Courage in the Face of Adversity: Real strategies for embracing and overcoming challenges, derived from real-world crisis. Professionally, personally and mentally. • Mental Wellbeing: How elite teams prepare, plan, and execute when failure is not an option. • Leadership Under Pressure: How elite teams prepare, plan, and execute when failure is not an option. • Ownership and Accountability: Transforming adversity into growth by taking radical responsibility for choices, actions, consequences and the future afterwards. "So powerful, we booked Derrick for conferences in 4 states." "We've engaged over 20 motivational speakers and I rate Derrick as on of the best we've encountered" Resilience and Human Human Durability - sustained optimal performance. The indomitable spirit of a real survivor.