Meet Paul Templer

Paul Templer is living proof that your life can change in an instant… and when it does, if you want to… you get to choose what’s possible and what happens next.

He was born in Africa, amidst war and strife. Wanderlust struck him early and he traveled the globe; he served with distinction in the British Army; led extreme expeditions to some of the last uncharted places left on earth and by all accounts had a rip-roaring time. Eventually, he “settled down” to lead photographic safaris back in his native homeland. That was until he was attacked by a rogue hippopotamus. Now THAT was a bad day at the office! The attack took the life of another guide who Paul was trying to save and cost Paul his left arm.

Immediately after the attack Paul clumsily navigated the dark dysfunctional space that seemed to stretch out ahead of him; his life had been, quite literally, ripped apart. A master storyteller, Paul drip feeds his entertaining and inspiring step-by-step journey, captivating and inspiring, audiences as they journey with him as he somehow thrives amidst stunning survival and loss, spanning continents and cultures. Maiming, death, disease, heartbreak, and a global pandemic provide the backdrop for an unlikely merger of stories and reflections that he skillfully shares.

Successful speaker, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and committed Dad, his books, keynotes, and programs detail the “you’ve got to be kidding me” stories that color his exotically dramatic life… whilst his ongoing work on the cutting edge of neuro literacy, applied neuroplasticity and optimal performance coupled with hefty doses of practical common sense honed over years of working on the frontlines with corporate, philanthropic, and military personnel, infuse his insights, illuminating the path to discovering the magnificence and resilience that resides with-in us all. He uses his experiences to inform, entertain, inspire, challenge, and empower people to build the personal and professional life they’ve always wanted—one choice and one productive action at a time.

Paul’s story has been featured all over the place, including the BBC, National Geographic Channel and Discovery Channel, where the attack and rescue have inspired millions.

Alternate bio

Paul Templer grew up in Africa (Zimbabwe). After school he set off to explore the world; after gallivanting around the globe for a few years he served with the British Army for a while before returning home to a career in the safari industry until “a bad day at the office” – a deadly hippopotamus attack – forced him to rebuild his life and career.

Paul Templer has never really been able to hold down a proper job so settled for Adventurer. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Author. Speaker.

He was raised Catholic, has explored, and dabbled in more religions and spiritual traditions than he can currently name. Mystics, Shamans, poets, televangelists, survivors, barstool philosophers and neuroscientists intrigue him. He believes that crystals are a thing and buys into his horoscope. He’s fan of psychology, philosophy, and science. A voracious learner with (for the most parts) an open mind, who believes that anything is possible, and that gratitude, kindness and love are superpowers that we all possess and that we have the power to utilize them at will if we choose to.

Paul loves being a dad and relaxing while enjoying a cup of coffee.