Uncaged: Thriving through Fear and Change with Paul de Gelder

Entrepreneurs: are you ready to push your limits, ignite your spirit, and connect with bold, visionary leaders? Join us for Momentum—a transformative event tailored just for entrepreneurs seeking growth and fearless innovation.

Begin by stepping into the world of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)—no membership required yet—through a hands-on, engaging "EO Test Drive." Then, stay inspired by an unforgettable keynote featuring Paul de Gelder, a global resilience powerhouse, as he shares his signature message, "Uncaged: Thriving Through Fear and Change.”

“What’s EO all about?” you’ll discover in this immersive session—a glimpse into the vast, vibrant community that is EO Iowa. Expect real stories of entrepreneurial triumph, connection, and transformation. This is your moment to experience how EO’s peer-to-peer learning, support, and network elevate both business and life.

About Paul de Gelder:

A former Australian Army paratrooper and Navy bomb-disposal/clearance diver, Paul’s life took a dramatic turn in 2009 when a bull shark attacked him during a training dive—resulting in the loss of his right hand and right leg. Yet, through grit and determination, he defied medical expectations and returned to full-time Navy duty within six months.

Since then, Paul has become a bestselling author of Uncaged, a celebrated speaker, a longtime host on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, a passionate environmentalist, and a mentor to schoolchildren. He’s spoken everywhere from the United Nations to Fortune 500 boardrooms.

What You’ll Gain from the Keynote:In Uncaged: Thriving Through Fear and Change, Paul will deliver a high-energy, emotionally charged keynote that guides us through survival, adaptation, and transformation. Drawing from his military motto—“Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.”—he will share how limitations and fears can be converted into growth, innovation, and strength. You’ll walk away with actionable tools to lead confidently through disruption and uncertainty.

Connect, spark ideas, and build relationships with Iowa’s top entrepreneurs. Whether you're launching, scaling, or pivoting—you’ll find kindred spirits and potential collaborators ready to journey with you.

This event is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to grow, be bold, and do something extraordinary. If you're interested in exploring your potential, leading change, or building stronger business community ties—Momentum is for you.

EO's mission is to empower entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. Through a dynamic mix of peer-to-peer learning, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and access to a global network of experts, EO help you grow not just as a business leader, but as a person.

To learn more, visit www.helloeo.org or contact EO Iowa Executive Director:

Tammy Michaelson

[email protected]

Event Venue

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust Street, Des Moines, United States