Keynotes for leaders under pressure

I work at the intersection of crisis leadership, workplace wellbeing and organisational resilience.

My approach isn't built on theory alone. It's shaped by more than 30 years working with and supporting people and leaders in high-pressure environments, where clear thinking, calm communication and effective support really matter.

I bring those lessons into practical, engaging keynotes that help leaders:

  • Think clearly under pressure

  • Communicate when it matters most

  • Support their people without carrying the whole burden themselves

  • Create calm and stability in uncertain situations

My aim is simple: to give your leaders practical strategies they can use when the pressure is real.

See me on stage

A short excerpt from “Beyond the Front Line: Wellbeing Lessons for Every Workplace” at the 2026 Frontline Mental Health Conference.
Leaders connect people to purpose - one of the practical leadership lessons I explore with audiences.
In this episode of Business Essentials, I share the key things leaders need to understand and manage after a workplace emergency.

I remind listeners that employees aren't looking for the perfect response - they're looking for their leaders to be calm, clear, honest and empathetic.

Listen to a Podcast

Signature Keynote Leading During a Crisis

Participants will gain practical strategies to:

  • Think clearly and lead decisively under pressure

  • Communicate with clarity when uncertainty is high

  • Support people through difficult and potentially traumatic events

  • Build trust and connection when teams are under strain

  • Lead with compassion without carrying the whole burden themselves

How to lead your team through crisis, loss and uncertainty, without needing all the answers.

When a crisis hits, leaders are expected to provide clarity and confidence, often while dealing with the same uncertainty as everyone else.

Drawing on more than 30 years of frontline leadership and people-support experience, I share practical lessons for leading when the pressure is high, the answers aren't obvious and your people are looking to you for direction.

Workshops & Masterclasses

Topics can be tailored to your audience and available timeframes, including:

Wellbeing

  • Understanding Vicarious Trauma

  • Managing Psychosocial Risk

  • Supporting Staff After Critical Incidents

Frameworks & Practical Skills

  • CARE Leadership Model™

  • Resilience Without Burnout

Leadership

  • Decision Making Under Pressure

  • Building Trust & Connection

  • Compassionate Leadership

"Paul’s presentation was compelling and compassionate as he outlined the workplace challenges faced by those on the frontline. I was particularly struck by his comment that people rarely forget the day their organisation does not treat them well.

His empathy and kindness were evident throughout the presentation. He is an outstanding communicator on these sensitive but critically important issues.”

Karen Percy

Journalist and Trauma Trainer

ANZ Moral Injury Conference, 2026

20 years
NSW Ambulance Chaplaincy, including 10 years as Senior Chaplain
30+ years
Supporting people and leaders in high-pressure environments
500+ sites
Led national wellbeing services across Australia and New Zealand
Frontline experience
Across emergency services, healthcare, chaplaincy and organisational leadership

Experience behind the insights

Media Appearances

Availability & Bookings

I work with a limited number of organisations each year so I can give each engagement the preparation and attention it deserves.

My speaking engagements are primarily focused on:

  • Corporate and organisational events

  • Leadership and safety conferences

  • Emergency services and frontline organisations

  • Industry, franchise and business networks

I also make room for a small number of community and not-for-profit presentations each year where there is a strong fit with my work and availability.

If you're considering me for an upcoming event, I'd be happy to hear what you're planning and explore whether I'm the right fit.

Frequently asked questions

Who are Paul’s keynotes designed for?
Paul speaks to leaders, managers and teams who carry responsibility for people, particularly in environments where pressure, uncertainty, change or exposure to challenging situations are part of the job.

His experience makes him particularly relevant to frontline and emergency services, healthcare, government, education, community organisations and other high-risk workplaces. His leadership messages also translate well to broader corporate and professional audiences.

What will audiences take away from a keynote?

Paul wants audiences to leave with more than an inspiring story.

His keynotes help people think differently about how they lead under pressure, build trust and connection, respond when people are struggling, and create workplaces where people can perform without losing sight of the human beings behind the work.

Audiences leave with practical ideas they can use immediately, supported by memorable stories drawn from Paul's frontline leadership experience.

Can Paul customise a keynote for our event?

Yes. Paul works with organisers before each engagement to understand the audience, event theme and outcomes they want to achieve.

Rather than simply delivering the same presentation everywhere, he can adapt the stories, examples and emphasis of a keynote so that it feels relevant to the people in the room while retaining the core ideas and lessons that make the presentation effective.

What speaking formats does Paul offer?

Paul delivers conference keynotes, leadership presentations, facilitated conversations, workshops, webinars and executive sessions.

A typical keynote is around 45–60 minutes, while workshops and facilitated sessions can run from 60–90 minutes or longer depending on the desired outcomes. Presentations can be delivered in person or virtually.

How much does it cost to book Paul to speak?

Speaking fees vary depending on the type of engagement, location, presentation format and level of customisation required.

If you’re considering Paul for an upcoming event, send through a few details about what you’re planning and we’ll provide a clear proposal based on your requirements. Paul also reserves a limited number of engagements each year for community and not-for-profit organisations where there is a strong fit.

How do I book Paul to speak?

Use the link below to share details about your event, including the date, location, audience, expected attendance and what you would like people to take away from the session.

Paul can then discuss the event with you, recommend the most appropriate keynote or format, and provide availability and pricing.

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