Derrick McManus - Motivational Speakers - Former SA Police Special Tasks and Rescue Member a ...

Travels From South Australia

Speaker Topics

High Stakes Negotiation

When you know you have one of those conversations, from staff reviews through to aggressive company buyouts, you need to know how to negotiate. Negotiation is not just about getting your way, it is a mutual exchange process. The best negotiators will have the other party saying yes sooner and happier. Read less
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Human Durability

90% of any success comes from belief and confidence. Elite athletes around the world attest to this. More and more businesses are realising and embracing it. We definitely need to have technical skills and some physical attributes. However, when things start to get tough, we are getting overwhelmed by challenge or pressure is really being applied by your boss, the CEO, your shareholders or your competitors, it is belief and confidence that will drive you to success. Derrick holds a formula for success which is universal and is called Human Durability. This program is practical and pragmatic, you will get the formulas, models and individualised case studies to give you real confidence and courage to believe in your ability to create success. Read less
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Seven Pillars of Tactical Leadership

We all need a formula, a model or tried and tested process for building leadership, building a team or creating a culture in the workplace. The 7 Pillars of Tactical Leadership are distilled and have been adapted for use in the office, workshop, dealership and anywhere you are dealing with staff or clients. They are universal principles and are as applicable in your work environment as they are anywhere in the world. The 7 Pillars will help you to build leadership and create great teams of people who achieve success even in the toughest environment. Read less
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Derrick McManus

Former SA Police Special Tasks and Rescue Member and Recipient of the 1989 SA Police Bravery Medal

For over thirty years, Derrick has served as a member of the South Australia Police and during this time, he has been commended on numerous occasions for his actions and bravery in response to dangerous situations. This includes a SA Police Bravery Medal in 1989 after he and his partner wrestled a gun out of the hands of a man intent on shooting them.

He later joined the SA Police Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Group where he gained specialist skills as a sniper and diver and was trained by the military elite Special Air Services Regiment (SAS) in counter-terrorist tactics. Derrick was honoured to be a part of a strong team and understood the dangers associated with the job, including the tough situations he would be exposed to such as siege and hostage situations, high-risk arrests and cliff and cave rescues.

In 1994, Derrick was involved in one of Australia’s longest sieges with the incident lasting over forty hours and a total of 2000 ammunition rounds exchanged between the offender and the police. During the siege, he was shot fourteen times in less than five seconds and suffered from many broken bones and severed arteries. For three hours, he laid on the ground bleeding before being rescued and treated.

It was expected that after such a traumatic event, Derrick would suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and would require psychological therapy for decades. However, just three months after the shooting, he defied all odds and was psychologically cleared to go back to full duties by the Director of the Adelaide Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, an international expert in traumatic stress.

After choosing to return as an active member to the STAR division, Derrick proactively prepared himself physically, mentally and emotionally for the challenges he would soon face, taking responsibility for his actions and for all possible consequences. 

Three years after the shooting, Derrick was appointed as Ambassador to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service after having received 24 units of blood and blood products following the siege.

His determination and strength amazed doctors, with his spirit and willpower equipping him with the skills needed to overcome the challenges and adversity he was to face in the future.

Derrick’s story is one of durability and determination. 

He has over twenty years of experience as a speaker and trainer on the international speaking circuit and has presented to audiences of all shapes and sizes, including primary school students, team leaders, executives and retirees. Captivating his audiences with his inspiring life story, Derrick leaves them feeling as if they can overcome adversity in their personal lives. He provides the insights and the tools to go beyond resilience to durability, helping audiences create greater success in their personal lives, staff and organization. Every individual in the audience is captivated by Derrick’s story and take away both personal and professional characteristics they can apply to their lives.

Testimonial

Enquire about Derrick McManus to speak at your next event