Speaker Details

In 2005, Douglas Wood survived an unimaginable ordeal:  47 days hostage to terrorists in war-torn Iraq.  Working as a contractor in Baghdad since 2004, the 64 year old engineer was kidnapped at gunpoint along with two Iraqi employees.  During his time in captivity, he was beaten, blindfolded and witnessed the execution of 3 Iraqi captives.  Miraculously, Douglas was freed by the Iraqi army in June 2005.  On his return to Australia, his inspiring tale of courage and hope has captivated millions across the world.

His story recounts the fear, the uncertainty, the witnessing of the execution of a cell mate and the feeling of helplessness. He explains how he strived to stayed focused and sane and how he managed to preserve his hope. Perhaps surprisingly amidst the raw emotion there were times to laugh and importantly times to reflect on those things that we hold dear.

A guest at one of Doug’s speeches, Michael Kroger, wrote: "Doug tells as riveting a story as I have ever heard. Held hostage for seven weeks in war-torn Baghdad, Doug drew for inspiration on his faith and a powerful will to survive. The audience was spell-bound as he told his remarkable story of courage, determination and hope. For any organisation looking for a speaker with a unique, dramatic and ultimately uplifting story, I strongly commend Douglas Wood."

His speeches close with the exhilarating footage of Doug’s rescue and return to his family – he sings (and very well!) a very moving rendition of 'I Want To Be Free'.

Douglas Wood was born in Whyalla, South Australia, in 1941, son of a leading Uniting Church Minister. After moving to Victoria, he was educated at Swanston Street State School and Geelong College.   After leaving school he studied mechanical engineering at the Gordon Institute of Technology in Geelong.  He left Australia in 1973 to pursue work opportunities in California.  His work took him further a field, leading to contracts in the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Armenia, Georgia and finally Iraq.

An enthusiastic Australian Rules footballer, Douglas was, in his own words, “never Best and Fairest, but always Best Clubman”.  He is still a passionate supporter of his beloved Geelong Cats.