Garry Watanabe is an expert on coaching and performance psychology with a wealth of experience working under the peak of pressure in both business and sport.

He spent five years in the world of corporate law before a passion for coaching led him to switch careers to become a professional swimming coach. He then spent the next eight years directing elite swimming programs, first in Canada and then in Southern California—arguably the most competitive swimming environment in North America.

As principal trainer for Third Factor, Watanabe has helped thousands of leaders apply the principles of coaching, collaboration and resilience in their professional and personal lives. His corporate clients include Deloitte, Toyota, RBC and the USGA.

As Third Factor’s sport lead, Watanabe oversees many partnerships with sport organizations. His contributions to sport include working with athletes and coaches in Alpine Canada’s men’s and women’s downhill and ski cross teams and extensive consulting work with the Canadian Olympic Committee.

In addition to his corporate work, he is an affiliate faculty member at the University of North Carolina. He is also an instructor in the full-time MBA and executive leadership programs at Queen’s University.

Watanable hold a doctor of law degree from Queen’s University, a master’s degree in sport psychology from the University of Ottawa and a certificate in principled negotiation from the University of Windsor.