Dr. Greg’s Story
I Help High Performers Make a positive impact in the world.
At just 15, training for Canada's National Youth Swim Team in Florida, I encountered a life-altering accident. I suffered severe injuries - multiple broken and dislocated vertebrae in my neck - while bodysurfing before a meet. Despite this, I was determined to swim competitively again.
Thanks to three months in traction, neurosurgery, and the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, surgeon and physiotherapist, I not only fully recovered but returned to the pool, racing at Olympic Trials and during my university years.
Intrigued by the human body and its untapped potential, I pursued a career in kinesiology. I obtained a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's and PhD in exercise and respiratory physiology. My knowledge deepened through post-doctoral fellowships in respiratory medicine at Sick Kids Hospital and biomedical engineering at Toronto General Hospital.
Today, as a dedicated scientist and performance physiologist, I channel my career into exploring the extremes of human potential and making complex scientific discoveries comprehensible and actionable. Currently, I serve as a Senior Scientist Emeritus at the Hospital for Sick Children, aiming to improve the lives of children with chronic illnesses through physical activity. I'm also proud of my academic accomplishments, which include over 60 papers published in scientific journals and more than $1 million raised for research.
Being a passionate science advocate, I enjoy demystifying research and making it approachable and actionable. I've been privileged to share the stage with the likes of Richard Branson, Steve Wozniak, and Deepak Chopra at events like TEDx, Mastermind Talks and The Titan Summit. I've authored five best-selling books, including Superbodies, The Ripple Effect, The Focus Effect, Rest Refocus Recharge, and my latest, Powerhouse – Protect Your Energy, Optimize Your Health & Supercharge Your Performance.
As the CEO and founder of Wells Performance, I aim to improve how we live our lives in all aspects, be it personally or professionally. I've had the honour of working with globally recognized individuals and leading organizations like General Electric, BMO, Deloitte, KPMG, BMW, Audi, YPO, and Air Canada. Additionally, I'm committed to inspiring the next generation, partnering with school boards and independent schools across the globe.
One of my career highlights was hosting the Gemini Award-winning Superbodies series for CTV at the 2010 and 2012 Olympics. My role as Director of Sport Science for the Canadian Sport Centre allowed me to serve as a physiologist for more than 200 international athletes.
Looking back, I see my accident at 15 as an unexpected catalyst that inspired my research and adventures. It serves as a reminder of life's fragility, the importance of health, and the thrill of exploration. My mission, through all my work and experiences, is to encourage others to stretch their boundaries and unlock their full potential.
My MOONSHOT:
To solve the billion person problem of sleeplessness (>25%), obesity (>35%), inactivity (>85%) and mental health (>20%).
I want to achieve this by making our workplaces and schools places that - when you go there - you get healthier, improve your wellbeing and reach your true human potential.
