About
Northwest
Training and Development
Practical Training. Trusted Experience. Real Results.
Northwest Training and Development (NWTD) provides leadership training, coaching, and organizational development services designed to help people perform better and organizations operate more effectively.
Based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, NWTD has worked with organizations across Canada, the United States, and internationally for over 20 years—supporting leaders, teams, and organizations through growth, change, and real-world challenges.
Programs focus on:
Leadership development
Communication and training skills
Occupational health and safety
Organizational development and change
Every engagement is designed to be practical, engaging, and immediately useful—so participants leave with tools they can apply right away.
Meet Gary Phillips
Trainer. Speaker. Advisor.
Gary Phillips is a trusted trainer, speaker, and organizational development consultant with over 30 years of experience working with leaders, teams, and organizations across multiple industries.
Known for his engaging delivery, practical insights, and ability to connect with audiences, Gary helps organizations improve leadership effectiveness, communication, safety, and overall performance.
His sessions are designed to challenge thinking, introduce practical strategies, and create lasting impact—often delivered with humor, real-world examples, and a direct, no-nonsense approach.
Areas of Expertise
Gary works across a range of training and advisory areas, including:
Leadership development
Organizational development and change
Safety leadership and error reduction
Trainer development (“Train the Trainer”)
Workplace communication and writing
Coaching skills
for leaders
Keynote Topics & Presentations
Gary is a sought-after keynote speaker known for delivering engaging and thought-provoking presentations.
Popular keynote topics include:
The Manager as Change Agent – Leading Organizational Development
The Trouble with “Why?” – Rethinking Investigations
Taking the Nonsense Out of Safety Leadership
Practical Strategies for Dealing with Difficult People
What Every Manager Needs to Know About Training
Each presentation is tailored to the audience and designed to deliver practical insights participants can apply immediately.
Experience & Credentials
Gary’s background combines hands-on experience with formal education and professional designations.
Former firefighter and Health & Safety Manager
MA in Adult Education
Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP)
Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)
Master Practitioner and Licensed Trainer in
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
He has also:
Taught Occupational Health & Safety at Lakehead University for 12 years
Delivered training across North America and internationally
Led programs for corporate, public sector, and not-for-profit organizations
Worked extensively with First Nations organizations and communities
Gary also collaborates with a network of trusted associates to support specialized training and larger engagements.
NWTD has worked with organizations across a wide range of industries, including:
What clients are saying
“Gary Phillips was a breath of fresh air when it comes to safety.”
“One of the best keynote speakers we’ve had—engaging, practical, and memorable.”
“The feedback from our team was outstanding. One of the best sessions we’ve hosted.”
Work with Gary
Whether you’re looking for customized training, leadership development, or a keynote speaker, Northwest Training and Development provides practical, results-focused programs designed to make a real difference.
Book Gary for your next training session, workshop, or event.