Craig School of Business
Pay It Forward Luncheon Series
An interdisciplinary opportunity to connect with fellow students, faculty and our community.
Hosted by the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Pay It Forward Luncheon Series brings together Fresno State students and community business leaders. Each session is led by different business professionals to highlight a new, informative topic. These events explore in-depth issues and allow for impactful networking between Fresno State students and successful business professionals.
Pay It Forward luncheons are free and open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited.
Next Pay It Forward Luncheon
April 28, 2026
From City Hall to the Dojo: Leadership in Two Worlds
with Gary Watahira, owner, Crazy Monkey Defense Fresno
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Resnick Student Union
What do municipal government leadership, entrepreneurship and martial arts have in
common? Decision-Making Under Pressure: Discipline. Leadership. Accountability.
Join us as Fresno State alum Gary Watahira — owner of Crazy Monkey Defense Fresno
and former Finance Director for the City of Sanger — shares lessons from over 30 years
in public leadership and business ownership, and how the principles of the dojo apply
to leadership, business, and life.
This powerful and unique conversation will explore:
• Leadership under pressure
• Transitioning careers and reinventing yourself
• Discipline and decision-making
• Lessons from public service and entrepreneurship
• Applying martial arts principles to business and everyday life
Gary Watahira brings more than three decades of experience in municipal government,
serving in leadership and management roles with the City of Fresno before concluding
his public service career as Finance Director for the City of Sanger, where he oversaw
fiscal strategy, operations, and organizational leadership.
Following his transition from public service, Gary now leads a martial arts school focused on training working professionals and business owners. His approach emphasizes discipline, clarity under pressure, and the practical application of martial principles to leadership, decision-making, and everyday life.
Past Events
Missed an event?
Catch all the highlights, inspiring talks and memorable moments from our past events
on our YouTube channel.
Watch the full playlist here