John Herdman

Once thought impossible, John Herdman has completely transformed Canadian football, turning two struggling teams into World Cup contenders. He is the first coach to qualify both a women’s national team and men’s national team for the World Cup — a feat that has made him internationally renowned. In his riveting talks, John shares his proven performance philosophies, showing the importance of vision, passion, and discipline in achieving success, whether it’s on the field or in the office.

Head coach of the Canadian men’s National football team, internationally renowned John Herdman, made history in 2022 as he did what was considered impossible, leading the struggling team to their First FIFA World Cup qualification since 1986.

Prior to coaching the men’s team, John was the head coach of the Canadian women’s national football team. Under his leadership, this team won two back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympic Games; a gold medal at the Pan Am Games, the first in Canadian football history, and a top 6 finish at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2017, John won the Jack Donohue Coach of The Year Award, where he and the team were recognized with the CONCACAF Outstanding Performance Award.

John has been credited with revolutionizing how football is organized and delivered. His award-winning “Whole of Football Plan” was developed as New Zealand’s director of football development and head coach of the New Zealand women’s national football team. He coached the team from 2006-2011 with the team qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2007 and 2011, along with the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

In his riveting talks, John shares his proven performance philosophies, showing the importance of vision, passion and discipline in achieving success – whether it’s on the field or in the office.