John Herdman is a football manager who transforms struggling teams into world-class contenders through innovative leadership and strategic vision. His unique approach combines elite performance psychology with practical team-building techniques.
As head coach, Herdman led the Canadian women's national team to consecutive Olympic bronze medals (2012, 2016) before achieving the remarkable feat of qualifying the Canadian men's team for their first FIFA World Cup in 36 years. He remains the only coach worldwide to qualify both women's and men's national teams for World Cup tournaments.
Herdman's expertise helps organizations navigate complex change management challenges by establishing clear performance standards and fostering accountability at all levels. His methodology focuses on creating psychologically safe environments where team members develop resilience, embrace vulnerability, and commit to shared goals—particularly valuable for businesses facing disruption or seeking cultural transformation.
Audiences gain practical frameworks for building high-performance cultures, actionable strategies for developing authentic leadership presence, and proven techniques for maintaining team cohesion during periods of intense pressure or transition. His presentations blend compelling sports narratives with applicable business insights.
Book John Herdman to inspire your organization with battle-tested leadership principles that consistently transform underperforming teams into champions.
How can I book John Herdman for my next event?
Email john.herdman@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to John directly.
What topics does John Herdman specialise in?
John Herdman specialises in discussing football management, Olympic coaching, leadership development and more.
What is John Herdman's speaking style like?
John Herdman delivers impactful coaching with a focus on teamwork and resilience, inspiring players through his leadership philosophy. His sessions are engaging, fostering a winning mentality and strong connections.
Does John Herdman offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, John Herdman offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.