Jesse Marsch: The Tony Robbins of Coaches
A journalist's personal account of Jesse Marsch's inspirational Vancouver coaching event, exploring growth mindset and leadership beyond soccer tactics.
Jesse Marsch
By Elke Porter | WBN News World Sports | February 1, 2026
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One concept that particularly resonated with me was Marsch's discussion of the fixed mindset versus the growth mindset. Drawing from his 15-year coaching career spanning MLS, Bundesliga, and Premier League, he explained how this psychological framework shapes not just athletes, but anyone navigating daily life.
A fixed mindset person, Marsch explained, believes their abilities are static—you either have talent or you don't. A growth mindset person sees abilities as developable through effort, learning, and persistence. This distinction, he argued, separates good teams from great ones, and good leaders from transformational ones.
As I sat there scribbling notes, I realized this wasn't just coaching advice—this was life advice. How often do we approach challenges with a fixed mindset, assuming we simply "aren't good at" something? Marsch's passion for developing this growth orientation in his players offered a blueprint for personal development that anyone could apply.
Building Canada's Soccer Identity
Since taking the helm of the National Team in May 2024, Marsch has energized the program, guiding it to its highest-ever world ranking. The timing of this event couldn't be more significant—just months before the World Cup kicks off with Vancouver among the host cities.
Marsch spoke candidly about building the team's identity and how they show up on the pitch. His World Cup preparation strategies revealed a meticulous attention to both tactical preparation and psychological readiness. But what stood out most was his genuine passion for the future of Canadian soccer, from youth development all the way to elite competition.
His coaching journey—from assistant coach with the U.S. Men's National Team, through head coaching positions with Montreal Impact, New York Red Bulls, RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and Leeds United—provided a wealth of leadership lessons. He shared stories of cultural challenges, player development breakthroughs, and the importance of creating environments where athletes can thrive.
A Community of Coaches
The event represented something larger than just one evening with a high-profile coach. It symbolized The Coaches Site's bold evolution from hockey's premier coaching resource to a multi-sport educational platform. Partnering with Blackfin Sports Group, the Vancouver-based boutique sports and entertainment agency, they've created a model for bringing world-class coaching knowledge to local communities.
The basic premise resonates deeply: coaching is not easy, and you shouldn't have to do it alone. The Coaches Site offers a community where coaches can learn from each other and share what they've learned with those who come after them. It's a beautiful philosophy of collective growth and mentorship.
An Unexpected Connection
After the formal conversation concluded, attendees who wished to could line up for photos with Marsch. The line stretched across the venue—coaches eager to capture a moment with someone they clearly admired. I joined them, grateful for the unexpected opportunity to meet the leader of Canada's National Team in such an intimate setting.
From there, a group of us headed to the Blarney Stone in Gastown, where The Coaches Site had reserved seating on the second floor for a post-event social hour. Over drinks and conversation, the energy remained electric. Coaches swapped stories, exchanged contacts, and debated Marsch's insights. I found myself in conversations about team culture, leadership development, and yes, the beautiful game itself.
As someone who came to this event through a circuitous route—invited as a coach, attending as a journalist, passionate about soccer through German football culture—I walked away with far more than I expected. I learned about growth mindsets and fixed mindsets. I witnessed a masterclass in inspirational leadership. And I got to know the Captain of Canada's soccer future in a whole new way.
Jesse Marsch proved that great coaching transcends sport. The principles he shared—embracing challenge, fostering growth, building identity, developing resilience—apply whether you're preparing for a World Cup or simply navigating the complexities of daily life.
I could have listened for hours more. And isn't that the mark of truly transformational teaching?
Elke Porter at:
Westcoast German Media
LinkedIn: Elke Porter or
WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788.
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TAGS: #Jesse Marsch #Can MNT #Coaches Site #Vancouver Soccer #World Cup 2026 #Growth Mindset #WBN News World Sports Edition #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter
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