Mark Esch joins the Podcast today! Mark is a Minnesota state champion football coach. He has just released his debut book, Rise of the Warriors, a book about his experience growing up in a toxic football environment at Caledonia high school, its transformation into a powerhouse and lessons he has learned that have shaped him into the successful man that he is today. He goes into depth about those experiences and lessons. Mark explains how to change a toxic culture, how to be a leader and the commitment that it requires. He also illustrates his experience of jumping outside of his comfort zone to write his first book.

Intro, his book, “Rise of the Warriors” and growing up in a toxic environment. (0:00-9:38) Changing a toxic culture, the importance of relationships, and how to be a leader. (9:39-21:08) The effect a football team has on a community, the value of not being a quitter, challenging yourself and getting outside of your comfort zone. (21:09-29:00) How Mark managed to get outside his comfort zone to write his book, taking action and the importance of humility, sacrifice and service. (29:01-39:00) Working harder on yourself, an individuals character is king and making sure to have fun. (39:01-47:05) Where to find the book and Mark, connecting with the community. (47:06-51:10)

***Nick's Notes ~ My roommate and good friend Connor played for Coach Esch. I had always heard great things about Mark, and I was very excited to meet him when I was back in town visiting my high school coach. As soon as Mark said he was writing a book, I was super excited. I love people who DO things. Mark is a proven leader, being a two time state champion coach, and I have a feeling he is about to excel in a new area - writing!

Quotes

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- “Greatness is not something a leader puts into people, it is drawn out because there is greatness in there.”

- “A key to change is that you have to let people know that you care about them.”

- “If you want someone to run through a wall for you, you have to be willing to show them that you will run through a wall for them.”

- “A leader isn’t someone who uses positional power to tell you what to do.”

- “The football program and culture has completely spilled into the city.”

- “In society today, it is easy to quit. There is easy outs, and there is a belief out there that no one goes through hard times. But everyone goes through down times and questions if they are doing the right thing.”

- “Whatever happens just decide that you are never going to quit.”

- “Everybody has a book in them.”

- “Get uncomfortable, don’t do the things everyone else is doing.”

- “Do what you need to do, join that class, write that book or start that business on the side and it’s going to add value to your life.”

- “You have to have a physical challenge in your life.”

- “How you become happy is you get the hell out of your comfort zone.”

- “I have a bigger vision than those who doubt me.”

- “If I have an idea, I am going to act on it.”

- “If you do not carry yourself with humility, you are never going to learn.”

- “As a world, we lack humility and that’s why we can’t get anything done.”

- “I am going to give up ‘this’ in order to achieve ’that.’”

- “The best way to self fulfillment is service to others.”

- “Work harder on yourself so you have something to give back.”

- “Make sure you get back up when you get knocked down.”

- “The number one thing to do to apply this knowledge is to come up with your purpose statement. Decide why you’re here.”

- “This is your life. You don’t get a rewind button.”

- “Find your purpose because it is there, in everyone of us.”

- “Everybody has something that they can contribute to society in a positive way, and make other peoples lives better and it will fulfill you in the process.”

- “Spend more time creating a better you than doing all the other stuff that is distracting you.”