Embrace the Unknown

I’m Gabriella Hesse — a speaker, coach, and educator who brings thoughtful, story-driven talks to classrooms and intimate learning spaces. My work helps students embrace not knowing, develop curiosity as a learning skill, and grow in ways that feel authentic.

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Speaking Highlights

Check out a short sample of my speaking style and message, drawn from a recent virtual talk with students and educators. A live, in-person speaker reel is currently in development.

“The Power of Not Knowing” | December 2025

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Meet Gabriella

I’ve spent my career working in education, adaptive sports, and leadership; spaces where certainty is rare, growth is nonlinear, and learning happens through experience rather than perfection.

Through coaching athletes with disabilities, building inclusive programs, and navigating leadership without a roadmap, I’ve learned something we don’t talk about enough: not knowing isn’t a failure — it’s a starting point.

My work centers on curiosity as a skill: one that strengthens relationships, deepens learning, and allows people to grow without needing to perform confidence or have everything figured out.

I speak most often in classrooms and small group settings, where conversation, reflection, and presence matter just as much as the message itself.

Big ideas, real impact.

Typical format: 30 minutes total
(20–25 minutes speaking + discussion or Q&A)

  1. Available formats:

    • Classroom talks

    • Seminars

    • Student organization events

    • Leadership and professional development programs

  2. Audiences:

    • High schools

    • Colleges and universities

    • Community and nonprofit organizations

  3. Available for both in-person and virtual events

  • A flagship, story-driven talk on curiosity, growth, and letting go of performative certainty.

    Key themes include:

    • Why “I don’t know” can be a strength, not a weakness

    • Learning through experience instead of mastery

    • Curiosity as a tool for confidence, resilience, and connection

  • A reflection on leadership without hierarchy and growth through listening.

    Key themes include:

    • What we miss when we assume we’re the expert

    • Mutual learning across difference and experience

    • Building trust through humility and curiosity

  • An expanded talk on adaptation, inclusion, and presence.

    Key themes include:

    • Adaptation as creativity, not compromise

    • Designing environments where people belong

    • What sport and coaching reveal about leadership and identity

Let’s Bring Curiosity to Your Community.

Tell me about your event, audience, and goals — and let’s explore how a talk can support your next step.