Where Growth Begins Before It’s Figured Out
I’m Gabriella Hesse, but you can call me Coach Gabby on the tennis court. I’ve built my career by navigating unfamiliar spaces, including leading one of the country’s most comprehensive adaptive tennis programs. Now, I’m a speaker, coach, and educator leading story-driven experiences for students and early-stage professionals preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
My work lives at the moment before someone feels ready. I help students take action without needing certainty—and help schools and organizations build cultures where not knowing isn’t a weakness, but the starting point for growth.
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
Meet Gabriella
I’ve spent my career in adaptive tennis, helping shape one of the first full-time roles in the sport dedicated to serving athletes with disabilities. Through building inclusive programs, developing relationships with players, and leading world-class events that mirror the mainstream side of tennis, I’ve learned something that extends far beyond the court:
Certainty is rare, growth is nonlinear, and real learning happens through experience—not perfection.
My work centers on developing curiosity as a skill that strengthens relationships, deepens learning, and allows people to grow without needing to perform confidence or have everything figured out.
Because this is what we don’t talk about enough: not knowing isn’t a failure—it’s a starting point.
Today, I bring this work into classrooms, teams, and organizations through speaking, coaching, and collaborative learning experiences. Whether in small group settings or on larger stages, my goal is the same: to create spaces where people feel empowered to think differently, show up fully, and take action—even before they feel ready.
Big ideas, real impact.
Students today aren’t struggling because they lack ability—they’re struggling because they’re waiting to feel ready.
This work helps them:
take action before they have certainty
engage in learning without fear of being wrong
build trust in themselves through experience
Speaking
Interactive, story-driven talks for students and educators focused on growth, curiosity, and taking action without certainty.
Workshops / Small Groups
Deeper, discussion-based sessions designed for reflection, connection, and application.
Audiences
High schools
Colleges and universities
Community and nonprofit organizations
Available for both in-person and virtual events
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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
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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
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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.