The Brave Start

AWARD WINNING PRODUCT ENTHUSIASTS 

TURNED SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT COACHES + CONSULTANTS

We've walked the walk (and stumbled, and tripped, and somehow still sprinted) all the way from scrappy startups to Silicon Valley giants. We built our own consulting firms, learned the hard way, and now we're passionate about helping you avoid our pitfalls, leverage our experience, and build product coaching businesses that matter. No BS, no fluff, just hard-won insights from the trenches to successfully launch and scale your product coaching + consulting business.

The Brave Start Jackie Flake
HI đź‘‹ I'M

Jackie Flake

  • Built a multi-year 7 figure coaching and consulting business
  • Voted Atlanta's 40 under 40
  • 1 of 50 global Product coaches selected for Marty Cagan's Coach the Coaches initiative

I fumbled my way through my early product career. I eventually learned to build products that were profitable, scalable, and, ultimately, acquirable. Things were going great...until back-to-back layoffs left me questioning my confidence and path forward. 

Instead of letting that define me, I took a chance on myself and pursued full time coaching and consulting. Turns out, building my own business was another series of fumbles, but it's also been the most rewarding journey of my life. 

I never held a fancier title than Senior PM in my corporate career, but advising CPO’s as a coach? Now that's magic. I understand the doubts and fears that hold us back, because I've been there. But I also know the joy of overcoming those setbacks and building something meaningful. 

Now, I'm on a mission to empower others to believe in their value, unlock their entrepreneurial spirit, and find the joy, freedom, and fulfillment that's possible.

CONNECT WITH ME ON LINKEDIN
HI đź‘‹ I'M

Gabrielle Hayes

  • Multi 6-Figure Upwork Consultant
  • LinkedIn Top Product Management Voice

Product was my accidental career, and I've been obsessed ever since. 

But the corporate ladder wasn't enough for my dreams and desires to make an impact. The entrepreneur bug bit hard, and after years of side hustling, I took the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship.

Two startups later, I'm living proof that believing in yourself pays off. The journey wasn't always smooth, but I've been able to help other founders avoid the mistakes I made along the way. Founder isn't just a title, it's a mission to empower others to chase their passions and build something extraordinary.

CONNECT WITH ME ON LINKEDIN
The Brave Start Gabrielle Hayes

Our Core Values

OUR MISTAKES ARE YOUR LESSONS

If we've learned it, we are sharing it. Helping you avoid the same mistakes we made along the way to building successful businesses.

WE WILL ALWAYS CHEER FOR YOU

Stepping into entrepreneurship can be scary, but we vow to encourage you every step of the way. We know you got this!

WE MEET YOU WHERE YOU ARE

Who says you're just another cog in the machine? Not us! We know you've got a one-of-a-kind path. We are here to support your unique needs and journey.

NETWORKING WITH PURPOSE

We're believers in the power of the mighty network, and we're determined to elevate the entire Product Coaching industry. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats!

Our Journeys Have Been Featured In...