Embarc Collective Expands Support for Growth-Stage Companies with Three New Coaches

At Embarc Collective, we know that building a company is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Since 2019, we’ve delivered over 9,300+ hours of coaching to Florida’s most promising startups, driving unprecedented success rates: 96% of our original member companies are still in business today, with seven reaching Series A or beyond and three achieving successful exits. These results far exceed industry standards, where only 50% of startups survive past five years.

As our members evolve from early-stage to growth-stage startups, their needs change. That’s why we are evolving with them, ensuring that as they grow, our resources, expertise, and network grow too. Today, we are proud to announce the addition of three powerhouse coaches to our team—leaders who have been in the trenches of high-growth companies and know exactly what it takes to reach to the next level.

Introducing Our New Coaches

Holly N. O’Driscoll – Human-Centered Innovation & Design Thinking Expert

As companies scale, they face critical innovation challenges: maintaining customer connection, adapting product strategies, and keeping teams aligned around a shared vision. Holly O’Driscoll brings proven solutions to these challenges, drawing from her experience as Founder and CEO at Ampersand Innovation and former Global Design Thinking Leader and Innovation Strategist at Procter & Gamble. Having facilitated over 250 Design Thinking experiences for teams across industries, Holly helps teams create sustainable, customer-centric strategies that drive long-term success. With Holly’s guidance, companies can confidently navigate innovation hurdles, ensuring their growth is both sustainable and deeply connected to customer needs.

Rissa Reddan – Growth-Focused Marketing Leader

Scaling a startup means going beyond early traction—it’s about building a strong brand and sustainable demand. With experience as a 3x Chief Marketing Officer at West Monroe Consulting, Equifax, and Performance Trust Capital Partners, Rissa Reddan has perfected the art of positioning and marketing for high-growth companies. With deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, she can help founders sharpen their positioning, build scalable marketing operations, and implement multi-channel acquisition tactics that fuel long-term growth.

David Willbrand – Venture Funding & Corporate Growth Authority

Raising capital and structuring deals are two of the most complex aspects of startup scaling. David Willbrand brings decades of experience guiding companies through these challenges, currently serving as Chief Legal Officer at Pacaso and previously as Chair and Managing Partner of Thompson Hine LLP‘s Early-Stage and Emerging Company Investment Practice. With deep expertise in venture capital, deal structuring, and financial strategy, David has advised countless startups, founders, and investors on navigating growth-stage funding. His book, Seed Deals: How to Grow from Startup to Venture Capital, along with his educational video series, makes him an invaluable resource for founders preparing for their next big funding round.

Why This Matters for Founders

Embarc Collective has proven its ability to deliver lasting value through hands-on, tailored support. With the addition of these incredible experts, we are doubling down on our commitment to scaling companies. Growth-stage founders need specialized insights, strategies, and access to world-class expertise, and our coaches bring exactly that.

Let’s tackle the next phase of your journey together. Learn how our expanded support can help you take your company to new heights.