Proactive Coaching is an online coaching education platform — a members-only library and AI coaching assistant built on 35 years of character-based coaching from Bruce Brown, plus his printed booklets and books, shipped from the store.
Our founding story
At Proactive Coaching, we believe everything we do is intentional — just like great coaches. However, the foundation of Proactive Coaching wasn’t something we planned. While I was coaching successful teams, I began getting invited to speak at clinics. Most of my talks focused on tactics, but over time, I realized something important. I often found myself telling clinic organizers, “I enjoy discussing the technical aspects of the game, but that’s not why we’re winning. We’re winning because we’re intentional about building character within our programs.” That simple insight became the mission of Proactive Coaching from day one.
As both teachers and coaches, our calling has always been to educate and inspire. Working with coaches, athletic directors, parents, and athletes has been incredibly fulfilling.
Our speaking partner Rob Miller has been with us the longest — since 2006, I believe — and he’s been a key part of our speaking team. We also have other talented speakers who travel across the country, sharing the Proactive Coaching message wherever we’re invited.
We’ve had the privilege of speaking in fantastic locations, from small schools in charming towns to big conferences with thousands in attendance. It’s never about the number of people in the room; it’s about making a meaningful impact wherever we go.
A couple fun facts about us: While Dana is a natural at reading for content, I tend to get caught up in the details. I’m grateful to have her as my editor because my initial drafts can be a bit of a mess! We’re a great team. When I was traveling to speak a lot more, Dana often teased me about visiting certain places, but when she heard West Palm Beach, San Diego, or even Kodiak Alaska, she was the first to sign up to come with me!
We love where we live on Camano Island – it is a peaceful place to be.
Rob Miller, partner
Rob Miller is a nationally known motivational speaker and a partner in Proactive Coaching with Bruce Brown. He played four years of college basketball and has coached at the college level (men’s basketball), the high school level (boys and girls basketball, and track and field), and in youth sport. He is the former national director of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program, and served as commissioner of the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference for more than ten years. Rob uses his speaking skills and coaching knowledge to carry the Proactive Coaching mission — helping coaches positively impact their athletes’ lives. He lives in Liberty, Missouri with his wife Susan; their daughter Kendall lives in Wisconsin.
When I first met Bruce and Dana in 2000, I knew Proactive Coaching was special. Application based, caring people and difference makers. Bruce, Dana and the Proactive team are not just partners but family, and have made such an impact on my life. That is our goal with coaches, leaders, team members: to make a difference, to make them intentional about how they go about their business, and give them tools to do that. The last 25+ years have been so rewarding, and our prayer is that we give you thoughts and models to do the same on your team.
Where we are today
Proactive Coaching is now two things working together: the print library coaches have ordered for decades, and a digital membership with every booklet, article, video and podcast — plus Ask Bruce, an assistant trained on all of it. And our speakers still travel to teams, staffs, and parent nights across the country. Bring one to your program.
What people say
I have Bruce to thank for making me a better parent…honestly! Looking back, I took sports too seriously, was too critical of my children’s coaches as well as the officials. What I have learned through this pamphlet has spilled over in all aspects of parenting! I am now truly enjoying (and loving) watching my kids play their sports.
I want to thank you so much for being such a tremendous influence on our school. Our coaches are so much more intentional in their daily efforts with our guys because of your message and efforts.
Thank you for a wonderful presentation yesterday. I took away so much, and you prompted my assistant coaches — all former players of mine — to want to discuss and plan so many things heading into this offseason. I thought you connected with the older and younger coaches so well with your personal stories, and I heard a lot of positive feedback throughout the day.
Thank you thank you thank you a million times over. You helped to create this culture, this sisterhood and this bond.
I learned so much from your presentation, including different methods to elevate my team, the importance of upholding our covenants, and the resources to be the best leader I can be.