2025 Applications NOW OPEN!
Are you Ready to Lead the next big app?
(First cohort expected early fall)
Up Coast
App Leadership Intensive
for Founders and
Future Leaders
Lead the Up Coast way, with support, purpose, and lasting impact
A unique training experience to master the skills needed to build and manage digital products that people love. You won't find another course like this.
"Abbey’s versatility and leadership have been invaluable on every project we've worked on together. I have great respect for her work and am excited to see her continued contributions to the community and her lasting impact on businesses."
- Leonid Kokhnovych, Sr. Staff Engineering Manager
"Abbey is a very delightful person to work with, a great mentor and one of the most hardworking developers I have met while working at Intel. A pleasure working with her from start to finish of my first co-op term, and my 2nd was with Abbey at Mastercard too!"
"Whether it was creating pipelines to facilitate testing/ development, or bridging the gap between engineering / executive Leadership Abbey created impact that is still seen to this day, and visible to anyone who’s worked with her. We wouldn’t be where we are today without her."
- Thomas Dwyer, Staff Systems Integration Engineer
Is This You?
Motivated To Get It Right,
But Lost What Direction To Take?
🤔
You Don't Know Where to Start
The world of app development is overwhelming. Too many blogs, conflicting advice, and an endless list of "must-do" steps. Without a clear process, you feel stuck before you even begin.
👎
You Don't Have Time To Waste On Trial And Error
Even if you’ve researched and tried to piece things together, gaps remain. You worry about what you don’t know and whether you’re making mistakes that will cost you later.
🚧
You Need A Path, Not More Information
Reading, watching, and absorbing content is one thing, knowing what to do next is another. You don’t just need knowledge, you need a step-by-step framework that makes sense and helps you move forward.
Introducing......
Up Coast App Leadership Intensive
✅
A Clear Path Forward
A guided approach designed specifically for founders and future leaders in tech, so you gain the skills and confidence to move forward.
✅
A Smarter Way To Learn
A real-world approach that focuses on strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving, so you walk away with the knowledge and confidence to lead app development effectively.
✅
Confidence Through Community
A community of peers and mentors who support you, keep you accountable, and help you navigate challenges, so you're never stuck figuring things out on your own.
Plus So Much More!
Scroll down to see everything you get to be a part of...
Join Us To Learn:
Up Coast App Leadership Intensive
Course Curriculum
Week 1: Setting the Stage
Lay the groundwork for a product strategy that aligns with real user needs and your vision. By the end of the week, you’ll have a strong foundation to guide future strategic decisions that support both your mission and your team.
Understand the difference between the problem space and the solution space.
Explore the fundamentals of product-led vs. customer-led strategies.
Identify the characteristics of an ideal target customer.
Discover how to achieve product-market fit through strategic thinking.
Study market-driven approaches that align products with real-world demand.
Aligning Strategy with Market Needs
Week 2: Laying the Groundwork
Discover how to gather deep insights into your users and the market. Learn research techniques that reveal what users need and where competitors fall short, setting you up to build a product that truly stands out.
Master the art of customer interviews to uncover valuable insights.
Develop actionable insights from customer discovery.
Use online tools effectively for comprehensive customer research.
Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Perform feature research to understand competitor offerings and market gaps.
Understanding User & Competitive Research
Week 3: Solution Design
Explore how to develop effective solutions that address real user problems. Gain the skills to prototype and evaluate ideas, ensuring your approach is both practical and impactful.
Brainstorm solutions that effectively address customer pain points.
Evaluate and select solutions with the highest potential impact.
Transition smoothly from initial ideas to detailed designs.
Learn best practices for working with designers to bring concepts to life.
Prototype and validate designs to ensure they meet customer needs.
Creating Effective Solutions for Real User Problems
Week 4: Creating Flow
Master development practices that promote productivity without burnout. You’ll build workflows that foster a supportive, sustainable environment where team members feel valued.
Choose the right development approach: native, hybrid, or no-code.
Understand the critical differences between building for Android, iOS, and Web apps.
Learn when to partner with an agency or build with an in-house team.
Master the art of documenting requirements for smooth development.
Communicate effectively with engineers to avoid project roadblocks.
Balance technical best practices with business objectives.
Leading a Development Process that Works for Everyone
Week 5: Roadmaps and Beyond
Develop a quality-focused strategy that respects both technical standards and team morale. Learn to set high standards within a supportive, engaging process.
Discover which prioritization frameworks work best in different scenarios.
Balance competing priorities to keep your roadmap on track.
Understand the differences between product roadmaps and engineering roadmaps.
Write clear, actionable tickets that guide the development process.
Plan timelines that drive your product to completion.
Use iterative development to maintain quality and hit deadlines.
Structure your team for effective delivery from start to finish.
Implement QA practices to catch issues early and manage technical debt.
Strategic Planning for Quality Products
Week 6: Going Live
Prepare for a launch that’s built to last. For your final week, you’ll learn how to lead a successful launch and set your product up for continuous growth, from post-launch tracking to ongoing discovery that keeps your product relevant and impactful.
Streamline deployment with continuous integration best practices.
Optimize your release strategy for both web and mobile platforms.
Utilize Google Play Beta and Apple TestFlight for pre-launch testing.
Deploy your web product smoothly with version control best practices.
Plan post-launch activities to keep users engaged and returning.
Track and measure what matters with the right metrics.
Keep evolving with ongoing product discovery.
Launching with Confidence and Lasting Impact
At Up Coast, our founder knows talent doesn’t recognize borders or bank accounts.
It’s in those who push boundaries, take bold risks, and work relentlessly to build something meaningful.
Our mission is to equip the next generation of app leaders with not only the skills but also the mindset to build products and teams with purpose, positivity, and resilience, the Up Coast way.
We’re building a community, Up Coast Leaders: a place where founders from all backgrounds come together to learn, share, and grow. A space where aspiring leaders gain the skills to make a real impact on the digital products and apps that shape our world.
If you have the drive, the passion, and the determination to commit to this intensive program, we believe cost should never stand in your way.
And that is why this program is completely
FREE
Meet Your Instructor
Hi 👋, I am Abbey Jackson and I started Up Coast to make a real impact.
The Up Coast App Leadership Intensive for Founders and Future Leaders is more than a training program; it’s a two-part mission: I know your goal is to make a great app, but my goal is to make you a great app leader.
I built this course to help more people step into app leadership, especially those who might not see themselves there yet. That means teaching the skills that actually matter so you know how to create products the right way without burning out yourself or your team. Because the industry doesn’t just need more apps, it needs better leadership, stronger teams, and a more sustainable way to work.
I know that because I’ve lived it. Years ago, when I was a nanny, I had an app idea, but I had no idea where to start. That curiosity led me deep into engineering, product management, and software leadership. Working across product agencies, startups, and companies like Intel, Mastercard, and Rivian, I've had the unique experience of not specializing.
Instead, I have worked on mobile apps, websites, SDKs, and even SAAS products, across finance, security, automotive, R&D, tooling, and general consumer products. Along the way, I learned that building a great product isn’t just about having a great idea, it’s about knowing how to lead the process from start to finish.
But I also know that many early founders and aspiring software leaders lack access to the guidance they need to succeed, especially those from backgrounds that aren’t well-represented in tech. That’s why I built the Up Coast App Leadership Intensive, so that people like you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
I don’t know everything but I’ll pass on what I know, give you tools to explore further, and introduce you to people in my network who know things I don’t.
This program gives you the clarity, structure, and support you need to finally move forward. And I’ll be right there with you with the Up Coast team, hosting live Q&As, leading discussions, and supporting you in the community.
I can’t wait to meet you inside!
"Abbey is passionate about the quality of her product, has high user empathy, is kind towards colleagues and fun to be around... to name just a few things. I miss working with her greatly."
- Alex Wilton, Rivian & Polaris Product Leader
"There are people that cross your path in life that leave a positive indelible mark, Abbey is one of those people. Her personal energy and work ethic are exhilarating. Abbey works not only to drive the project forward but works to bring the rest of the team up with her."
- Christopher (C3) Croteau, Intel Executive
"You need to talk to Abbey. She was part of my software team at Intel Vaunt and I was very happy with the work she did. With the experience she has from working on Intel Vaunt, she's going to go far. Definitely on my 'hire again' list."
- Brian Hernacki, Intel VP
Think This Course is Big?
You Haven't Seen Anything Yet
The Course is Just the Beginning:
Welcome to Up Coast Leaders
You might have thought this course was the whole thing, the big event. But really, this is just your first step inside something much bigger.
Inside Up Coast Leaders, you won’t find people stumbling through trial and error. You’ll find builders who know what they’re doing. Here we have a network of founders, product leaders, and innovators who speak the same language and have built their teams and products from strong foundations.
Up Coast Leaders is where this course leads. Think of it like a professional guild: a place where those who’ve mastered the craft connect with those leveling up. This course gives you the foundation you need to step inside. It ensures that when you join, you’re not just another name in a Slack channel, you’re part of a group that truly gets it.
A network of serious builders
Everyone here has either taken this course or has equivalent experience. You’re stepping into a space where people understand how great products are built and are invested in improving their craft.
Real discussions, not surface-level advice
From high-level product strategy to tactical decision-making, this isn’t a passive community. Conversations here reflect the reality of building and leading products, not just theory.
Opportunities to stay involved
As Up Coast Leaders expands, so do the ways to stay engaged: through ongoing discussions, alumni meetups, and future learning opportunities designed to support your next steps.
This course is your first step inside.
It ensures that when you join, you’re ready to contribute, connect, and grow - not just sit on the sidelines.
Not Just a Course...
A Bold Experiment
Free? Yes. Here's Why.
This program isn’t just a free course, it’s an experiment. I designed this model because I believe there’s a better way to teach, one that removes financial barriers while still being sustainable. If it works, it could change how we think about education in specialized fields.
Most programs charge thousands of dollars, but I’m trying something different. Instead of making education a product to sell, I’m treating it as an investment. I believe that if I help more people find success, the value will come back in other ways, such as through partnerships, collaborations, and a stronger community of skilled software leaders.
This isn’t a free trial. There’s no income share agreement. The core program is completely free, with no strings attached.
So, how does this work long-term?
Everyone who takes this course becomes part of Up Coast Leaders: a growing network of builders, founders, and product leaders. My hope is that as alumni advance in their careers, some will come back to work with my team, whether that’s hiring us for consulting, collaborating on projects, or bringing us in to help build their products.
We will also offer optional paid workshops, as well as possibly advanced courses in the future, but the core program will always remain free.
And finally, through the alumni newsletter we will present offers from service providers, tools, and other businesses we partner with, for which we will earn affiliate income from.
It’s a different model, and there’s no guarantee it will work. That’s why this first cohort matters: it’s a chance to prove that high-quality education can be both free and sustainable.
If We Can Only Do This Once, We're Making It Count.
We're breaking new ground with this first cohort and I don't know about you but I think that is really exciting! The reality is though, we're also testing an experimental model and there are no guarantees my strategy will be sustainable.
That’s what makes this first cohort so important. You’re not just learning, you’re proving that this kind of educational model can work...and that could have some big impacts in the future.
This program is open to everyone: women, men, and people from all backgrounds. If you’re excited to learn and ready to put in the effort, we want you here.
At the same time, we’re making an intentional effort to recruit more women founders and future leaders in tech, both cis and trans. by reaching out to non-profits and other similar minded organizations who's members may be interested in this course.
We all know that tech leadership is overwhelmingly male. It's not because women aren’t capable, but rather because they are less likely to pursue leadership unless they feel fully prepared.
If we can only do this once, if we can only put through a single cohort, I want my and my team's effort to go towards creating the biggest impact possible. I believe that is by providing those women with the confidence they need to go after leadership roles. Plus, research consistently shows that when more women step into leadership, teams thrive.
By prioritizing women in this first group, we have a chance to create a ripple effect. We’re not just impacting the people in this cohort, we’re helping shape the next generation of leaders, who will go on to shape the generation after them.
And that’s why this first cohort matters so much. If we’re only able to do this once, we want to make sure it leaves a lasting impact.
Will there be another cohort?
We don’t know yet. Running this program is a huge investment of time, money, and effort. Whether or not we do this again depends entirely on how this first group goes.
If this program succeeds, if the people in this cohort take what they’ve learned and use it to lift others up by contributing back to the Up Coast Leaders community, building great products, leading strong software teams, and making real industry change, then we’ll have the momentum to run it again.
That’s why this first group is everything. This first cohort is setting the stage for the future of Up Coast Leaders as a professional community that makes every single member feel valued, supported, and inspired. That is why it is so important to me to have a diverse group of students in this first cohort. I want the students of future cohorts to feel like they belong inside Up Coast Leaders from day one and this first cohort is the foundation.
If this is something you want to be part of, apply now. This is your chance to be in the very first cohort, to shape what comes next, and to be part of something bigger than just one course.
Does This Sound Like You?
You have an idea but no tech background and you want to do it right.
You work in tech but only get to see part of the process, now you want to see how it all fits.
You want to confidently work with designers, engineers, or product teams.
You don’t want to waste time and money figuring it all out on your own.
You’d rather learn from real experience than piece together random advice.
Who I Designed This Course For
Aspiring founders who want to build an app but don’t know where to start.
Product managers looking to deepen their understanding of development.
Tech professionals wanting to step up their career ladder, or step into product management.
Entrepreneurs who need to work with designers and engineers.
Anyone who wants to understand how great apps are really built.
Who Is This Course NOT For?
You want a clear, one-size-fits-all formula instead of learning to make strategic decisions.
You can’t consistently attend live sessions or dedicate focused time each week.
You just want to code and don’t care about the strategy or process behind building an app.
You prefer passive learning and aren’t willing to apply what you learn.
You expect guaranteed success instead of gaining the skills to figure things out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be technical to take this course?
💡 No. You don’t need to be an engineer or know how to code. This course is about understanding the process of app development, so you can lead it effectively, even if you don’t have a technical background.
💡 You’ll also learn who you need on your team and how to hire or collaborate with designers, developers, and external partners, so you can bring your vision to life without needing to code yourself.
Do I need an app idea before starting?
💡 No. And in fact, we recommend you don’t work on your own idea during the course. The biggest mistake new founders make is locking into early decisions before they fully understand the process. Pause for six weeks to learn first. You’ll save months (or years) of frustration later.
What can I do after the course?
💡 You’ll be prepared to confidently lead app development, whether that means launching your own product, transitioning into product leadership, or working more effectively with engineers and designers.
💡 If you’re already in tech, this course helps you bridge the gaps in your knowledge, whether you’re an engineer moving toward engineering management, a product manager looking to deepen your understanding of development, or a founder who wants to work more effectively with teams.
💡 Planning to become a product manager? This course gives you everything I learned in my product management training and much more.
What can I expect each week?
💡 Live, lecture-style classes twice a week.
💡You’ll also have Q&A sessions, structured discussions, and curated resources to deepen your understanding.
This is NOT a self-paced course, it’s an interactive, guided learning experience.
When is the course running?
💡 We’ll start as soon as we have enough people for a strong first cohort. If you’re hoping to join, it’s a good idea to apply early so you’re in the pool when we pick dates.
💡 The application includes a few questions about your schedule so we can find days and times that work well for the group.
💡 You’ll get at least one month’s notice before the course begins. Once invites go out, spots will be filled first come, first serve.
How do I get the most out of this program?
💡 Engage with others the way great product leaders do. Ask questions, challenge ideas, and refine your thinking just like in a real product team.
💡 Use your cohort as a resource. You won’t be doing group projects, but learning alongside others, sharing insights, and hearing different perspectives will make your understanding stronger.
💡 If you DO want to work on assignments with a group, be sure to sign up to join an optional study pod.
💡 Actively participate in discussions, Slack, and Q&As. Seeing how others approach problems will help you expand your thinking and avoid mistakes you wouldn’t have spotted alone.
💡 If engaging makes you nervous, this is a safe place to practice. There’s no pressure, but the more you put in, the more you’ll get out, so when it’s time to work with a real team, you’ll feel ready.
What do I need to attend?
💡 A computer, internet connection, and the ability to attend the scheu sessions. You’ll also need a way to take notes and review materials.
How will I get help if I'm stuck?
💡 You’ll have live Q&A sessions, access to a Slack community, and the opportunity to engage with your classmates and (in the future) alumni of past cohorts.
💡You can also join an optional study pod. Those are smaller, more focused groups within the cohort where you can discuss concepts, get feedback, and support each other throughout the course.
What happens if I can't keep up?
💡 This is an intensive program, and attendance matters. If you miss a session, you can reach out to request a recording to catch up before the next class.
💡 If you miss more than two sessions, it will be difficult to stay on track. This course builds on itself, and staying engaged is key. If you’re unsure about your availability, apply anyway and we’ll figure it out together.
Is this only for Mobile apps?
💡 No, this course applies to all types of software products, not just mobile apps. "App Leadership" is about leading the development of web apps, SaaS platforms, mobile apps, and even internal tools.
💡 The core skills (strategy, research, development collaboration, and product roadmapping) apply to any digital product. Whether you're working on iOS, Android, or web-based platforms, this course gives you the fundamentals to lead the process the right way.
What is "App Leadership"?
💡 "App Leadership" is a term I coined to describe leading software development with people in mind. A great app isn’t just about writing code, it’s about making the right decisions, structuring work the right way, and ensuring the right people are involved at the right time.
💡 This isn’t a people management course, but people are at the core of building great products. Developers, designers, product managers, and stakeholders all play a role in app leadership because leading software isn’t about doing everything yourself, it’s about knowing how to bring it all together.
What if I need closed captions?
💡 If you need closed captioning, we can arrange to get you recordings immediately after each live class so you can follow along with captions.
💡 We're also exploring live transcription options to support real-time access during class. While we can’t guarantee this feature yet, we’re doing our best to make it happen.
AI is Changing Everything
So Is This Course Still Relevant?
AI is changing the tools we use, but the fundamentals of how great products get built remain the same. This course isn’t about teaching you a specific set of tools. It’s about teaching you how to think like a product leader so you can make informed decisions no matter what technology comes along.
There are dozens of ways to manage development: Jira, Trello, Click-Up, Asana, Notion, AI-powered tools... But tools don’t replace strategy.
Right now, a lot of people are blindly using AI to generate ideas, features, and even entire products. But without strong strategy and leadership, it all starts to look the same. AI can create, but it doesn’t understand. The people who will stand out are the ones who know how to direct it. When you have real product knowledge, AI becomes a tool to enhance your work, not replace your thinking.
And if you have specific questions about AI tools or any other product tools, you won’t be on your own. Inside Slack, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of builders, each with experience using different approaches. Whether it’s AI, project management, or development tooling, you’ll have a network to learn from and share insights with.