Coaching Alumni Profiles: Betsy Quint-Moran
by Whitney Hopler, Communications Manager
Betsy Quint-Moran spent years as a manager and leadership development professional in the United States government while also wanting to become a coach. Finally, she had the opportunity to do so through Mason’s Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program at a time when her need for well-being learning was especially vital.
“The well-being journey I’ve personally been on in the last five years contributed to my decision to specifically seek out a coaching program focused on well-being,” Quint-Moran said. “My beautiful son, who previously was a honor roll student, United States Tennis Association tennis player, and gifted cellist, at the age of 15 was struck seemingly overnight with debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that kept him from eating and going out of the house regularly. It was the most stress I had ever encountered and I had to learn to cope with that stress while being his champion day in and day out. Today at 20, although he struggles mightily with OCD, he is working a part-time job and taking classes at a community college (hoping to transfer to Mason someday) with hopes of being a psychologist to help others with their journeys to well-being.”
Quint-Moran also saw a widespread need for well-being in the people she worked with through her executive leadership programs. “I have heard time and time again that the difference between people who just survive in senior positions and people who thrive is how well they take care of themselves and encourage their folks to do the same. It takes stamina to lead and there are too many people in senior positions who burn out because they don’t pay attention to their own well-being. What I’ve learned from the Mason program is that little things (even 30 seconds between meetings, a gratitude minute, or a mindful walk) can make a big difference.
Many aspects of participating in Mason’s coaching program stood out for Quint-Moran. “So many things about the program worked for me. I especially liked how the whole program seamlessly fit together. I’ve spent years designing programs and this one was exquisitely designed with each module building on the other. I’d say the openness and accessibility of the community (instructors, my amazing cohort colleagues, and the people I coached pro-bono) is the first thing that comes to mind. I found all the experiential and reflective work on leadership issues and coaching especially helpful (the 21 hours of pro-bono coaching, the triad coaching in class, the LifeXT partnership, and all the experiential exercises, etc.). I also really enjoyed the arrivals, meditations, (poems, breathing, Tai Chi, joyful reflections, etc.) and the emphasis on somatics. All the content was top-notch and the instructors were great. Finally, the demos were critical. Seeing those amazing coaches practicing their craft and then reflecting on their strengths and growth edges so openly with us was truly inspirational.”
While Quint-Moran was in the program, she experienced a crisis but was able to navigate it successfully with help from the coaching community. “Halfway through my program my 84-year-old father (who was really excited for me to go to this program) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. The pro-bono coaching sessions (the gift that I was able to provide for others) combined with the nurturing community, and the well-being and self-reflection I got from my Mason experience, enabled me to be far more resilient than I believe would have been in dealing with that.”
The experience of becoming a coach was “a real transformation for me,” Quint-Moran said. “Learning to be a coach, especially in a program with a focus on leadership and well-being was an amazing journey for me. I really thought I was going to learn some tools and techniques (ways of ‘doing’) and came away with so much more in the way of ‘being’ the person I really want to be – someone who evokes love, light, and inspiration to all I come in contact with. I also have a tremendous appreciation for the coaching community now and the power of the coaching process and ‘just holding the space’ has for people. I really thought there was no better feeling than standing up in a classroom and seeing the wheels turn for people on amazing issues like trust, courage, collaboration, and change leadership. That was until I got a taste of the one-on-one life-changing experience of coaching the person. I try to use all of this awareness, and the wisdom I received through this program, with my clients, friends, family, staff and virtually anyone I come in contact with.”
People considering applying to the program can expect it to bring powerful positive change to their lives, said Quint-Moran. “You have to do this! It was life-changing. I truly feel, as a result of this program, I am more present with people I care about, more focused on the life I want to lead, and more committed to changing the world one client and colleague at a time than I ever thought I’d be. I am so happy to be part of this coaching community and truly feel I have been given a gift in attending this program.”
Email Quint-Moran at betsyqmoran@gmail.com to connect about becoming one of her coaching clients.
Apply to join the next cohort here