Coaching Philosophy
Coach Barbara subscribes to the coaching philosophy that all clients have the solutions to their issues and goals within themselves. The coach’s job is to provide a safe environment where the client is encouraged to explore their current reality and their desired future state, and then accompanies them on their journey to get there — celebrating all gains along the way!
Developing a trusted relationship and listening to the client are of foremost importance, followed by deep, probing questions that allow the client to explore, visualize, and identify actions that will move them towards their stated goal. From the coach’s perspective though, the ultimate goal is client growth, which may take many different forms, but all enhance the client’s understanding and ability to positively affect their life and relationships.
Coach Barbara’s Skill Set
While there are many skilled and credentialed coaches well-prepared to provide coaching services, Coach Barbara has had a unique preparation across multiple fields which allows her to blend her academic background, including course development and teaching K-through college, with her years in management positions and her firm grounding in ethics. Additionally, her work in both coaching teams and individuals enhances her existing skill set. Along with attending to her current clients, Coach Barbara was selected by Coaching.com to serve as an Implementation Mastery (IM) Facilitator for years 2022 through 2026.
In terms of coaching research, Barbara continues her work as the Director of Coaching for the Cyber Ready Professionals research project, headquartered at Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD. Her area of focus is managing the coaching staff that works with college students on their preparation for their first professional position in computer security.
Skill Summary:
- Author – “Coaching for Everyday Life” seminar; Information Technology textbook exercises; Users Guides for software products
- Editor – Publications, technical books, grant submissions
- Facilitator – Coaching.com 2022-26
- Certified ICF Coach – Sample of clients: grant recipients, business owners, clergy, college faculty teams
- Educator – K-8 and college
- Management – software development companies, education groups, consulting cohorts
- Community Leader – Non-profit Board President; Rotary International District Governor
What’s New …
During the first half of 2024, Coach Barbara agreed to move her research focus to college students, engaging in a pilot study with the National CyberWatch Resource Center, located at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, MD. Under the direction of Dr. David Tobey, Barbara was tasked with developing a coaching program for college students that were poised to enter the workforce. In combination with an online application developed by Accenture, Barbara’s team of ICF-certified coaches were paired with students who received individual coaching sessions over a two-month pilot.
The results of that pilot formed the base for a full-blown program, being launched in February, 2025. Dr. Belon’s focus was first to build a team of seasoned ICF-coaches. That was followed by assisting in the development of the multi-step program which included crafting a model for coaching cohorts. Currently, the first three cohorts of six young professionals each, paired with a coach, has been launched and is already recording major benefits to the participants. With ongoing support from Microsoft and ISACA, this program will continue to prepare young men and women currently enrolled in 2-yr, 4-yr and graduate institutions. Dr. Belon will be delivering her seminar “Coaching for Everyday Life” at the 3CS National Conference, August 13-15 in Columbus, Ohio.
