New beginnings for Momentum’s Empowerment Coach Training programs

Momentum’s Empowerment Coach Training – A Trauma-Informed Approach program and Empowered Coaching Conversations for Leaders are starting a new chapter. After developing and delivering the training programs since they began in 2022, Selena Murillo, CEC, PCC, is transitioning the programs to her own company, Integrative Connection, Coach Training and Leadership Development Group Inc. Selena plans to build on the work established at Momentum while continuing to bring this trauma-informed training to aspiring coaches locally and beyond.

The programs grew from a realization that leaders and frontline support workers — including those at Momentum — could benefit from a deeper understanding of how trauma can shape relationships within organizations, teams and the clients they serve. Selena, a program facilitator and Business Development Coach with Momentum since 2007 and the Coaching Coordinator since 2019, took the lead in bringing the idea to life, drawing on years of experience in business and trauma-informed coaching, including emotional intelligence training to shape the curriculum.

The development of these programs was made possible through the support and collaboration of people who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life. Donna McBride, CPCC, PCC, former Director of Operations at Momentum and now a professional coach, championed the work and helped create the conditions for it to grow. Shannon Geoffrey and Andrea Shaw, from Momentum’s Curriculum and Learning team, contributed their instructional design and adult learning expertise, helping shape the programs into meaningful and effective learning experiences. Together, their support helped transform the vision for Empowerment Coach Training and Empowered Coaching Conversations into programs that have gone on to strengthen coaching skills and empower others in their work. Today, these programs will continue that legacy through their new home at Integrative Connection.

Since the programs launched, Momentum has trained more than 100 people across five countries through the programs, helping new coaches build their skills and create stronger, more empowering conversations in the workplace. As Selena wrapped up her years of service at Momentum at the end of August, our Director of Business Development, Brian Hill, sat down with her to talk about the Empowerment Coach Training programs—and where she hopes to take them next.

BH: What excites you about this transition?

SM: I started my self-employment journey about 30 years ago. I love being an entrepreneur and it's just a part of my DNA. So that part of it really excites me… that and creating new things, which is one of the areas where Momentum has been really gracious – in terms of supporting me to fulfill that part of myself - which is how these coach training programs were born, really.

BH: What might you be apprehensive about?

SM: You know, I've run it these programs pretty much like a business since we launched, but stepping out of the Momentum nest and taking it out on my own at this point in my life feels a little scary, to be honest. But I think it's mostly up in my head. I’ll get over it. (Laughs)

BH: What's the voice you listen to that counters that?

SM: It's that quieter, more still voice, probably the voice of wisdom that says, you've done this before, you can do it again. I know how to run a business. And I taught business development for… how many years here? To many women entrepreneurs in particular. So yeah, I feel like I've got what I need in terms of skills, tools and experience to do it successfully.

BH: Do you have a favorite coaching question that you like to ask people?

SM: It could be seen as my favorite coaching question — and also my least favorite coaching question. And that would be, “What is it actually going to take for you to get those assignments completed?” (Laughs)

BH: I love that. That's the accountability side of coaching. That's a great question. So, if people have questions about this transition or to learn more about the programs, where do they go?

SM: Please reach out to me directly through my website at integrativeconnection.com and book some time for a conversation with me, I’d love to hear from you.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Learn more about the Certified Empowerment Coach Training program and Empowered Coaching Conversations for Leaders — and register today!