Expertise
CYNTHIA WAY, Master Certified Coach,
Facilitator, Trainer & Consultant
Hyattsville, Maryland
While Cynthia has been coaching since 1991,
for the past 15 years she has been the President
and Owner of Way To Go! inc. She works with
clients to develop mastery in leadership
competencies, to create meaningful, sustainable
results, think strategically and systemically, lead
change, deal constructively with conflict, and
master the art of communication. She also is a
volunteer grant writer for the Cambodian
Buddhist Society Cultural Group, and launched
a humanitarian effort in 2009 called Big Big
World
(www.bigbigworld.org)
supporting
Vietnamese orphans, now an all-volunteer
nonprofit of which she is a Director. Cynthia
brings a unique history: a successful 13 year
career with the Central Intelligence Agency on
the executive track, co-led a private sector
merger and acquisition with AT&T, and worked
with the FBI and police departments as a
biometrics consultant.
• Executive/Leadership
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Coaching
Team Coaching
Facilitation
Team Building
Customized Training
Assessments
Leading Change
Resume Highlights
Over 20 years’ experience as a coach, trainer
and facilitator
Has over 3000 coaching hours
Experience in private, public and nonprofit
sectors coaching at senior and executive levels
ICF Master Certified Coach
Certified in Systems Thinking, Action
Research, Leadership Circle Profile, Team
Diagnostic Assessment & others
Education
MS, Learning and Development, Revans
University, England, 2008
BS, Social Therapy, George Mason
University, Fairfax, VA, 2001
Post-Grad, Certificate in Social Therapy, East
Side Institute, New York, NY 2001
Certified in Social Action Research,
Willamette University, 2009
Emergent Learning certification, 2015
Executive Coaching Summary: Cynthia has
earned the title of Master Certified Coach, the •
highest and most rigorous standard attainable
through the International Coaches Federation
(ICF). Ms. Way was one of the lead coaches for •
the NIH Clinical Center, and was the
nominating coach who won this program the •
2010 International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Prism Award, a prestigious recognition given to •
an organization that uses coaching to shift the
organizational culture and create profound results. She was one of the coaches for the Society for
Organizational Learning (SoL) who created the SoL Coaching Model, and co-founder of the SoL
Coaching Community of Practice, and interim Board Member of the SoL Global Coaching
Community. She has taught advanced coaching skills to other coaches at ICF events, to internal
coaches at the University of Maryland, and has been a presenter on coaching at Marymount
University and at the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. She has
coaching experience at the mid, senior and executive levels, coaching hundreds of executives,
including CFOs, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors in the public and private sectors. In each
coaching engagement, Cynthia is rigorous about defining clear leadership goals, baselining the
current reality, and establishing metrics for success. She works with clients to achieve results in
areas such as leading change, inspiring and motivating people, dealing with difficult conversations,
addressing poor performance and dysfunctional dynamics, communicating more effectively, having
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
301-779-1764
more influence, being more politically savvy, building capacity in the workforce, delegation that
delivers, holding people accountable, how to lead when you don’t have positional authority, and
being strategic while addressing the demands of each day.
Coaching Approach: Cynthia’s work is grounded in systems thinking, neuroscience, social and
emotional intelligence, coaching principles (particularly the co-active coaching model),
organizational learning (shared vision, personal mastery, mental models, systems thinking and
team learning), adult learning principles. Cynthia is committed to her own professional growth
and is continuously engaged in new learning practices and discovering the latest related research.
She integrates all that she knows into her work with clients. Cynthia is committed to creating a
sustainable learning culture with her clients and their organizations.
Evaluation Experience: Cynthia is rigorous in providing quantitative and qualitative evaluations
for her engagements with clients. Her emphasis is on using all of Kirkpatrick’s Levels of evaluation,
with a focus on 3 and 4 (are they actually applying the skills in the workplace, and does it have a
positive impact on their results). Cynthia applies this in both her 3-month training programs as well
as 1:1 executive coaching.
WORK EXPERIENCE
President and Founder, Way To Go! Inc, Hyattsville, MD (2001-Present)
Way to Go! inc helps leaders and teams achieve breakthrough results. Specializing in
executive/leadership coaching, team coaching, leadership development, customized training,
facilitation, team building, leadership retreats, organizational learning, systems thinking,
strategic planning. Cynthia has coached several hundred mid-level and senior executives and
teams in the public, private and nonprofit sectors over the past 20 years and piloted several
coaching programs that are now an integral part of those agencies’ leadership programs. She has
proven results at both the individual and organizational levels. A third party Return on
Investment (ROI) study on one of her efforts revealed an annualized ROI of 131%. Cynthia was
the nominating coach and team member at the NIH Clinical Center that won the 2010 Prism
Award, an ICF award recognizing coaching programs that produce outstanding business results.
Airbus, Herndon, VA (2013-Present) POC: Linda Herbert, 703-834-3486
• Selected by AirBusiness Academy based in France to be the first US Coach for Airbus
Americas.
• Coaching various senior leaders from the Herndon location on various leadership
competencies with a rigorous evaluation process involving the leader’s manager and Human
Resources. Competencies include results-driven business goals, communication skills,
influence and negotiation, cultivating a learning organization, constructive conflict,
delegating with commitment, leadership presence.
• Co-Delivers a bi-annual Leader as Coach Mastery Program to Airbus America senior
leadership team.
• Conducts leadership alignment and team building engagements.
Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation, Washington, DC (2013-Present)
POC: Nadia Sleem, 202-326-4110
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
301-779-1764
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Competitively selected to be part of a core team of Master Certified Coaches working with
PBGC mid and executive level managers on ECQ competencies over six month period using
the Leadership Circle Profile 360 assessment as the kick off for the coaching.
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (2005-Present)
POC: Keisha Berkley, 301-222-3918
• Designed and regularly deliver training events for NIH Clinical Center leaders, including
Leading Teams and Organizational Politics, and Team Survival Intensive, with near-perfect
overall evaluation scores.
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Provided leadership coaching to mid and senior level leaders, and in some cases their teams.
Two clients were awarded significant promotions: The Assistant Pharmacy Director was
selected as Director of Pharmacy in large part due to his coaching support. A nation-wide
search was done for this position and this was the first time an internal candidate had been
selected in 15 years. A senior leader of DCRI (information technology) was selected to be
CIO and his improved in leadership skills were recognized, which he attributed to coaching.
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Facilitated a systems thinking retreat and six month team coaching engagement for the IT
Department (topic of publication in Pegasus Systems Thinker Aug 2008, co-authored with
CIO). This resulted in breaking down the silo mentality, improving communication, having a
common language to talk about problems in a non-blaming way, providing an enhanced birds
eye view of the organization and its interrelationships, thinking more strategically and
systemically, while also having a concrete action plan that emerged and was “owned” by the
team. The CIO also reported that he was less of a micromanager as a result.
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Used a social action research approach to facilitate a strategic planning and team building
with the Pharmacy Department at the NIH Clinical Center, which had the impact of
energizing the workforce and reaching a new level of consensus around the mission and
strategic goals. It also opened the lines of communication not just between leadership and
the workforce, but across the Pharmacy, Nursing, IT Departments, the hospital patients, and
key vendors.
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Helped catalyze a series of lunchtime seminars that focused on teaching coaching skills and
principles to managers in order to increase their effectiveness. This series has helped create a
coaching culture, and attracted over 700 participants—significantly expanding the reach of
one-on-one coaching.
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Provided team coaching to the managers in the Division of Transfusion Medicine over 6
months with a focus on personal mastery, accountability, teaming and effecting change in the
organization.
World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation, Washington, DC (20062009, 2012-Present) POC: Robert Hanig, 781-259-1128
• Co-designed and co-leads a one-week international leadership development program for
managers all over the world, including multiple overseas locations for the venue.
• Provided Executive Coaching to Investment and Policy Officers & Specialists.
• Facilitated an offsite retreat for the South Asia Region IT team.
• Co-facilitated a retreat for approximately 100 people in the Human Development Network.
• Co-facilitated an Emerging Leaders Program overseas.
Department of Defense, (2010-2015; 2003-2007)
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
301-779-1764
POC: Gary LaPierre 443-654-0806
• Supported a major change initiative through targeted leadership coaching, team alignment
coaching, leadership retreats and Leader as Coach to promote a culture of accountability,
inspiration and respect while working in a fast paced, high stakes, high pressure environment.
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Provided individual and team executive coaching to several hundred mid and senior leaders.
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Played a key role as senior coach/consultant on the pilot coaching program and helped shape
the program, including the development of the coaching goals template, which traced client
goals with OPM leadership competencies and strategic business objectives. A third party
Return on Investment (ROI) study on this effort revealed an annualized ROI of 131%.
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Provided 360 assessment coaching to senior leaders (SES) at the direction of the Director,
NSA.
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Used an action learning approach to work with a team of engineers to develop an action plan
to handle the complexity and volume of their requirements.
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Co-Authored a white paper to the NSA Program Manager on how to leverage the coaching
program. Consequently, co-designed a series of Learning Labs tailored to the client
environment—which started a fundamental change in philosophy to leadership development.
This concept was piloted in December 2006; and about a dozen “Labs” have been delivered.
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Designed and delivered experiential learning labs.
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Served on the delivery team of the Mid Level Leadership Development Program pilot.
PwC, Various Locations (2010-2011, 2014) POC: Nancy Pompeo, 845-895-2643
• Delivered various communication training to PwC consultants.
City of Hyattsville, Hyattsville, MD (2013-2014) POC: Abby Sandel, 301-985-5031
• Leadership Coaching to Community Director.
Federal Executive Institute (FEI) Adjunct Faculty, Charlottesville, VA (2003-2013)
• Provide leadership coaching in support of FEI, including working with teams. Through this
contract, clients have included: HHS OIG, HHS SES Candidate Development Program,
DOT, FAA, FCC, USDA, FEI Faculty, DoD, EPA.
Department of Defense Executive Coaching Program, (2010-2012)
• Coached senior executives in DoD agencies, including the Navy, Air Force, Army.
• Most coaching engagements have also included interpretation of 360 assessments and
creating Professional Development Plans.
• Areas of focus have included leadership communication skills, self awareness and self
mastery, emotional intelligence, developing people, managing up, feedback and coaching
skills, conflict management, resilience, thinking and operating strategically, taking ownership
and accountability, facilitating and leading change, networking, leaving a legacy, preparing
for career transitions and maintaining overall balance.
National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA (2011-2012)
Rosemarie Wesson, Rwesson.nsf.gov, 703-292-7070
• Co-partnered a 4-month team coaching working with a 35-person department to enhance
teamwork; reduce racial, gender, educational and status divisions; and create shared vision.
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
301-779-1764
The strategic planning process used two systems thinking tools: Vision Deployment Matrix
and Accomplishment Model.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Rockville, MD (2010-2012)
• Provide executive coaching at the request of the Deputy Administrator to a newly appointed,
key senior executive. Provided facilitation at an HHS-HRSA Bureau of Health Professions
conference. Provide coaching to senior executives and mid level managers on leadership
competencies. Providing a series of retreats with an intact team to achieve greater levels of
teamwork, open the lines of communication and move beyond past perceived traumas into a
more positive, cohesive future; and secondly, to engage in a strategic planning process.
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Department of Defense, Metro DC area (2009-2011)
• POC Tom Worth, tomworth501@yahoo.com
• Designed and delivered an offering entitled "Team Survival Intensive,” about helping people
create and sustain a constructive team environment in the face of high stakes, high pressure
situations. It was custom designed to work with people who were being deployed to a
hazardous duty location and who found that the conflict that arose from teaming was the
biggest stressor. The program was a key factor in making a significant difference in the team
environment there--from hostile and divisive to positive and supportive, and the Intensive
became a mandatory pre-deployment training.
Anacostia Trails Heritage Area , Hyattsville, MD (2011) Aaron Marcavitch 301-887-0777
• Facilitated Board retreat focusing on strategic planning.
National Children’s Center, Washington, DC (2009-2010)
• Using the Team Diagnostic assessment, co-designed and am co-delivering a six month team
coaching engagement, combined with coaching the team leaders.
Patriot Contracting, Ashburn, VA (2009)
• Facilitated the vision and strategic plan with the input of key stakeholders and all levels of
the company, with key metrics for success. Consequently developed a tactical plan and
action plan. Provide executive coaching to one of the co-owners of the company and
continue to provide follow up retreats to ensure continued progress towards the vision.
Darden MBA For Executives Adjunct Faculty, Charlottesville, VA (2008-2009)
• Provided executive coaching to participants in the MBA For Executives program.
National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA (2008-2009)
• Facilitated a Systems Thinking Retreat and follow-ups, a 4 month engagement through FEI.
Results: Redefining roles and responsibilities, increased communication across vertical silos.
Public Utility Company, MD (2007-2008)
• Provided executive coaching to their Acting General Manager.
Corporation for National & Community Service, Americorps, Washington, DC (2004-2005)
• Provided leadership coaching in support of their 360 assessment.
USDA Sr. Executive Service Candidate Development Program, Washington, DC (20032004)
• Provided executive coaching and small group facilitation for process action teams to
participants in the USDA SES CDP to include Forest Service, APHIS, NASS.
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
301-779-1764
USDA FSIS & APHIS, Washington, DC & MD (2004-2006)
• Provided facilitation, off-site design and delivery, and leadership coaching.
GSA Advanced Leadership Development Program, Washington, DC (2003-2006)
• Provided leadership coaching for mid-level managers in three consecutive leadership
development program runnings.
GSA FTS, Washington, DC (2003-2004)
• Provided facilitation, off-site design and delivery, and leadership coaching.
Private Clients & Entrepreneurs (2001-2003)
• Provided coaching to scientists, chiropractors, teachers, doulas, clergy, professors.
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Council Member, Board of Trustees, Society for Organizational Learning (SoL),
Cambridge, MA (2007-2009) and Board Member for SoL Global Coaching Community
(2011-2014)
• Representing the Consultant constituency of SoL, a global community of educators,
consultants and business leaders dedicated to the study and practice of organizational
learning and learning-based leadership, founded by Peter Senge to continue the work of
MIT’s Center for Organizational Learning. Also Chair of Individual Membership
Committee, co-founder of the SoL Coaches Community of Practice, and active on various
other Committees and Work Groups. Co-Founder of SoL Coaches Community of Practice
and past Board member of the SoL Global Coaching Community.
Big Big World Project, Inc. Hyattsville, MD
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Co-Founded a nonprofit that went from a 2-person grass roots effort to having 501(c)(3)
status and seven board members, raising over $45,000 last year.
Serving as the President and Chair of the Board of Directors. www.bigbigworld.org.
Big Big World Project “adopted” a whole orphanage in Vietnam. Our goal is to break the
cycle of poverty for these children by supporting them through various means to get a higher
education. We currently have five children in college/university.
AT&T
Program Planning Specialist
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2009-Present
1997-2001
Co-led a transition of a $30 million/year private company into AT&T as a wholly owned
subsidiary. Identified synergies and developed processes for integration. Received Denman
award for efforts. Part of proposal team bidding on government contracts.
Special projects as needed.
Coaching included mid-level personnel while a contractor at a Federal government facility,
and coaching the contractor Program Manager
Washington Center for Social Therapy
Social Therapist
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
1998-2000
301-779-1764
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Clinical intern conducting therapy with individuals, families and groups, working with
diverse clientele on issues such as interpersonal relationships, job satisfaction, self-esteem,
confidence, conflict management, crisis management, depression and anxiety
Designed and co-led workshops on topics such as interpersonal communications, conflict
management, relationships, stress management and dealing with loss
Higgins & Associates International
1995-1998
Biometrics Consultant
• As a biometrics consultant, co-led effort on behalf of the International Association for
Identification (IAI) to permit interoperability of multi-vendor systems nationwide, enhancing
ability of Police Departments to solve interstate crimes. Worked with the FBI and the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
• Co-authored, with Peter Higgins, Concept of Operations for future cross-jurisdiction digital
fingerprint exchange, and Demonstration Test Plan to implement national and FBI standards.
• Worked with state and county police departments on their automated fingerprint
identification systems, to include development and oversight of acceptance testing and
analyzing technology, work process flows, budget and resources.
• Facilitated panel discussion at international conference.
Circulos, nonprofit
1995-2000
Vice President, Teacher and Facilitator
• Certified teacher, facilitator and trainer of "Empowerment Series," a series of 8-week
programs.
• Co-Created teacher certification process
• Designed and delivered a tailored version for children over two weekends
• Worked with diverse group, both culturally and socio-economically. Participants in the series
include senior executives, entrepreneurs, various professionals, residents of a transitional
homeless shelter, children and adults of all ages.
Bova International
1990-1994
Manager of Stand & Deliver program
• Coached participants taking a three month personal development course
• Small group facilitator for participants in weekend workshops and in three month course
• Trainer of facilitators
• Coached and trained the coaches
Central Intelligence Agency, Washington DC and Overseas
1981-1994
Program/Staff Manager, COTR & Telecommunications Officer
• Program and staff manager for a start up initiative that led to a multi-million dollar state-ofthe-art network management system on time and on budget. Served as Contracting Officer
Technical Representative.
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
301-779-1764
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Successful career on fast track, entering as a GS-5, leaving as a GS-14 (with a promising
future) at the age of 33. Received multiple performance awards, competitively selected as a
participant in a fulltime one-year Executive Leadership Program in 1990.
EDUCATION
MSc
BIS
Post-Grad
Learning and Development, Revans University, England, 2008
Social Therapy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2001
Certificate in Social Therapy, East Side Institute, New York, NY 2001
COACH TRAINING PROGRAM & CREDENTIALS
MCC, Master Certified Coach, International Coach Federation, 2011 (expires 2018)
CPCC, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, The Coaches Training Institute. 2002
Emergent Learning Certification, 4 Quadrant Partners, 2015
Social Action Research Certification, Willamette University, 2009
Team Coaching Intensive and Certification Program, Boston, MA, 2009
Organization & Relationship Systems Coaching, Center for Right Relationship, 2008
Systems Thinking, MHA Institute, Edmonton, Canada, 2007
Theoretical Foundations of Coaching, Neuroleadership Institute, 2007
Various advanced coaches training
ASSESSMENTS
The Leadership Circle Profile, 2013
Team Diagnostic Assessment, Team Coaching International, 2009
Emotional Intelligence Assessment (EQi) and EQi 360, Bar-On, 2005
Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), 2006
Various 360 Assessments (OPM, CCL, Benchmarks, etc.)
PUBLICATIONS
Systems Thinking as a Team Building Approach, The Systems Thinker, Volume 19, No. 8,
Oct 2008. Co-authored with client, Jon McKeeby, CIO at the National Institutes of Health. Reprinted in SoL Reflections, March 2012.
Team Survival Intensive, an engagement that transformed a team environment in a hazardous
duty location from hostile and divisive to collaborative and supportive, becoming part of the
mandatory training. Co-authored with DoD client, published in March 2011 in a classified DoD
publication.
Inactive Top Secret, SCI Clearance with Polygraph and Background Investigation
Cynthia Way
Cynthia@WayToGoConsulting.com
301-779-1764