At first glance, coaching and wellness may seem like separate disciplines. However, in reality, they are deeply compatible. Both are rooted in the same goal—helping individuals function at their best—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
One of the leading voices bridging these two fields is Margaret Moore, widely known as Coach Meg. A 17-year veteran of the biotechnology industry across the U.S., UK, Canada, and France, she founded Wellcoaches Corporation in 2000—a professional school for health and wellness coaches that has now trained over 12,000 coaches in nearly 50 countries.
The Neuroscience Behind Wellness and Coaching
Coach Meg observes that modern life places the human brain—especially the prefrontal cortex—under constant strain:
“The big and brilliant human prefrontal cortex is struggling under terrible operating conditions: chronic deprivation of sleep and reflection time, a low-octane diet, nervous-system overload, and inadequate fuel sources such as meaningful purpose, creative expression, physical movement, and heart-to-heart moments.”
These conditions take a toll not only on productivity and decision-making but also on overall health. Even teenagers are now being diagnosed with early heart disease and type 2 diabetes—trends that, if left unaddressed, could lead to widespread social and economic challenges.
The good news, she emphasizes, is that coaching can make a measurable difference. Through structured, neuroscience-informed conversations, professional coaches help clients engage their primary human capacities—those shown to be vital for well-being and growth.
Let’s take a look at two of those capacities: curiosity and relationship.
Curiosity: The Catalyst for Growth
Psychologist Todd Kashdan identifies curiosity as a primary driver of human well-being. When we’re curious, we become willing to step beyond the familiar, take risks, and embrace uncertainty. Curiosity transforms anxiety into exploration—it turns fear into fascination.
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, curiosity fuels adaptability, learning, and resilience. When we stop being curious, our mental capacity declines—and with it, our creativity, engagement, and vitality.
Coaching is built on curiosity.
Skilled coaches ask powerful questions that spark insight and discovery. These questions create vivid mental images and invite exploration:
“What’s possible if you looked at this differently?”
“What’s the truth you haven’t said out loud yet?”
“What do you most want to create from here?”
Such questions ignite curiosity, focus the mind, and inspire clients to move beyond limitations toward confidence, motivation, and well-being.
This is curiosity at its finest.
Relationships: The Heartbeat of Wellness
Serving others, showing compassion, and forming meaningful relationships are essential to human thriving.
Positive connection generates trust, calms the nervous system, and enhances brain function. In short—relationships heal.
Compassion, especially in the face of negative emotion, provides the warmth that allows pain to soften and transformation to begin. As Coach Meg notes, these moments of connection are essential fuel for the brain and body.
In coaching, compassion is expressed through empathic accuracy—listening with the intent to understand the client’s internal world. Coaches tune into tone, emotion, metaphor, and meaning, allowing them to see the world through the client’s lens.
This kind of presence creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can speak freely and be fully seen.
The result: trust, hope, perspective, and empowerment—an authentic gift of compassion that strengthens well-being and propels change.
The Expanding Mind
“A mind stretched by a new idea or new understanding will never fully return to its original dimensions.”
— William James, American Philosopher and Psychologist
Coaching stretches the mind and heart in this way. It calls forth curiosity and compassion—two powerful forces that nurture both wellness and human potential.
When we integrate these capacities into coaching, we don’t just help people reach goals;
we help them live well, think deeply, and flourish fully.