On this episode of Left Standing we explore the topic of life coaching as a cult.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know this is one of my favorite things to talk about/poke fun at. For example…

I love critiquing the coaching industry, partially because I think it is necessary (we need people to educate from within our space) and partially because as a woo-loving, astrology-obsessed millennial in Los Angeles, one of my insecurities is that people think I am like these folks. So, I attempt to make it abundantly clear I am not by being the vocal example of a coach who knows there’s some sketchy shit in our industry…and that this is not that.

So many of my clients feel cringe about calling themselves coaches…and I think that is the fault of the co-opting of this word for bad faith business practices that give our business a bad rep…not because there is anything bad about coaching.

In this episode I attempt to distinguish between trauma-informed, ethical coaching and some weird ass shit people have commodified under the moniker of “coach”.

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts…because this is a controversial topic and deeply personal to the lived experience of those of us who have been swindled (hello!).

Also, the word “cult” doesn’t have a well-defined scope. It is sort of subjective what a cult is…see this episode’s cited resources for more information on this.

Which is why I would love to have an open dialogue with folks! Tag me in your thoughts!

If you want non-cult, trauma-informed, ethical coaching tools, you can sign up for free emails and get an ethical sales guide here.

Cited Resources:BBC — Life Coaching Industry BoomA data-driven look at the rapid growth, lack of regulation, and financial stakes of the coaching industry.https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230418-life-coach-self-help-industry-growth

New York Times — “They Spent Their Life Savings on Life Coaching”An investigation into predatory sales tactics, high-pressure upsells, and financial exploitation in popular coaching programs.https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/02/business/life-coach-debt-savings.html

The Guardian — Lighthouse Coaching Group ShutdownReporting on the closure of Lighthouse after allegations of isolation, coercion, and financial pressure on members.https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/11/lighthouse-global-life-coaching-group-ordered-to-close-cult

U.S. Department of Justice — Nxivm Conviction SummaryOfficial documentation of the criminal case against the founder of Nxivm, originally marketed as an executive success coaching program.https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/leader-nxivm-sex-cult-sentenced-120-years-imprisonment

Inc. Magazine — “The Cult Language Coursing Through Business”An analysis of cult-adjacent messaging, aspirational manipulation, and the rise of unregulated coaching culture.https://www.inc.com/sam-blum/the-cult-like-language-thats-coursing-through-business.html

Britannica — Definitions & Characteristics of CultsA scholarly overview of what constitutes a cult and the key behaviors associated with high-control groups.https://www.britannica.com/topic/cult