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

Kate Belew and I met in July of 2018 on Governors Island in New York City. We were both members of The Poetry Brothel-an immersive art, esoteric, and burlesque production that still exists internationally today. Kate, a poet in the show, and me the card reader for the brothel’s monthly productions.

I was just starting my business and Kate was doing social media consulting for a witchy shop we both frequented in lower Manhattan.

All these years later I wanted to celebrate the launch of Kate’s second book Word Witch with an episode where we get into our favorite ritual magick! As Kate’s first business coach when she decided to go out on her own all this years ago—Kate was int he very first round of my mastermind—it is so exciting to get to watch the iterations of her work. From co-conspirators as “poetry whores” in the brothel to badass business owners and friends, our journey is one I cherish!

I hope you love this episode! Guest episodes are always my favorite (because I don’t have to research anything and I just get to talk to cool people!)

Follow Kate on Substack and Instagram

Buy Word Witch

As a reminder, guest and feminist exploratory episodes are free of charge. To get mini-lessons (and to support a small, women-owned business!) consider becoming a paid subscriber (some archived episodes with Kate are also available with your subscription!)

In a world of wild contradictions multiple truths I hold as a feminist business owner who hates, but wants to thrive in spite of late-stage capitalism include:

* It is insane that we have to work to make money to live in a culture that doesn’t even afford many people basic needs AND there is no one more deserving of being paid for their labor than feminist care workers.

* I have resented having to work in my business during personal tragedy, but have had no choice because of capitalism AND I am deeply grateful/privileged to make a high salary doing meaningful work with people I respect and admire.

* It feels bizarre to have to advertise on platforms that support authoritarianism and the destruction of the environment AND I know so many of my friends, collaborators, peers and mentors exclusively thanks to social media…

* People are facing extreme economic hardship due to unfair and unsustainable rising costs AND I am unapologetically having my second highest year in business, with my eye on funding my mother’s retirement even in a broken economic system.

* The online services industry has changed dramatically as people require more trust building to invest than ever before AND I think this is a good thing—even though it makes selling harder—because we should have to earn people’s trust in an industry that has abused it.

In our first mini-business episode, I share about these contradictions and how to make money anyway. Both because we need to AND because we get to do the work we love as we do it. It is a mind fuck and having conflicting feelings about that makes sense.

A regulated nervous system is your most important tool for making decisions in this moment from the headspace of a CEO—which is what you are at work, not your inner child, anxious self saboteur, or procrastinating perfectionist.

On November 18 for $33 I am teaching a workshop called Regulate to Rise which will both regulate your nervous system and give you my favorite tools I use both with clients and for myself to come to the work from CEO headspace while protecting and honoring all of our parts in times such as these. 1/2 the proceeds will be donated.

Additionally, when you subscribe to this space you get access to all archived episodes and once-a-month mini business lessons like this one. Please note this is the only mini business lesson that will be free. To continue to access this kind of content, please consider becoming a paying subscriber and supporting a small woman-owned business.