Does anyone else feel like cults are in the zeitgeist right now?

Between the slew of Netflix documentaries, increasingly tribal politics, and the expanding influencer industry, I’m seeing more experts step forward to explain how smart, capable people can get drawn into coercive systems.

I was listening to Dr. Steven Hassan, a prominent expert on cults, on Trevor Noah’s podcast this weekend. He was describing the psychology of high-control groups—how members shift beliefs, behaviors, even identities. Then I had a bone-chilling thought:

Am I running a cult?

My clients change their beliefs about themselves and the world. They learn to act differently in their work and personal lives. Some make major life changes. I’m charging them money. And most importantly, I’ve been known to have sky-high levels of professional rizz…

But does that make me a cult leader!?

I slowed down to actually answer this ridiculous yet burning question. The answer is no. I am not a cult leader. My career coaching practice is not a cult.

The words “cult” and “culture” share a Latin root: colere, meaning to cultivate. And that distinction matters. We’re here to design a career culture that cultivates your health and happiness.

It’s not a cult because:

You choose to work with me. You can leave at any time

We meet at least twice before deciding to kick off our coaching relationship. You’re encouraged to ask anything that helps you make an informed, empowered decision about investing in yourself. I only onboard clients when it’s a “hell yes” for both of us.

My signature Career Spark Engine is intentionally three months long so you can get into the real world doing your thang ASAP. If you reach your goal sooner, we celebrate and decide whether you’re ready to fly solo. Some clients opt into ongoing support through Sustainable Success, others return for targeted guidance—or just to grab coffee as two passionate powerhouses navigating life.

You make your own decisions. I don’t tell you what to do

I bring structure, tools, and pro coaching chops to help you define what’s important in your next chapter and get after it. When I hear, “I wish you’d just tell me what to do,” I bring it back to you: your values, salary target, health needs, key relationships, and desired impact—all grounded in what’s actually feasible in today’s market. You make the call.

Your world gets bigger, not smaller

Relationships run the game. We bring in trusted family and friends for perspective on your fulfillment and financial security. Former colleagues and professional contacts help you see your skills, experience, and impact clearly. We also tap your network—and mine—to research paths and land opportunities. If you want a therapist or other modality of support in parallel, we welcome them on your team.

You learn transparent, research-backed tools

No mysterious ideologies here. While coaching isn’t heavily regulated, I’m proudly accredited by the International Coaching Federation and trained at Brown University of Professional Studies. I’m a nerd about this work—my bookshelf and podcast list prove it. I’m currently reading How To Live a Meaningful Life by the co-founders of the Stanford Life Design Lab and exploring courses on perfectionism, burnout (individual and systemic), somatics for over-thinkers, and high-stakes decision-making. While I love a lil’ woo in your toolkit, I’m science-first.

But why trust me? That’s exactly what a defensive cult leader would say!

Dr. Steven Hassan recommends talking with former members. So here you go:

Onward!
Grace