From Cult Claims to Connection: The Truth The About Take the Leap! Program

Is Take the Leap! a Cult?

Let’s Find Out Together...

It’s not every day someone compares your award-winning Program to a cult. Yet, here I am, faced with that very critique about Take the Leap! Make an Impact Program, our 1-year journey for growth-minded leaders, graduate students, entrepreneurs and employees.

Initially, I was taken aback—cult?

But then, I decided to dig into the comparison, and what I found made me laugh, reflect, and yes, write this post.

So, is Take the Leap! a cult? Let’s evaluate the claim through a tongue-in-cheek lens.

?? Cult Criterion #1: A Charismatic Leader

Cult leaders are notorious for being all-powerful, all-knowing, and always on stage.

Me? I’m a facilitator. My goal is to empower others, not to control them. Instead of delivering fiery sermons, I guide participants to uncover their leadership style, their purpose, and their potential. Sure, I cheer them on like an overly enthusiastic coach, but that’s just good leadership, not cult behavior.

?? Cult Criterion #2: Isolation from the Outside World

Cult members are often cut off from family, friends, and reality itself.

In contrast, Take the Leap! encourages connection, not isolation. In fact, one of our core goals is to help participants build a support system within their university, organization, family, and beyond. Many feel siloed—trapped within their labs, libraries, teams or departments. Our program bridges those gaps, fostering genuine community and collaboration.

?? Cult Criterion #3: Blind Obedience

Cults demand unquestioning loyalty and adherence to rigid rules.

But at Take the Leap!, there are no rules. (Well, maybe just one: show up as you are.) This program thrives on dialogue, not dogma. We don’t hand out answers; we help participants ask better questions and find their own. If a participant disagrees, great! That’s a sign of critical thinking, and we celebrate it.

?? Cult Criterion #4: Promises of Eternal Bliss

Cults lure people in with promises of paradise, whether in the afterlife or here on Earth.

Let’s be clear: we don’t promise perfection. LIFE is challenging, life is messy, and impostor syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight. What we do promise is a toolkit, a safe space, and a network of like-minded peers who understand the struggle and the joy taking an exciting, yet terrifying step into the unknown.

?? Cult Criterion #5: Rituals and Secret Codes

Admittedly, this one made me pause. Take the Leap! does have rituals—but not the spooky kind! Our rituals include check-ins, reflective exercises, and shared victories. As for secret codes? Let’s just say calling someone a “Leapster” is more about shared belonging than secrecy.

?? Cult Criterion #6: Obedient, Blinded Followers

Ah, the classic trope: cult members who follow the leader without question, chant slogans, and nod enthusiastically to every word.

In Take the Leap!, our "followers" are more like curious co-creators. Leapsters are some of the most skeptical, analytical, and independent thinkers out there—they have to be! Far from blind obedience, our participants bring their own ideas, challenge assumptions (ours included), and question everything.

In fact, we encourage pushback. Disagreement? That’s where the real growth happens. If someone’s blindly following, they’ve probably wandered into the wrong Zoom room. Here, critical thinking reigns supreme.

So no, we’re not producing a legion of “Leapster drones.” We’re cultivating thoughtful leaders who question, challenge, and yes, sometimes lovingly roast us. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why the Comparison Matters

The word “cult” carries a lot of weight. While it’s easy to brush off such feedback, it’s also a reminder to reflect on how our program feels to participants. It’s possible that our tight-knit community and passionate approach might have come across as overbearing to someone seeking a more traditional program.

And that’s okay. Every growth journey isn’t for everyone.

But for those who join us, Take the Leap! is a space to combat loneliness, build community, and navigate life with clarity and confidence. It’s not about conformity; it’s about connection.

Final Verdict: Cult or Community?

Let’s face it: if helping leaders find their voice, break out of isolation, and thrive in their academic and personal lives is cult-like, then sign me up.

But I prefer to think of Take the Leap! not as a cult, but as a culture—a culture of kindness, collaboration, and growth.

What do you think? Is it time to embrace a little “cult”-ure in your life?

#purpose #growth #TaketheLeap #community #culture

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???? Hi, I’m Sonia!

I am founder of a purpose-driven leadership consultancy that helps growth-oriented SMEs optimize team performance to scale their business without compromising their values or losing sight of their purpose.