Why we need to understand cults better | Sarah Edmondson | TEDxPortland

Sarah Edmondson is a survivor and a fearless advocate with cult awareness. She courageously shares her idea of how to “seek safely” when deciding to join a group and why cult literacy matters.

Sarah Edmondson is an actress who gained notoriety for her role in exposing the NXIVM cult. In 2019, Sarah published Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult that Bound My Life, an acclaimed memoir chronicling her harrowing experience. Alongside her husband, she hosts the A Little Bit Culty podcast, which has become a powerful platform for cult survivors and recovery advocates. Sarah also attends conferences and events around the world as a speaker and cult-recovery advocate, as well as continuing her work as an actress and podcaster.

******

[KevinBWilson]

Sarah has done great work to bring awareness to others about cultic behavior and abuse. Someone commented saying she should leave it all behind to heal herself. I don’t think you ever really heal from something like this. Her mission to help others avoid similar situations is not only healing to her but can save so many people from abuse, financial ruin, and familial separation. It’s sad to me that some people can’t see that.

[catie]

Everyone listen to her and her husband's awesome podcast A Little Bit Culty. So impactful and really well done with all kinds of cult survivors and experts to get this message out there in long form.

[isatousarr]

Understanding cults and their dynamics is crucial, especially when examining their potential to manifest in the workplace. Cult-like behaviors in professional environments can create a toxic culture that undermines organizational policies, disrupts trust among team members, and puts employees who are not part of these exclusive groups at a disadvantage. In workplaces where cultish behavior takes hold, loyalty is often directed toward a specific leader or subgroup rather than the organization as a whole, creating a hierarchy based on allegiance rather than merit or shared values.

This kind of behavior can lead to significant issues, such as the exclusion of employees who do not conform to the dominant culture or who refuse to join in the sub-group's practices. Those who are not part of the inner circle may be left out of critical information-sharing, decision-making processes, and opportunities for career advancement. This kind of favoritism can foster an environment of fear and resentment, where employees feel pressured to either conform or risk their position within the company.

Cults in the workplace may also use resources and influence to further their own interests. For example, leaders or members of a workplace cult may misuse company resources for their exclusive benefit or engage in activities that promote their group while harming the overall function and morale of the organization. This could include diverting funds, creating projects that serve only their agenda, or manipulating decision-making to exclude those outside the group. The impact can be profound, leading to a breakdown in communication, reduced team cohesion, and the erosion of a culture based on fairness, transparency, and respect.

One of the most concerning aspects of cult-like dynamics in the workplace is the emotional and psychological toll it can take on employees. Members of a workplace cult may feel compelled to conform due to fear of being ostracized, belittled, or even punished for non-compliance. This can create a climate where loyalty to the group overrides professional ethics and personal values, encouraging behavior that erodes workplace integrity and collaboration.

To combat these challenges, it’s essential for organizations to prioritize values that promote inclusivity, equality, and fair treatment. Leaders should be vigilant in identifying the signs of cult-like behavior and take proactive steps to ensure that all employees are treated equitably, with equal access to information, resources, and opportunities. Establishing clear, enforceable policies that protect against favoritism and exclusion can help maintain a workplace where collaboration, mutual respect, and trust are central. Cult-like behavior should be addressed as part of a larger commitment to fostering a healthy work culture that values diversity, encourages open dialogue, and supports the well-being of all employees.

[EdsCollegeLife]

Great talk Sarah! Thank you! Your story helped me wake up and leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

[lindapevac]

This is just the kind of straightforward information that our society needs to be aware and to be able to protect themselves. Coercive control, power differential, and how a cult can even be a cultic one-on-one abusive relationship. Thank you, Sarah, for your courage and determination to be an advocate helping others.

[jessicaluth]

Virtual air hugs, Sara. Thank you for being so vulnerable.

[jessicahutwelker]

What a moment of reclamation. It’s an honor to witness. Thank you for using your voice and being courageous. I fall asleep most nights listening to ALBC podcast episodes. Your voice and sentiment are soothing balm for our healing souls.

[maggieo]

You are so brave, thank you for your honesty and for being you. Your words help me heal too. ❤️🎶 Sending love to you from Ontario Canada. 🌹

[LichenAndMoss]

This is a wonderful talk. Edmondson is a great spokesperson for what should become a mainstream movement of cult awareness. The world has never needed it more than it does now.

[nicoleashlei]

Great talk Sarah. Your ability to take accountability and ownership of your decisions that led you ro be controlled and coerced must be an extremely difficult task under these circumstances. Your dedication to informing, warning and helping others in similar situations is so comendable. Wishing happiness and health to you and your family.

[CazzJonesAutry]

What a scary wake up moment. PTSD to contend with now, trying to overshadow a beautiful life. Thank you for warning others, a very brave thing to do. You are a good person who like many others with similar experiences from many different situations know the weird trauma that's combined with the exhilaration and deep gratitude of having dodged a bullet.

[lorenzodossantos]

if you can't leave a group without creating tension then it is a cult.

[alexandrospirillis]

Such courage and character! Excellent talk.

[PreacherBoys]

Incredible.

Proud to call you a friend, Sarah!

[freeyourmindlove-e]

Well done, Sarah! You've worked so hard on yourself and to help others see the signs of high control groups. I've listened to ALBC since Day 1 -- one of the best sources of information on cults and cult abuse! (For those who don't know, ALBC = A Little Bit Culty podcast)

[williamseagle]

Thank you so much! Sarah you are a warrior of light in a world of

[perryevatt]

Sarah makes this topic approachable and easy to understand. Surely, she’s making a difference for the better by sharing her experiences.

[Youalleatmuffins]

Wow. She really is such a beautiful soul to share so much to help prevent others falling into the same traps 👏👏 This information should be on every school syllabus! 💯

[lesliemariemac]

Very thankful for Sarah and Nippy and all the whistle blowers! I got out of two culty groups because of them!

[brandiehadfield]

Excellent talk Sarah! I can’t believe how much you were able to cover in one succinct talk. I’m positive this will help many fellow seekers/joiners and anyone who is trying to tune into their inner wisdom again 🙏