I'm a student at Wright in their Women's leadership program (SOFIA) and I have taken a number of other courses in their career program, their couples program, and in their social and emotional intelligence training program.  I have found their programs to be both motivating and practical, helping me make solid changes in my life.  For example, I am in commission sales in a male dominated industry.  I have gotten practical advise on how to connect with my boss and male colleagues, earned bigger commissions, and how to negotiate for the initial package.  I got married for the first time in my 50's, and it has been much more challenging than I expected.  The couples program has helped my husband and I actually have productive fights, that come to resolution more quickly, and help us feel closer and more connected.  I have met other professional women who I can lean on when I need support in my couple, with my stepdaughter, and in my daily professional challenges. I have also appreciated how the Wright Foundation has adapted to the pandemic.  I have done several weekend events that have been very impactful, as impactful as events I have done offsite, and I didn't have to leave my own home!  The best of both worlds. read more

Very cult like. Owners are not good people. They make you feel good and then suck you in to their courses. Please don't go there

I was required to attend a weekend training for my work. Its definitely exactly what the negative comments say. They spend a lot of time forcing vulnerability only to exploit a mlm scheme. You always gotta take the next class or course. They're a predatory organization disguised as a transformative one. I can't fully agree with the cult because I'm not an expert (although I reached out to someone who studies cult and they flagged it as highly likely) but feel confident in saying they have predatory practices. And are so incredible at marketing, getting people roped in. Highly suggest steering clear. read more

I wanted to write this review because when I started to Google Wright Foundation, one of the first results that started to autopulate was "cult." This place is not a cult. I did the Foundations Training weekend a few years ago. I met someone at a networking event who was a student with them, and a few days later she offered me a free ticket to the weekend. I love personal growth, so I went. I found the weekend valuable. Everything they do is rooted in science (though some of the things they incorporated have since failed to replicate). And, they're a business... so of course at the end of the weekend they had things to sell. I didn't buy, and was satisfied with my experience of not buying. I already do courses with other companies, so my training plate was as full as I wanted it to be. Also, there were people there for whom this was clearly their first brush with such training methods, and for them, the weekend was clearly VERY impactful and beneficial. Further, I've had friends who have taken courses with Wright and they've gotten a lot of value as well. It's too bad people are calling this a cult. It's a business, and they're in the business of helping you live the life you want. And from what the people I've met report, they do a pretty good job. When I look at the reviews calling it a cult, it looks like those people haven't actually done the training. One is from a guy who says Wright broke up his marriage. If an educational program can ruin your marriage, there's a good chance your marriage wasn't so hot to begin with. Bottom line, if you're feeling stuck in life or just looking to take something to the next level, I would give their courses a look. read more

This place has been a blessing to my life. Not only do they have amazing free resources you can take and use to enhance your life and consciousness but they have amazing programs where you can invest in yourself and get a deeper dive into ALL the research they have done. I love that the goal of the foundation is to enhance human consciousness and I cant wait to use these tools to make a difference in my life, and my community. If you are having trouble with blocks in your business, marriage or any kind of relationship, this is the place to go. read more

I can't even begin to explain the impact the Wright Institute has had on my life. I have only been participating in the leadership institute for a little over a year and I have already seen major improvements in many areas of my life. I became an ambassador for Lululemon and I have built my dance studio from a one woman show to a 12 person company. I have also improved and deepened my relationships with my friends and family members. I know what satisfaction feels like now and I expect to feel it all the time now. The first event I attended at the Wright Institute was the More Life weekend which opened my eyes to the fact that I was unfulfilled with my life in way I wasn't even conscious of. Before doing the More Life weekend at the Wright Institute I tried several self help and personal growth workshops and retreats and I didn't find anything that actually stuck. After the More Life weekend I decided to take the plunge and sign up for the Year of More and I participated in several other weekends and retreats including: Nourishment and Self Care Lab, Soft Addictions Solution, Women's Essential Experience and Summer Training. Joining the Wright Institute is the best decision I've ever made in my life. I feel like a different person and I feel like I am part of a community for the first time ever. read more

I'm a graduate of Wright Leadership's Men's Weekend and of the More Life weekend. Perhaps more important for this review, I've spent the past thirty years intimately involved in the personal development field and am a graduate of many similar programs. Skipping to the punch line: Judith and Bob Wright's work is simply the best available for anyone ready for transformational, positive change in their attitudes, habits and behaviors. They've done the research, tested the theories and designed a program that will first set you free of past blame, shame, guilt .... your history. Then they support you in seeing your current reality clearly, teach you to drop your drama and help you get out of the reasons and excuses loop. Finally, can you imagine creating a future freely chosen? One that includes great relationships with family, friends and colleagues? One that includes peace of mind, extraordinary accomplishment and service to others? The Wright's programs helped me heal an adversarial relationship with a former wife and greatly enhance my relationship with my children. I'm more clear, more focused and more committed to living, as Oprah says, my best life. I fully intend to utilize the Institute for "tune ups" and to further my learning about what works and doesn't work for me to maximize my potential. I note the professional scare mongers on this site accusing the Wrights of running a cult. This is just plain not true in my experience. In fact, just the opposite. Their message is consistently one of empowering me to make my own choices and certainly not to serve them. My one gift to them -- freely offered -- has been some advice on how to run their business. Plus, it has been an absolute joy to recommend the program to my friends and family and then to bask in the glow of their positive results following the seminar. Attending the weekend is probably not for everyone but it is an enlightening and positive experience for most people. It seems to me that people know when they are on a growing edge, ready to make some positive changes in their lives. If that's you, check out the weekend experience. I think you'll be glad you did. read more

I have been a student at Wright for the last 8 years. I can honestly say that my life is 100% better as a result. The Wright's are personally - and their methodology - are empowering folks who have helped me create a bigger vision of who and I how I want to live my life. Their blended approach of psychology, philosophy and education make their workshops inspiring, motivational and impactful. Personally, I went in a huge skeptic. I was given the space to inspect and allowed to be curious about what I was hearing at my own pace and space. As a result, I felt allowed to develop a better sense of who I was and what's important to me. Very few places or organizations allow their members to be who they are without having to capitulate to the pull of the larger group. If you are looking for programs that will help you discover how to lead not only a good life, but a great life, the Wright programs will serve you greatly. read more

My experiences are from about two years ago - just to be clear. I had received an e-mail for a "free" weekend seminar, and admittedly, I was thinking that in the midst of a horrendously unsuccessful job search, I might want to consider getting an extra boost. I had originally had to cancel one weekend, but was scheduled for another. The first night - not so bad; basically just introductions and a lot of self-affirming cliches. Saturday, though, was interesting - very much a mixture of self-examination (with an emphasis on everything that is "wrong" in your life), some more suspicious controlling behavior (in the midst of being sick, and coughing heavily, why did they keep me in?), and overall questions (even though it was a "free" weekend - and some people had paid to attend - why weren't meals free? And why two eight hour sessions on Saturday AND Sunday?). There was even a slightly obviously staged "conflict" with one of the attendees (who later disclosed he had attended in the past). Fortunately, I had a long conversation with some family members and friends, and set up an escape plan. Sunday - after more pseudo-psychological discussion, the facilitators hit everyone up with a great offer - getting "personal coaching" for a huge amount of money. When I had cited my own inability to pay (because I was unemployed, and honestly, I had my suspicions confirmed), facilitators immediately went for the guilt about how I "deserved happiness" in my life. Fortunately, I was able to execute my escape plan, and able to leave with a minimum of personal stress. My advice - avoid at all costs. As someone who has been trained in counseling, this group is dangerous, engaging in "coercive persuasion" (or, quite simply, pressuring people to adapt). It's cloaked in the guise of science and research, but make no mistake - this seems less about helping others and more about helping themselves. read more

I attended this event over the weekend of Sept 16-18 with the hope of learning about social and emotional intelligence. I share my opinions based on my very real and personal experience face to face Dr.s Bob and Judith Wright, volunteers, and staff of the organization. Be warned, this is an extremely dangerous and expertly designed cult by highly-educated and cunning leaders. I never thought I would personally experience an assault of psychological manipulation of a real cult. I was able to escape, but I personally witnessed others that may not have been as lucky as I. From me to you, please do not go. It is seriously dangerous. This organization needs to be investigated by authorities and closed down. The public is in danger and needs to be protected. They have an army of minions/volunteers who are specifically trained and expert in the use of fundamental mind control techniques classic of cult methods for coercive persuasion, including: 1) People are put in physical or emotionally distressing situations; 2) Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized; 3) They receive what seems to be unconditional love, acceptance, and attention from a charismatic leader or group; 4) They get a new identity based on the group; 5) They are subject to entrapment and isolation I have read the comments of others here on Yelp, including Justin G and Gordon D. I echo and relate to their personal experiences as an attendee at this seminar. This is not a false warning. This MUST be closed down. The public needs to be protected from the Wright's and their schemes. Read more from others: http://forum.rickross.com/read.php?4,15161,page=1 (read about the person describing their experience of being stripped naked in a forest as a method of education and growth) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDj6eqn65O4 (take notice of comment at end) http://wrightinstitutecult.com/2010/12/09/cultivating-myself-at-the-wright-leadership-institute/ (a website that seems to be run by WLI, yet oddly, take notice there is not a single comment - odd when the web has so many other negative comments. Note, I submitted a critical comment to be posted here, which was never posted) From the bottom of my heart, specifically to the individuals I met this weekend in the program, Tammy, Bob, Jon, Munsoor I know you desperately seek help to improve your lives, but please read this and get out of there now. From our side conversations, I know you are wise to what is happening - you know it is time to leave. Any investigative reporters or adventurous folks willing to video tape the REAL experience at a seminar (last day, in particular) and publish on YouTube.com??? That would certainly provide everyone clear evidence in a real, black and white form of the truth of what really happens behind closed doors. (Note: These comments are my personal opinions based on my experience, and not intended in any way to be malicious, untrue, or libelous.) read more

Dancing With the Sharks It's been about a year since my first encounter with the Wright - a weekend event in January 2011 in which I wanted to deal primarily with marital issues. I went to the More Life weekend training, referred by a FoaF who was with Wright for several years. The weekend is free, but if you leave early, they charge you $90 for materials, which is fair, IMHO. The style of the weekend - experiential learning - is hands-down superior to book learning. Under stresses of little sleep and food, it has the potential to put you in touch with yourself in amazing ways, kinda like Boot Camp. But... While it was a unique weekend, you must be aware, that all of the people 'helping' you have quotas to fill (as high as 60%). And many are junior people, not even done with the Year program, basically being used as free labor. So, I quit the program after 3 months, and I should have stopped at the Weekend. For all their ability to spin a yarn, Bob and Judith are not high-caliber trainers - Bob talks in circular definitions, Judith doesn't know when to step back and let people do the exercises she's giving them. Bob singled me out and berated me publicly twice - apologizing once. Is this who you want coaching your life ? Not a single YOM session had the transformational power of the 'free' weekend, and they are upwards of $100 each week, depending on your ability to pay... Be prepared for constant upselling if you partake in the Year. Also, know that they have a way of blaming students for any desire to think critically about the program ("Why don't you want to have a great life? What is your fear?") Any coaches who don't view the Coaching scenes in Donnie Darko with a sense of humor, are clearly not worth their salt. They also said they hated Fight Club as a movie about personal change and growth. I'm just sayin.. My survival guide for the weekend (if you are being peer-pressured into going and end up doing so) - let them pre-authorize the $90 on your credit card as they do, and when it gets to the hard-selling point of the weekend, from 4pm-8pm Sunday night when you're tired and want to go home and rest - JUST LEAVE. Let them have the $90, say thanks for the weekend, and be on your way. Or don't go at all. read more

Outstanding! I've been to alot of self development seminars and weekends which are introductory and elementary but The Wright Foundation is the PHD of self development. I cannot believe the amount of depth and value that they deliver! I feel truly blessed that they are based in Chicago so I can go in person (they also make it so even people out of country can take advantage of everything they have to offer)! Ive already had a ton of breakthroughs in my life because of the work they do and am excited for many more and living my mission! Thank you Bob and Judith for this amazing foundation! read more

I have found the Wright Institute to be very useful to me in many ways. I am an entrepreneur, and have owned my own business for 8 years. I have used business coaching, and sales and entrepreneurs groups, to learn and challenge myself, and I continue to challenge my limiting beliefs and exceed my expectations. I am an athlete, so I look at business coaching the same as athletic coaching. If I want to be the best leader I can be, and grow the best business I can, and serve my customers and employees the best that I can, I need to be pushed and challenged - the same as in sports. All the best athletes use coaches, and so do all the best business people that I know. And I believe the Wright Institute has the best coaches. I have also been lucky enough to be involved in Couples coaching as well, and this had made a tremendous impact on my marriage, our partnership, and our parenting. My parents divorced, so I never had a good model for conflict or partnership. I can honestly say that I am very proud of my marriage, I love my wife and we have been married for over 20 years, and we have 2 beautiful daughters. I am a better husband and father because of the coaching I received in the past and continue to receive at the Wright Institute. Coaching is not for everyone. You need to be willing to look deeply at yourself and to tell the truth - sometimes hard truths. Feedback and challenge is not always easy for me, but without it, I can never reach my full potential. Transformation can sometimes be painful, but I am very thankful for how well I have been served by the Wright Institute. read more

I would highly recommend the Women's Essential Experience (WEE) for any woman as well as the Wright organization's other learning opportunities for anyone and everyone open to living a fuller, more alive existence. The women's weekend has really taught me a great deal about the difference between masculine and feminine power, the importance of each in our society/world and how they compliment each other beautifully. In addition, I was able to learn much about myself and my desires in order to grow, learn and love. It is amazing the gift that I received at Wright! I had taken a quarter of learning last year with the commitment to continue and now cannot wait to further my growth with YOT...Year of Transformation. I would highly recommend anyone interested in living a more fulfilling life overflowing with possibility to check out wrightliving.com and attend one of their informational seminars to better understand the program. The staff at this WEE weekend as well as at the other seminars is incredibly kind, caring and very special....further evidence of the power of this non profit program. Hope to see you the there! read more

I have been involved w/ Wright Institute, recently completing one quarter of the Year of Transformation, volunteering at a Transform Training, participating a movie discussion group and a few evening seminars. I have experienced many new insights and growth. Challenging, to be sure but highly rewarding and profoundly life changing experiences. My ability to communicate more clearly has definitely improved, and I have developed new capacities for forming supportive relationships with people, and am now constantly making connections w/ people that are passionately interested in improving their lives and the world, and doing their own growth work too. In my first quarter of the Year of Transformation work I've had a major breakthrough regarding a debilitating pattern I've been reenforcing in the way I've formed love relationships throughout my whole life. Personally, I am open and comfortable w/ affection & closeness and yet feel insecure about losing it, so I've fallen for those that give some closeness but this makes them less comfortable and so they want to avoid it. In response I would 'chase' after them and further drive them away as they diminished my own feelings of importance. I would hold in the truth & and the pain this caused so I wouldn't damage the relationship and lose them. Now I've finally gained the strength to tell the whole truth, and let everyone know who I truly am and how I really feel. This is revolutionary and I am a whole new person b/c of it! In regards to the negative comments and experiences, I honestly think the people who have so many problems with this new system of thinking because they don't understand it. I question if all these 'disgruntled' participants even talked to anyone openly and honestly, or if they stayed closed, defensive and judging without taking the risk to share themselves and care about the other people there. What were you all doing there in the first place, if you weren't interested in forming new relationships and exploring the possibilities of living up to greater potential in your life and the increased positive effects you could have on others? From nearly 2 decades of research I have done regarding human sociological evolution, I perceive that we are collectively perched on the cusp of another great transformation in the way we live as humans on this planet. The info presented at Wright aligns to what I've found in all my research. Society is still in the process of improving, and our work at Wright is one of the ways this is being more fully accomplished. It's certainly not the only way, but a powerful component in developing ourselves for the future, to add to all that we already know and believe. Not a step away, but leaps and bounds forwards, towards others and the world. I have formed many new fantastic relationships with other people (within and outside of Wright) that are seriously and passionately interested in their own growth and the evolution of our species that facilitates the transformation of society into its next highest expression (see A. Maslow, B. Fuller, P. T. de Chardin, S. Mackintosh, K. Wilbur). It does take a willingness to challenge our old ways of doing things in order to move up to higher levels or organization and self-other supportive ways of being. This work is about discovering and expressing the Truth of life and of who we are. **I believe the TRUTH will reveal itself when held up to the light of consciousness & awareness =) read more

I don't have words for the Wright Foundation, except for that it has (and continue to) transform me in ways I never imagined! I have been affiliated with the Institute for almost 2 years and am now a graduate student at the Wright Graduate University for the Realization of Human Potential. Each class I attend spectacularly informs my life. I have completed the Year of Transformation, Women's Essential Experience, Soft-Addictions Training, Cognitive Restructuring, and recently the Summer Leadership Training. Before Wright, I was hurting in many areas of my life and career. As I learn about social-emotional intelligence, I grow to become the person I was meant to be! I now enjoy financial independence, fulfilling relationships, and greater influence wherever I go. It is leadership from the Inside-Out - REALLY! read more

I've been a student with Wright for 2.5 years. I hosted Judith to speak at my company about her soft addiction work, to help everyone learn how they can improve self awareness on their own bad (and good habits). Judith invited me to the training weekend and I haven't looked back since. This kind of work takes dedication and an open mind to see all the positive and negative sides of one-self. Anyone who's not ready or into that, may decide it's not for them, and that's ok. It's not easy. I've stuck with it and I continue to see how my life has changed for the better. The intro weekend, or even one hour web casts are great intro's to the work and allow yourself new ways to see yourself and learn more about who you are, and envision what your potential is. The closest thing I've heard it compared to is Landmark Forum, but even that isn't that similar. I've improved relationships, business acumen, and emotional intelligence in ways that improved myself professionally and personally. I'm more me thanks to Wright. read more

I attended part of the weekend for 'More Life' at the invitation of a woman I met in a professional networking group. First of all, if you are an introvert (like me), steer clear! You will be completely overwhelmed and attacked on all sides (the premise is that everyone is an extrovert, and that introverts are those with bad habits). I should have left after the first session on Friday night, but the woman that invited me had been so passionate, that I decided to go the Saturday as well. After a terribly intense day of being shouted at, told that I'm messed up simply because I'm single and have no interest in being in a relationship just now, and that I should be 'blowing up' any relationships that don't meet my own selfish emotional needs, I finally called 'enough!' I decided not to attend on Sunday, because my red flags had become overwhelming and I had the most incredible headache after enduring 15+ plus hours of being yelled at. . . Fortunately, my self awareness and self esteem sustained the attack, and I'm ok. I worry about some of the other emotionally fragile people attending and whether they came out unscathed. read more

This place is a cult and ruined my marriage by brainwashing my wife. She took the YOT class as a suggestion from a marriage counselor we were seeing because she was having a hard time with her business partner. She then broke up with her business partner and then turned her energy towards me. She has now filed for divorce. The woman I love and the mother of my children is so mentally messed up from this place that I had to write this review. I even read 3 of their books to try to understand the disconnext that they caused between my wife and I. I called Dr Bob to try to talk about this and it took 5 phone calls and a week to get a 10 minute conference call with my wife and I after she spent 10K of money she didnt have in the first place on the YOT class. I dialed in 1 minute late and all I hear is Dr Bob say is what's with this guy, he wanted this meeting? What a jerk. Is that any way to treat someone your supposed to care about after spending that much money at your school? Then they sent me a bill for several hundred after the call when I was never told there would be a bill. I havent paid and wont even if they send to collections. We were never told there would be a fee and would think after the time and money my wife put into this place they could give us a 10 minute consult for no charge. Long and short, dont go here. Run as fast and far as you can. They are a cult that preys upon the emotionally weak or unstable. They ruined my marriage and I will advocate against this place for the remainder of my life. I am connected in Chicago as I know they are but I will spread the word for years to avoid this place. They really messed up my wife's mind. read more

"We do not just coach people to achieve goals, we teach people to live their biggest visions." Finished the Year of Transformation program and started the Transformation Lab, I'm learning to living my vision everyday. I'm experiencing an ever expanding way to live my life. I'm grateful for the programs and all the allies I have who hold bigger visions for me, have my best interests and supported my growth relentlessly! If want to experience the level of growth I achieved check this organization out! read more

I REALIZE THIS IS A LENGTHY REVIEW. DON'T LET THE FACT THAT I GIVE IT 1 STAR STOP YOU FROM GOING. PART OF THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PLACE IS THAT PEOPLE DON'T TEND TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GETTING INTO WHEN THEY ATTEND WRIGHT, AND THIS REVIEW IS TO HELP YOU FIND THAT OUT. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING GOING, THEN READ THE WHOLE THING SO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO. THEN IF YOU STILL WANT TO GO, PLEASE READ THE REVIEW FROM JANE K. WHO ALSO SUMS UP WHAT I WENT THOUGH 100% AND MARGE R. WHO HAD A HUSBAND THERE FOR A WHILE. I ALSO HEAR LANDMARK IS SIMILAR TO THIS PLACE, SO MAYBE THIS REVIEW CAN HELP WITH A DECISION TO GO THERE TOO. I did the free weekend workshop. Some of it was interesting and they made it experiential. This place is NOT a cult, but some of the members try to turn it into one...although in retrospect, they do apply some cult principles to get you to sign up. They do some good things for some people, and some people need some of what this place does and yes, I was able to walk away with a few things. Others do not need this place, and that's what they won't understand. Try to explain to them that their program is not for you and they will call that "Stinking Thinking" and keep trying to pester you. And the more you say no, the angrier they will get and try to twist things within their own egocentric views to make it seem like you need their long-term programs. Yes, anger and pressurized sales tactics with mind games. Great psychology there from a group that's supposed to be on the cutting edge of psychological research. I am convinced that the people that stick with Wright are working from the same standpoint of people that join gangs; their lives are screwed up in some way, so they look to join a new "family" in an attempt to escape reality. I could give this 3 stars, if it were not for the facilitators who are obviously more screwed up than half the participants (really, why are these the graduates that are heading this thing? or is this screwed up state where you want them to end up?) and the Wright's inability to see beyond their system to why not everyone in the room needs their training. And to be quite honest, besides extremely vague comments, I don't remember any of the veterans saying anything about how WLI has truly made them more successful, they just claim they somehow are and that the program is awesome. I especially like how one guy in the room said we all need their training because he ran a business that made $40+ million dollars and he lost it all, so he came to Wright...but there was no talk about how they helped him...just that he lost his $40 million and ended up there. I was left hanging and waiting for the punchline that never came. He literally broke down and cried and said that everyone in the room was full of shit if we said we did not need them....no, not my words, but his. But oh wise Mr. Riches to Rags, you did not tell us why or what they've actually done for you. Now tell me who is full of what. They basically are becoming America's number 1 producer of dramaqueens. From what I gathered from the weekend, they want you to make decisions from a 100% emotional standpoint. Don't get me wrong, some people need to be more in touch with their emotions, but that's not how you should do everything. While I am glad they are making honest people, they are also encouraging you to wear your bleeding heart on your sleeve at all times. You know when someone cries and someone else says "let it out, let it out, so the healing can happen..." Well, they seem to want you to let it out and stay there crying. It seemed like it was just a bunch of broken people okay with living broken. You know that episode of the Simpsons where the feel good doctor came to town and Bart was supposedly the emotionally healthy child, where people chanted "Be like the boy"? That episode could have been based on an experience with this place, except Bart would have been some nonfunctional emo kid who cried about everything. It seemed like a huge group therapy session. They do offer a lot of support to help you reach your goals, but let's face it, you can pay anyone to repeatedly kick you in the ass to do something and you'll have the same chance of success with them as you will with Wright. Oh, and let me tell you more about their sales tactic. At the very end, they tried to have everyone in that room convinced they were screwed up beyond belief so some people cried and believed them, and that's when they hit you up with selling their "Year of More" program. There are quite a few professional counselors who didn't find this place healthy either. It's almost frightening that this place offers accredited Master's Degrees in Psychology. read more

Truly horrible group. Here are just a few of the billions of reasons to stay far away: 1) The Wrights lost their license over their unethical "counseling" practices. 2) If you go to their "free" weekend and decide not to turn over your life savings for future craziness, they immediately lay into you, telling you that you are not ready to be open-minded, etc. Which is hilarious because no one there is open-minded; they all are kept under tight control of this group. Members don't make a move without checking in. 3) Wright "encourages" you to participate in groups where you go through mental development from the beginning. For example, they'll tell you you're 3 year old,so you act like a 3 year old, carrying a doll with you. The next year you can pay to be a 4 year old! 4) They make leaving very, very hard. For example, if you want to leave the groups described above, you must write a letter explaining why, and then no one in the wright institute - your whole "family" - is allowed to talk to you for an entire year. And then what? They've isolated you from family and friends not in the WI (not willing to pay? they must be closed-minded!) kept you busy and indebted to them ("the "volunteers" don't have a choice), so that when you want to leave, you don't have a life outside of Wright. Any poor soul who is lonely for a minute will cave and go running back to them. Not surprisingly, most members are broke. Terrible, terrible people. read more

I would highly recommend the Wright Institute. I wanted to develop my leadership skills and I am. I knew that in order to be a great leader in both my business and my community, I had to know what made me tick -- know myself. I was looking for a program that would give me the following: * draw out my potential rather than put in aims and/or knowledge from outside. * develops leadership rather than imposes rules. * reflective, I draw from my own experience rather than be directed. * personal transition on an individual basis -- experiential learning, learn it, know it , live it. I have made great strides this year. I am making better decisions in developing my business and it has paid off -- new clients are calling me. Again, I would highly recommend the Wright Institute and the More Life Training, especially if you want to create your world rather than wait for it to come to you. read more

I've benefited from attending classes with the Wright Institute. It's a practical, logical program based on established research and data and it's made a big difference in my life. And my life was pretty good before - I've got a ton of friends, a great family, and a good career and I'm not at all a 'self-help' type of person. I just wanted a little more out of life and the folks at the Wright Institute delivered. The bottom line is, they are dedicated to helping people improve the quality of their lives. Of course there are elements that frustrate me - for example the constant up-sell to do/spend more. But overall the value far outweighs this minor irritation. I'm writing this in hopes of providing a more accurate view of this organization based on actual experience - not fear, rumor, and speculation. read more

I attended the "More Life Training" and recently completed the "Year of More" program, and it has been hugely beneficial in both my work and personal life. I have become better at expressing myself and connecting with others. I have become much better at navigating difficult social and emotional situations, and I have become a stronger team player at work. I highly recommend attending one of the "More Life Training" weekends if you want to gain deeper insight on the emotional and psychological mechanics of interpersonal interactions which happen everywhere, all the time! Here's a very brief overview of how the weekend and the subsequent year is structured: There are 4 quarters (parts): 1. Personal Power - noticing how you are powerful in everything you do (that power can be a a positive or negative influence; it depends on how you direct it) 2. Life Purpose & Spirituality - examining spirituality's role in your life, and what/whom the higher power is, what that means to you 3. Nourishment & Self-Care - becoming more conscious of your emotions and using that power to inform conscious behavior 4. Family & Intimacy - exploring the family system, and how it influences your life perspective and day-to-day behavior The year is an in-depth exploration of these areas through weekly assignments. All of the assignments and course-work are based on well-known and well-researched psychological, neuro-psychological, and group-dynamic theories and concepts (John Bowlby, Harry Harlow, Alfred Adler, Abraham Maslow, Sigmund Freud...to name a few). Knowing this stuff is very useful if you manage people at work. read more

I've taken coaching sessions at Wright for almost a year and I have noticed not only my life improving, but also the sales in my company. I'm all about social and emotional intelligence as it has helped me related to others better and motivate my team if a more personal level. The campus in WI is beautiful and I've had the best retreats there. I would definitely recommend it. read more

I was at a major crossroads in my life and was invited to a free weekend training several years ago. I had no intention of signing up for anything. I was worried about my finances and all the changes that recently had occurred. The weekend ended up being one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. As the weekend came to an end I realized that I deserved to give myself the gift of signing up for the Year of More. The year served to help me learn better ways to take care of myself as I did my weekly assignments and enjoyed the challenges that I took on. Through the various trainings I have taken and the programs I have participated in I have learned to take responsibility for my decisions, stop making excuses for things I did and take more risks. I have taken on many leadership opportunities and have learned lots about myself. The students at Wright help support each other in growth work and also challenge each other to take risks that ultimately create a better world. I live my life with more intention and accomplish more then I ever imagined. Life is more fun. I love the adventure I am on since I joined Wright Institute read more

I've been a student of Wright leadership programs for several years, and several family members have also attended trainings. It is absolutely unique in the combination of methods and concepts taught in how to have a great life, and the results I've seen in myself and those closest to me have been remarkable. The one year More Life program was in many ways more instructive than four years of college. The trainings are intense but students get to decide how deeply they want to participate. It's like anything else: the more you put into it, the more you get out! read more

I am a woman with melanin from the south side of Chicago who needed help with my career and hired a coach I found on craigslist. He lived in another state and suggested that I go to the Wright Foundation for one-on-one assistance.. I started at the free Foundations Weekend. I started to leave the first day because of the long talking but since I purchased a hotel downtown (even though I live in the city) I decided to stay. I'm glad I did! I have been a more effective woman in my personal and business life since that weekend. 1. The Science of the mind has always been a curiosity of mine, and Judith Wright is definitely a mind scientist! She seems to love to study spirit, mind, and philosophy and appears to have a strong and learned group of women around her who operate with kindness and diligence. 2. The kindness can come off as fake at first, but once you are there you will see that these people are making an effort to bring peace and kindness to themselves and humanity. 3. Being born and raised in a church and being a seeker of the truth, I have been a part of many churches, spiritual thought, and religious organizations and I've found that the Wright Foundation gives you TOOLS and PRACTICES/ASSIGMENTS that lead you into YOUR OWN SELF discovery. 4. No one forces you to take anything at Wright, if anything you learn the power to say NO to anything that doesn't serve a purpose. 5. I don't know, or care to know Mr. and Mrs. Wright because all humans have flaws. Remember they are humans so you may see a quirk or two, but what I do know that if you come there as a student, you will see a change in your life. 6. EVERY system is a cult. The government is a cult, our jobs are cults. My father uses the word often because of the Jim Joneses of the past. 7. EVERYTHING has a cost. The Wright Foundation is actually reasonably priced for the classes and services and some other reviews here on Yelp have people complaining about the constant recruitment for classes! Even the churches recruit new members every Sunday! It is crazy to want something for nothing. They are generous with their time, resources, and facilities that are well kept. I find that the classes give you more in a couple of weeks compared to 4 years in college. Lastly, I say have your OWN mind and your own beliefs! There is a tendency at Wright to profile your ass the minute you arrive and I don't like that at all. But remember, they are mind scientists and are taught about the various human attributes. This is NOT an organization made to isolate you but if you become isolated it's maybe what you need to prosper. Joy and Bliss, LJ read more

Not happy with your weight, health, family relationships, work, children, financial situation, spouse, or life purpose? Got anomie, malaise, or just suspect there's more for you in life? Think you are too old or too stuck in your ways to change? Think again! Get tools, support and encouragement working with others from a variety of backgrounds for a better, more fulfilling life. You can be the driver in your own life experience, and the Wrights show you the way. My gains: promotions at work, tighter family relationships, peace with myself, and a sunnier disposition. read more

I have been a student at Wright for 2 years. In this time I've learned a ton about who I am and how I can live my life to the fullest. The courses are based on real science and the instructors have many years of experience in leadership, social and emotional intelligence, and coaching. I would highly recommend Wright for people who are motivated to living a great life. read more

This place is not going to help you, it only wants your money. -- The down to earth truth. I escaped from this place a few months ago, and I still feel chilly when I recalled what I saw and heard there. I appreciate other people who gave the Wright Hub one star only here. At Wright, I was surprised to see there are so many broken-hearted people in our modern society, and seeing those reviews giving it one star (especially the one who escaped from it after 3 months), I am happy to know there are people who did not lose their consciousness and rationality. As an amateur psychologist, I noticed many unreasonable traces in their training -- even the first night. First of all, they let you stay up till midnight on Friday, then 8 to 8 on Saturday and 8 to 8 on Sunday, this schedule makes you very tired (and irrational). Such schedule is often used by the people who want to seduce you into something -- you are brain washed. Secondly, Bob Wright wears two bracelets -- very rare for a man who claims to help you gain your life back, though alright for all the other people who like fashion, who like to look cool...well you know what I mean, although this is a little bit fictional here -- believe me or not, you can notice traces on him that shows he is actually empty and unconfident. I'm not sure if he reads those or not (but his followers certainly do that a lot maybe, they are brain washed; so maybe next time you'll see him take off that. Well, he'll not care what someone like me, unemployed and bankrupted said, anyways, maybe.) Thirdly, they seem to mix real neuroscience with made-up mysteries, the common way people use to trick you. Some other important observations -- the employees there lied a lot. I met at least 3 or 4 circumstances they lied. They seemed to be very nice, but the only thing they cared seemed to be coaxing you to stay there longer, and stay there all the time -- why do they need that? And, why make up lies for that? If an institution claims to help you for your life, and the people it breeds up lie to you just for some unreasonable reasons -- shouldn't that make you on alert already? I escaped just after the first night -- and thank God I didn't stay longer. I turned back and forth in my bed that night, was so scared by the things Wright was trying to do. Reading other reviews -- especially those who told us how they asked us for money for longer-term coaching later -- made me feel so lucky that I noticed the traces and escaped early, but made me feel unhappier how they wasted my time. I think they especially want to target at people who have holes in their hearts, people who are unemployed and looking for support, people who are weak -- be aware! read more

I just got back from another Wright event and feel compelled to write this note. I'm a small business owner and have had many coaches over the years and have gone to inspirational seminars on personal growth and self improvement. They've all been motivating in some capacity, but until I attended Wright, I haven't had a consistent source of input and coaching that really made a lasting difference. Wright has. Their leadership guidance and social emotional intelligence insights have changed how I manage staff, work with clients, sell my company and even come up with creative business solutions as a marketer. The same trainings and ideas have helped me grow in my marriage and parenting as well. It's a great program for whatever you want to change in your life. read more

This is a very deceiving business. I went for the "free" weekend, more like $100 wasted dollars, and was pretty much outraged by what goes on here. The first LONG night was from 7pm-12am, and all you did was listen to Bob and Judith Wright (founders) discuss the stereotypical negative thinking that everyone does at one point or another. While they discuss the problems with negative energy they give you no advice on how to change the negative thinking (probably because they don't really know how to change it.. I don't know). But I made it through the first night, and went back on Saturday morning at 8am. I sat. I sat some more. I listened to Bob and Judith take turns rambling off basic neuroscience facts and showing poor-quality YouTube videos of people at the Wright workshops "getting help". I started thinking about how it was only noon-- and this day didn't end until 8pm. I started to cry, which is what they want, because the more vulnerable you act the easier it is for them to push you to do the year-long program because you clearly are unsatisfied with life-- no maybe I was just unsatisfied with this program I stupidly signed up for. Every other minute one of the "staff" who are basically people going through the program or have "graduated" from the program, are asking me "How are you feeling?" Or "What are you thinking about right now?" Basically, I left midway through Sunday, even though it was the last day I still had 8 more hours to go and I just couldn't take it! I'm so happy I saw through their money scheme and didn't get brainwashed into thinking I'm some super unhappy individual that can only be happy through the Wright Way of Living and its poorly trained, if even-trained at all coaches. Of course it took another hour to get out of that stuffy room because they kept trying to convince me to have a heart-to-heart with Bob, who actually sort of creeped me out.... Anyway, once I got out of there I was the happiest I'd been in a while! I do not recommend the Wright Way of Living. read more

I have done personal growth work with the Wright Institute for a couple of years and find that it has helped me go for more of what I want in life. I was introduced to the work by a friend and attended the More Life Training weekend. I was completely skeptical as I had never done any personal growth work of this sort before but found myself moved by my experience over the weekend and signed up for the Year of More program. Both the coursework and being surrounded by students who are really dedicated to learning and growing has been invaluable in helping me learn to take risks in my life, to go for things that previously seemed out of my reach, and to deal with challenges and successes in a way that keeps me learning and growing. For a long time I thought that my pretty good life was enough but now I see how much more is available to me. I have become a more present and powerful leader in my workplace, my community and my family. I don't think I would have thought that I could want more had I not gone outside of my comfort zone and taken this training. read more

A Pragmatic Approach That Works After taking some leadership classes at the University of Chicago during my MBA years, I really got into the concepts and practices of leadership. The Wright Leadership Institute provided an introductory class on Transformative Leadership which drew my attention. It's called the More Life Transformative Living Experience. This was one of the most meaningful trainings I've done not only for my career, but also for my life. I got to experience first hand a lot of the things that leadership books talk about and had a chance to develop my interpersonal and leadership skills. Using these skills and experiences, I went from being a technical problem solver in my consulting firm to being one of the leaders in my practice area. But what I was really pleased by is how much more I learned to get out of every relationship including my close relationships with my wife and my family. What I really liked was they didn't just have one weekend training that was great, they had a whole curriculum for a whole year called Year of More. I, along with my close family, has completed the Year of More class and it is one of the best programs I've ever done. The many books on leadershiphey talk about living life as an adventure, but I got to experience it first hand on the introductory weekend and still continue to do so! It is hard work but it's also a ton of fun. I think anyone interested in developing their full potential and leadership skills who doesn't mind doing some hard work while having fun should check this out! read more

I just returned from their women's weekend, the Woman's Essential Experience (WEE), and I am in awe of the leadership training. There are a growing number of research studies out there talking about the power of women in the C-Suite to affect significant organizational change, that having women in senior management leads to greater organizational effectiveness, more collaboration and resulting innovation, and an improved bottom line. This is the most powerful training I know of that trains women to lead with feminine power and energy, without apology, rather than trying to compete "like a man". I can be a full woman, with my emotions and intuition, AND get sh@t done. If every woman learned to value herself the way we learned at this weekend, I can't help but believe there would be lower rates of eating disorders, fewer divorces, and more women owning their authority and power to go make a difference for the things that matter to them most. There were 3 teenagers on the training and I could not help but feel jealous that they learned about these things at such a young age. I feel tremendously grateful for what I learned, and I hope the word gets out about this training! read more

I participated in the More Life weekend a couple years ago. I didn't really like it at first. I thought it was too emotional. But I liked what they were saying about how I could choose the kind of life I wanted, and how building my social and emotional intelligence would help me get there. I decided to try it out for the weekend. I got a lot out of the weekend. I learned a lot about taking bigger risks in life, like asking for the raise I want or putting myself out there in the dating world. Pretty simple stuff, but it helped me see how much more I can enjoy the life I have. I learned more about my emotions, and how to manage them, so I don't get all swept up in them like I used to. I learned that it's OK to feel angry or sad. It's not about crying all the time - it's more about accepting what I'm feeling and being OK with it. I like that a lot better. I got a lot of positive feedback at work after that weekend, and I was glad I did it. I've taken classes there since then, and I really enjoy them. I would recommend it to anyone who's interested. read more

I've been involved with the Wright Institute for about a year and a half and it has been an amazing experience. The specific programs that I've done in the past are the More Life Training (both as a participant and on the production team), the Year of More, and the Men's Basic Training, which are all excellent. To cut to the chase, I feel much more at peace with myself and much more optimistic about the future than I did a year and a half ago. I understand myself better and I enjoy talking to people about 10 times more than I used because I'm much less guarded and much more willing to just be guided by my curiosity about the person I'm talking to. The first thing that impressed me about the Wright Institute was the caliber of the other students that I met, and I continue to be impressed all the time. It's a very diverse group: lots of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, religions (I've known several Christians, Muslims, Jews, and agnostics among the more senior students), etc. More than that, I've met people there with a lot of different personality types, extroverts and introverts, salesmen and nurses, people who had a lot of achievements before they ever got involved with Wright and people who felt that they were struggling. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are there to improve their own lives and that tends to make them a lot of fun to be around. It's really inspiring. One of the things that I find most interesting about the Wright Institute is the way they combine different perspectives on the same issue. The background of knowledge that Bob and Judith Wright bring to the table is impressive. What really stands out to me personally is the way that they combine insights from eastern philosophy with a savvy for life in the modern business world. I'm a Buddhist myself and yet I make my living in corporate America, so a worldview that understands and incorporates both is very healthy for me. Bob and Judith Wright are amazing coaches. Based on numerous experiences talking to them myself or seeing them interact with other students, they have an amazing ability to get right at the core issues that really matter to the person they're talking to. They acknowledge the effects of our childhood experiences while consistently bringing the subject back around to personal responsibility and what choices we want to make in our lives now. I also love the way they consistently encourage people to go for a "win-win" for themselves and the world - by which I mean that I as an individual need to be satisfied and I need to thrive, but I also want to make a positive change in the world. "Self-improvement" or "personal development" are concepts that can sometimes seem self-centered or narrowly selfish, but the Wright Institute puts them in the context of maximizing our positive impact on the world. The other coaches and leaders I've met at the Institute have also impressed me with their level of insight and dedication. Actually, the other students, especially the ones that have been students for at least a year, often have impressive insights as well. I guess that shouldn't surprise me, since understanding humans, both ourselves and those around us, is a big part of what students at the Wright Institute learn. Being a student at the Wright Institute can be hard work and it can be challenging - sometimes it can even be upsetting. I've heard people say, "well, the Wright Institute isn't for everybody." I don't know why I would even have an opinion about what is or isn't good for everybody. I don't know everybody. I can say that I've known lots of people with all sorts of different personalities, backgrounds, and goals who have gotten enormous value out of Wright Institute programs - I'm one of them. read more

I had been on the search for personal growth for many years. I began with reading all kinds of self help books, Rolfing (intense deep pressure muscle work) in 91', tried many forms of meditation from books, took classes in Transcendental meditation, etc. They were all helpful/useful but now I think that it was all to lay the groundwork for me to be able to take in the concepts taught at Wright & take them into my life. Really great stuff. I highly recommend the new Transform Book & Training. It has helped me to commit to being different with people in a way that I am able to touch their lives & allow them to touch mine. read more