Attended with high hopes. Left with deep concerns about ethics, value, and care for clients. Heading to the FTC to file a complaint.
Attended with high hopes. Left with deep concerns about ethics, value, and care for clients.
I joined Suzanne Evans’ programme in November, expecting guidance on growing my business through speaking. While the *Captivate* event started strong with valuable content on Day 1, from midday on Day 2 it shifted heavily into selling her high-ticket *Spotlight* programme, which costs around $30,000–$35,000 depending on payment terms.
I initially admired Suzanne and also joined her $100month *Comeback Club*, but found the live sessions impractical due to timezone differences. When I asked to cancel after one month, I was told there was a mandatory three-month minimum—something that was never disclosed up front. That was the first red flag. Suzanne even admitted on a Spotlight call that she starts each day as if she’s broke—despite her wealth—which I found disconcerting and revealing.
The tech systems were dated, confusing to navigate, and poorly organised. Reminders came only moments before calls started. Within *Spotlight*, the constant upselling was relentless—nearly every call became a sales pitch. I saw participants who had borrowed money to join, then spent more $1,500 on “Slay the Day” and still had no sales to show for it. One such woman, who had joined Spotlight and was showcased as a success story for the Captivate event in November, could not attend the 'retreat' as her payments were not up to date!!
At the in-person 'retreat' in Cary, NC, many were left scrambling due to a lack of clear scheduling. Sessions ended much earlier than stated, and when concerns were raised, Suzanne dismissed them, saying, “I’ve been doing this for 16 years—trust me.” I found the whole event superficial, the content was very basic, with minimal engagement from Suzanne or her staff. When I offered her a meaningful birthday gift on Day 2, there was no connection, no conversation, and no interest in how my business was going.
Suzanne is now a triathlete and Is obsessed with training which leaves her students with a grumpy, stressed 'coach' who has no interest in the results of her clients.
Though I was paid up at the time of the retreat, they later withheld my photos as leverage after I paused future payments based on my decision not to continue. I also discovered they made an 'unauthorised charge' to a card without a valid direct debit mandat—which I believe breaches FTC regulations and will be included in a formal complaint to that body.
In short, I found the experience money-driven, disconnected, and riddled with coercive tactics. I cannot recommend this company.
This review is written without ill-will, vexation or frivolity.