Shane Krider, CEO of Polaris Global, a network marketing company, publicly identifies as a Scientologist. Despite this, Polaris Global claims no connection to the religion. However, its marketing materials frequently use specific Scientology terminology, raising questions about the company's true affiliations.
Polaris Global and its related entities often use the phrase "at cause." This term is not standard business vocabulary. It comes directly from Scientology doctrine, specifically the KRC triangle: Knowledge, Responsibility, and Control. In Scientology, having all three puts an individual "at cause" in a situation, meaning they control their circumstances. Lacking them leaves a person "at effect," or a victim of those same circumstances.
The company's own "Polaris Global Due Diligence" blog states, "Polaris has a goal to be at positive cause to expand the network marketing industry as a whole." This phrasing sounds awkward in a business context. It reads naturally only to those familiar with Scientology language. The "unofficial" Polaris Global Community Blog also uses it, describing entrepreneurs as "self-determined and at cause in our own lives." The sentence continues, "We are not at the effect of the economy, the weather, the negati—" before cutting off. The repeated use shows a clear pattern.
This consistent use across multiple Polaris platforms suggests a deliberate messaging strategy. It goes beyond random word choice. The "Polaris Global Due Diligence" blog itself warrants scrutiny. A company operating its own due diligence site presents a fundamental conflict of interest. Real due diligence requires independent investigation. Accepting information directly from the company defeats the purpose of such a review.
The question remains why Polaris Global would adopt Scientology language at all. If the company truly has no connection to Scientology beyond Krider's personal beliefs, the terminology choice seems careless. Alternatively, it could be a deliberate message aimed at attracting Scientologist members and donors. The answer likely lies in a casual adoption of familiar language by individuals steeped in Scientology culture. This combines with messaging designed to connect with that same audience. Either way, it weakens Polaris Global's claims of distance from the church.
For prospective members considering Polaris Global, this matters. The pervasive language implies the company's culture, training materials, and worldview are shaped by Scientology principles, regardless of official denials. The terminology reveals what the marketing does not.