Way Out 23: From Corporate Gaslighting to Total Freedom with Karol Figueroa

"Corporate for many people tends to be our longest emotionally abusive relationship." In this episode of 101 Ways Out, we sit down with Karol Figueroa, who achieved the ultimate corporate dream as a Director at Microsoft, only to realize the "matrix" was a trap. After dedicating 12 years to a company, she watched them coldly dismiss her need for flexibility during a grueling, $100,000 custody battle. But the real wake-up call came from her 4-year-old daughter. While Karol was working late one night to pay for a lavish lifestyle, her daughter looked at her and said the five words that changed Karol's life forever: "Mom, but I already love you." Today, Karol is the Founder and CEO of HIK Trainings. She traded her BMW for an electric Mini Cooper, fired her toxic corporate bosses, and built a life where she has the ultimate freedom to be fully present with her family. In this episode, you will learn: →Why corporate loyalty is an illusion (and how to protect yourself). →How to handle toxic managers and narcissistic gaslighting in the workplace. →The exact financial strategy Karol used (including leveraging company stock) to fund her escape. →Why you must uncouple your identity from your job title. →How to stop buying your way to happiness and redefine what "success" actually looks like. 🔗 Links & Resources: Connect with Karol & HIK Trainings: www.hiktrainings.com Want to chat about your own Way Out? Grab some time on Vanessa's calendar: https://calendly.com/leva-app/leva-vanessa-c200?month=2026-06 101 Ways Out explores how thoughtful, capable people step away from inherited definitions of success and begin designing lives rooted in freedom, meaning, and joy. Through intimate conversations with founders, creatives, coaches, executives, and explorers, host Vanessa Jupe uncovers the moments that changed everything: burnout, clarity, fear, courage, and the decision to choose a different path. These are not overnight success stories. They are real conversations about identity, autonomy, money, fear, creativity, and what it actually takes to build a life that lights you up. 🎧 New episodes weekly 🌱 Part of the 101 Ways Out transformation platform 🔗 Learn more: (https://101WaysOut.com) 📷 Instagram: (https://instagram.com/101waysout) 💼 LinkedIn: (https://linkedin.com/company/101waysout/)