Meet Karla Hylton

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karla Hylton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karla, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose through a series of profound life experiences that pushed me to reflect deeply on who I am and what I can contribute to the world. There was a time in my life when I faced immense challenges, including personal struggles that took me to very dark places. However, those moments became the turning point.

Instead of allowing the pain to define me, I began to see it as a source of strength. Writing my book, The Unvarnished Truth: Purpose in the Pain, was one of the first steps in that journey. It allowed me to not only heal but also to connect with others who had gone through similar experiences. I realized that sharing my story and helping others navigate their own pain was not just a calling—it was my purpose. That realization was solidified when I created Vanquishing Monsters, a companion workbook designed to empower others to overcome their struggles.

My purpose became clear when I understood that the challenges I faced were meant to guide me toward helping others, whether it be through my writing, coaching, or mentoring. It was about embracing who I am, including the difficult parts, and using that to create meaningful change in other people’s lives

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey has been one of personal transformation, and it has shaped everything I do today, especially my work as a life coach. After going through some incredibly dark times in my own life, including struggling with depression and surviving two suicide attempts, I knew that part of my purpose was to help others who are in similar situations. My experiences have given me unique insights, and I believe that only someone who has been through that level of pain can truly understand what it feels like.

Today, I focus on life coaching with a special emphasis on individuals dealing with depression, suicidal ideation, and emotional turmoil. This work is deeply personal to me, as I feel a strong connection with people who are struggling to find hope and meaning in their lives. What’s most special about this journey is that I’m not just offering a service—I’m offering a lifeline, a way to reclaim one’s sense of purpose and direction. My approach is rooted in compassion, deep understanding, and the belief that healing is possible.

Along with coaching, my books The Unvarnished Truth: Purpose in the Pain and Vanquishing Monsters provide a roadmap for individuals to navigate their own journeys. Both works have been essential in helping others realize that they are not alone in their struggles, and that their pain can ultimately lead to purpose. I’m also excited to be expanding my coaching programs and workshops, including my new MindFlex program, which is designed to cultivate emotional resilience and mental flexibility for individuals of all ages.

In the coming months, I’m working on launching a series of speaking engagements and workshops that focus on mental health awareness and empowerment, especially for those who feel lost in their struggles. I want people to know that no matter how deep the pain may seem, there is always a path forward, and I’m here to help them find it

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience: This has been my foundation. Life has presented me with numerous challenges, from personal pain to professional setbacks, but resilience allowed me to keep going. It wasn’t about avoiding failure or hardship but learning to rise each time I fell. My advice for those early in their journey is to build resilience by reframing failure as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. The challenges you face will teach you more than any success ever could.
Empathy: Especially in my work as a life coach for those dealing with depression and suicidal ideation, empathy has been crucial. It’s not just about understanding someone’s pain; it’s about truly feeling with them. To develop empathy, I would recommend active listening and being open to other perspectives. The more you can connect with others on a deep emotional level, the more meaningful your work and relationships will become.
Lifelong Learning: I’ve always believed in the power of continuous growth. Whether through formal education or personal exploration, learning has kept me evolving. For example, I recently completed studies in mental health to better support the individuals I coach. For those starting their journey, I’d advise cultivating curiosity and never becoming complacent. The more you expand your knowledge, the more tools you’ll have to navigate your path and help others along the way.
Ultimately, my journey has been one of personal growth and transformation. I encourage anyone just starting out to be patient with themselves, stay committed to their growth, and lean into the qualities that will not only help them succeed but also serve others.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling the importance of education from a young age. They always emphasized that learning wasn’t just about passing exams or earning degrees—it was about expanding my mind, understanding the world, and becoming a lifelong learner. My parents nurtured my curiosity and always encouraged me to explore topics beyond the classroom. They taught me that education was the key to unlocking doors, whether they be academic, personal, or professional.

Their belief in the power of education became my foundation. It fueled my passion to become an educator and later, a mentor and life coach. I’ve seen firsthand how education—whether formal or informal—can transform lives. This is a principle I carry forward in my work today, not only with students but also with individuals struggling to find their way. The impact my parents had on me continues to ripple out through the work I do, and I’m forever grateful for the value they placed on learning.

For anyone raising or mentoring young people, my advice is to foster a love of learning, not just a pursuit of success. Help them see education as a tool for growth and self-discovery, and that mindset will carry them far in life.

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