“I wore the mask so well, I almost forgot who I really was.”

Kyle Vaughn grew up in the heart of Carol City, Miami — a neighborhood that taught him how to survive, adapt, and succeed. But in this powerful episode, we go deeper than the accolades and corporate promotions to unpack what it really cost to keep up the act.

From narrowly escaping street violence to climbing the corporate ladder with a mask stitched together by expectations, Kyle’s story is one of duality, determination, and ultimately, self-reclamation.

He got a full ride to college… and a full dose of impostor syndrome.

He broke into corporate America… and nearly broke down trying to stay there.

He achieved the “dream”… and learned the hard way that it meant nothing if he wasn’t whole inside.

Through raw storytelling and honest reflections, Kyle opens up about:

• The survival mindset that shaped his “tough” persona.

• Code-switching and identity as a Black man navigating white spaces.

• The silent toll of success and the power of stepping back to heal.

• The love, faith, and therapy that helped him remove the mask — for good

This isn’t just about climbing. It’s about healing while holding it all together.

If you’ve ever questioned who you are beneath the surface — this conversation is for you.