Champagne & Lies: Finding the Gateway to Heaven with Karms Fung

I had the privilege of interviewing some remarkable souls during my adventures at Mindvalley U this year in Amsterdam. From world-class DJs to wandering nomads, hundreds of soul-seeking travelers from all around the globe gathered for two weeks of connection and personal growth. I knew that there would be people with incredible stories to share, and I was not wrong! In this episode of From the Ashes, I sit down with Karms Fung, who shares her remarkable journey from a high-achieving corporate career to rediscovering purpose and alignment through Vipassana meditation and deep inner healing. Together, we explore how survival-driven ambition can transform into authentic freedom, why love and compassion are at the heart of true fulfillment, and how breaking free from expectations can open the door to living with purpose. Karms’ story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of rewriting your own definition of success. In this episode, we explore: Vipassana as a life-changing turning point. Breaking free from the trap of corporate success. Childhood wounds as fuel for ambition. Redefining success through love and compassion. Building a life of freedom and purpose. Key Moments: [01:09]- Karms describes her decision to leave corporate life and commit to a 10-day Vipassana retreat, despite her restless nature and skepticism. [03:17]- Karms shares the physical and mental battles of sitting in silence, from aching knees to wondering if she had joined a cult, and how she pushed through. [05:31]- On day six, Karms receives a profound realization: the true “gateway to heaven” is not belief alone but embodying love and compassion. [07:27]- Returning to Sydney, she finds herself transformed—kinder, calmer, even able to speak with her once-triggering mother without losing her peace. [14:38]- Karms recalls being left in Australia as a child, feeling abandoned and unloved, and how this pain fueled her relentless pursuit of money and success. [26:00]- Despite reaching financial freedom at 34, she experiences an existential crisis, realizing that wealth and titles brought no real happiness. [29:12]- Karms shares her current path as a coach, helping others find freedom and strength while working on her own challenge—public speaking in person. About Our Guest: Karms Fung is a CPA with over 15 years of experience in accounting, working in government delivering billion dollar projects - but her real transformation began when she traded spreadsheets for soul work. Now an online business coach and certified NLP trainer, Karms helps entrepreneurs and high achievers turn their strengths into income and their purpose into profit. She is the founder of Excel Purpose, hosting one of the most inspiring personal development book clubs in Australia - where celebrity authors like Lewis Howes, Lisa Bilyeu and Evan Carmichael have made guest appearances. Known for her contagious energy and sharp insights, Karms blends business strategy with mindset mastery to help others rise with confidence to create impact. About the Show: ✨ From the Ashes is proud to be part of the high-impact work of The Vibrant Visionary, transformative coaching that helps visionary changemakers rise from burnout and step into their full creative power. This podcast is your free resource for epic-level personal growth—one story at a time. 📲 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated. It helps more people find the stories that light the way. About the Host: Valerie Hwang Beck is a holistic wellness coach, personal growth mentor, and board-certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. As the founder of Intrepid Wellness and creator of the year-long mentorship Club Phoenix, Valerie helps high-achieving creatives break free from burnout and realign with their truth—without sacrificing their health, joy, or purpose. Through From the Ashes, Valerie shares intimate conversations that awaken transformation, rebuild self-trust, and celebrate the art of rising to meet the most vibrant, authentic version of yourself. Join the Conversation Got insights, feedback, or an aha moment from today’s episode? Leave me a voicemail on SpeakPipe or email me at [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @intrepidwellness.val 🎥 YouTube: @intrepidwellness562 💻 Website: https://www.thevibrantvisionary.com 📧 Join my email list   Want to Go Deeper? Join Club Phoenix If this episode speaks to your soul and you’re ready to stop over-functioning, start healing, and fully embody your next level—you belong in Club Phoenix. 📅 Book a 30-minute Vibrant Vision Quest 🔥 Explore upcoming programs & intensives