Diane GardnerFounder, Adept Business Solutions · Profit First Professional

Success and mental health #entrepreneur #mentalhealth #burnout #mentalhealthmonth

22 May 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

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In this brief YouTube discussion, the speakers reflect on the tragic death of fashion entrepreneur Kate Spade, revealing that she had long struggled with depression and anxiety. They note that her reluctance to seek professional help stemmed from a fear of damaging the upbeat, colorful image of her brand. The conversation uses Kate Spade’s story as a concrete example to challenge the common belief that business success, wealth, and a vibrant public persona protect against mental‑health issues. The speakers emphasize that entrepreneurial pressure can mask deep personal struggles, underscoring the need to separate external success from internal well‑being.

Chapters

Kate Spade had been suffering with depression and anxiety for years, and her sister expressed that one of the reasons Kate declined going to a facility for help is because she didn't want to impact the brand's positive persona. Heartbreaking. Like, kind of takes my breath away. The idea of running this business, which is so outwardly up and fun and colorful and alive and happy, and the person behind it all is just struggling to make it. And we're sharing her story because it's an example of a successful entrepreneur who is succumbing to the pressure of running a business.
I, I was shocked. We were doing prep yesterday for this and I did not know she passed away. I know the brand, the Kate Spade brand, right? In particular, so well.
It highlights that mental health cannot be determined by success and wealth.
And maybe success and wealth are not synonymous. Maybe we have to have our definition of success.