Erika Jones, CFO, CCTAProfit First Professionals · Certified Fractional CFO and Profit First Professional

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

22 May 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief conversation, the speakers reflect on the late designer Kate Spade’s long‑standing battle with depression and anxiety, noting that she avoided seeking professional help to protect the upbeat, colorful image of her brand. They describe the emotional impact of learning about her death and use her story as a poignant illustration that outward success, wealth, and a vibrant public persona do not shield entrepreneurs from mental‑health challenges. The dialogue underscores the pressure entrepreneurs face to maintain a positive brand narrative while privately coping with mental‑health struggles, urging a broader recognition that success does not equate to mental 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.