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

The Hidden Cost of Success: Kate Spade's Story

18 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this reflective segment, the speakers discuss Kate Spade's long‑standing battle with depression and anxiety, emphasizing how her sister discouraged inpatient treatment to protect the brand’s upbeat image. The conversation highlights the dissonance between the brand’s vibrant, joyful persona and the founder’s personal struggles, using her story as a cautionary example of how even highly successful entrepreneurs can be overwhelmed by the pressures of running a business. The speakers underscore that mental health challenges are not mitigated by wealth or success, and they express personal shock and empathy upon learning of her passing.

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. My heart breaks. It 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, 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.