Mike MichalowiczBusiness Author & Keynote Speaker Empowering Entrepreneurs

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

22 May 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:34

In this segment of a YouTube discussion, Mike Michalowicz and a co‑speaker reflect on the late designer Kate Spade’s long‑standing battle with depression and anxiety. They reveal that Spade avoided seeking professional help because she feared harming the upbeat, colorful image of her brand. The conversation uses her story as a poignant illustration that external markers of success—wealth, a thriving business, a vibrant brand persona—do not guarantee mental well‑being. It underscores the intense pressure entrepreneurs face in maintaining a positive public front while silently struggling, and calls for a broader redefinition of success that includes mental health awareness.

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.