Mike MichalowiczBusiness Author & Keynote Speaker Empowering Entrepreneurs

The Hidden Cost of Success: Kate Spade's Story

18 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this excerpt from Mike Michalowicz’s YouTube interview, the host (Speaker A) reveals that Kate Spade suffered from long‑term depression and anxiety, and that her sister believes she avoided seeking professional help to protect the brand’s upbeat image. Mike reacts with heartfelt shock, noting his familiarity with the Kate Spade brand. The conversation underscores the stark contrast between the brand’s bright, joyful public persona and the private mental‑health struggles of its founder, illustrating how even highly successful entrepreneurs can be overwhelmed by the pressures of running a business. The segment’s purpose is to highlight that wealth and outward success do not guarantee 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. My heart breaks.
It 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.