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

22 May 2026 · 1 min

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0:34

In this brief YouTube discussion, two speakers reflect on the tragic story of Kate Spade, the founder of the eponymous fashion brand, who suffered from depression and anxiety for years. They note that Spade avoided seeking professional help to protect the brand’s upbeat public image, ultimately highlighting how outward success, wealth, and a vibrant brand persona can mask deep personal mental‑health challenges. The conversation underscores the broader lesson that entrepreneurial success does not safeguard against mental‑health issues, urging viewers to reconsider how they define and assess success.

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.