The Midlife Chrysalis He Had Everything. Midlife Broke Him Anyway | Blake Mycoskie
Jan 16, 2026
Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes and advocate for mental health, shares his journey through a profound midlife crisis. He candidly discusses how selling TOMS led to an identity collapse, revealing that midlife depression often follows success. Blake explores transformative treatments like ketamine therapy and emphasizes the importance of connection in overcoming struggles. His breakthrough realization of being 'enough' inspired the 'I Am Enough' initiative, aiming to foster mental health awareness and support among youth.
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How Tom's Began In Argentina
- Blake described Tom's origin: a trip to Argentina, handmade espadrilles and a promise to give shoes to kids in need.
- That simple one-for-one start scaled to $700M in seven years and became a cultural business model.
Selling Success Triggered An Identity Collapse
- After selling part of Tom's Blake lost community, purpose, and moved to Jackson where winter darkness worsened his mood.
- That period marked the start of his deep depression and identity collapse.
The Depths Of His Depression
- At his worst Blake isolated, stopped surfing, drank daily and had persistent suicidal thoughts that he described as inescapable.
- He remembers being a shell, unable to call friends or take care of himself.
