The Dark Side of Success

Why success makes you a target (and how to protect yourself)

After Haus was acquired, I had many conversations with other female founders who had built companies to similar scale or larger. Among the many challenges we all shared in common, there was one that stood out.

We had all encountered the same predatory archetype.

While some details differed between our stories, the pattern was remarkably consistent: Once our companies all reached a certain threshold of success, a new potential employee would be introduced through mutual professional connections. This person’s credentials were always strong—impressive resume, experience with major brands, high-profile connections.