A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak at an event attended by many of the country’s top philanthropic leaders (who happen to be women.) They are CEO’s of their companies, their names are brands, they are familiar faces on television and they’ve authored multiple books. Many of these women were from urban markets, well-traveled and educated. And many of them are, indeed, concerned about the future.

How do these concerns play out?

1. The second wife of the multi-millionaire who worries that when he passes, the kids who share inheritance of the company, will combine their pieces to dominate and expel “the woman who broke up the family.”

2. The CEO of a major company who devoted her life to her career and now faces turning 60 without husband, children or friends. “I may have plenty of money, but who is going to take care of me when I’m no longer able? Who will make the decisions? Visit to make sure things are okay?”

3. The minority shareholder of a major clothing company that bears her name who has put her savings on the line to litigate against her partner, who has put his son in as president and who is edging her out. She seriously worries about “ending up a bag lady.”

4. The big-living entrepreneur has made a lot—but she’s spent a lot, too. She’s running so fast and hard, she hasn’t taken time to compare the columns of assets versus debts. In fact, she knows she’s in denial.

Turns out that beneath the facades of the rich and famous, there are major cracks.

Carol Orsborn