Many people's identity is so wrapped up into their profession that they are nothing outside of that position. The fear of facing the truth that they are nothing outside of that is terrifying for them. For example, this woman won't be getting any requests to do speaking tours on something awesome she's done. So, she clings to that position like glue rather than moving onto another chapter of her life.
Ah... never thought about that. Wow. I didn't know it worked like that. Diabolical