Transform Your Career: Insights from Coach’s Former CEO

Changing careers often feels daunting, yet many people experience this transition multiple times throughout their lives. Anecdotal evidence suggests that individuals may change careers as many as seven times. For those considering a career pivot, a single conversation could alter the course of their professional journey significantly.

Embrace Rejection as Motivation

Lew Frankfort, the former CEO of Coach and author of “Bag Man: The Story Behind the Improbable Rise of Coach,” faced rejection early in his career when he was overlooked for a promotion while working in social services for the New York City government. Mayor Ed Koch informed him that he was “too principled” for the position he sought, which involved negotiating contracts. “I cannot accurately say what Mayor Koch meant, I just know the words he used,” Frankfort recalled. Motivated by his desire for a challenging role that would contribute to something meaningful, he turned his sights toward opportunities outside of government and ultimately joined Coach.

Networking: The Key to New Opportunities

During a taxi ride with a colleague, Frankfort expressed his thoughts about his future career direction. This conversation led his colleague to recommend that he meet with a friend who operated a small bag business in search of a protege. “That’s how I met Coach’s founder Miles Cahn,” Frankfort explained. Following four interviews, he realized that Cahn hired him for two primary reasons: his strong work ethic and willingness to learn, as well as the fact that he was the only candidate available at the time.

In his initial role as vice president of marketing and special projects, Frankfort displayed versatility and determination. He notably installed an air conditioning system to cool the factory, launched Coach’s first mail order business, opened its first retail store in 1981, and assisted Cahn in selling the company. In 1985, the Sara Lee Corporation acquired Coach, and Frankfort took on the role of CEO, a position he held until his retirement in 2015. Under his leadership, the company’s revenue soared from $6 million to $5 billion over three decades.

Commit to Lifelong Learning

For those looking to advance their careers, Frankfort emphasizes the importance of being a “constant, curious learner.” He advises individuals to remain inquisitive, no matter their age or experience level. “Never assume you have all the answers. Ask a lot of questions and question answers you get. Keep digging!” This mindset fosters growth and adaptability in an ever-changing job market.

Another crucial aspect of career transformation is recognizing the value of prior experiences. Many individuals mistakenly believe they must abandon their past skills and knowledge when pursuing new opportunities. Frankfort asserts that leaning into these experiences can be advantageous. “My years in government taught me many skills that also applied to business and my 35 years at Coach,” he noted. He learned to make decisions for the greater good rather than catering to special interests, a lesson that translates across all professional endeavors.

Navigating a career change can be challenging, but with the right mindset and approach, individuals can successfully pivot and make their mark in new fields. By embracing rejection, fostering connections, committing to learning, and leveraging past experiences, anyone can create a fulfilling career path that reflects their aspirations and values.