Transforming Careers: Insights from Lew Frankfort’s Journey

Changing careers is a common aspiration, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that individuals switch professions an average of seven times throughout their working lives. For those contemplating a career pivot, a single conversation can serve as a catalyst for transformation.

Embracing Rejection as Motivation

Lew Frankfort, the former CEO of Coach and author of “Bag Man: The Story Behind the Improbable Rise of Coach,” experienced a pivotal moment early in his career. After completing business school, he worked in social services for the New York City government. A rejection from a promotion by then-Mayor Ed Koch proved to be a turning point. Koch remarked that Frankfort was “too principled” for the position, which required negotiation skills that Frankfort felt conflicted with his values.

Reflecting on this experience, Frankfort stated, “I cannot accurately say what Mayor Koch meant; I just know the words he used. I wanted a job that would challenge me and help build something meaningful, which is why I began looking outside government and decided to work at Coach.”

Networking and Seizing Opportunities

During a cab ride with a colleague, Frankfort shared his thoughts on his career path. This conversation led to an introduction to Miles Cahn, the founder of Coach, who was searching for a protégé. Frankfort recalled, “We had four interviews and I think Miles hired me for two reasons. One, because I was a hard worker who was curious and willing to do whatever it took to learn the business. And two, I was the only candidate — a fact I only learned about years later.”

Frankfort’s determination to learn and adapt marked the start of a remarkable journey.

Commitment to Learning and Growth

As he took on the role of vice president of marketing and special projects, Frankfort demonstrated his willingness to tackle challenges head-on. He implemented an air conditioning system in the factory, launched Coach’s first mail-order business, and helped open the company’s first store in 1981. His efforts contributed significantly to the company’s sale to Sara Lee Corporation in 1985, after which he became CEO. Under his leadership, Coach’s revenue skyrocketed from $6 million to $5 billion over the next 29 years.

Frankfort emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, stating, “Be a constant, curious learner no matter how young or old you are. Never assume you have all the answers. Ask a lot of questions and question answers you get. Keep digging!”

Leveraging Past Experiences

When considering a career change, many individuals often feel the need to distance themselves from their previous experiences. However, Frankfort advises that leaning into past skills can be advantageous.

He noted, “My years in government taught me many skills that also applied to business and my 35 years at Coach.” Frankfort learned to make decisions that prioritize the greater good rather than catering to individual interests, a lesson he believes is applicable across all professions.

As individuals navigate their career journeys, embracing past experiences while maintaining a commitment to learning can help facilitate successful transitions and foster personal growth.

In summary, Lew Frankfort’s career exemplifies how embracing rejection, seeking out mentorship, committing to lifelong learning, and leveraging past experiences can lead to transformative career paths.