Legacy is built on hard choices

In this episode of question everything, Coach’s longtime CEO Lew Frankfort joins me to share the lifetime of lessons he documents in his new memoir Bagman.

Lew breaks down why an outsider’s perspective can be an advantage, how “magic and logic” shaped Coach, and what scaling a $6 million leather goods company into a $5 billion global lifestyle brand really took: personally and professionally.

Comment Lew and I’ll dm you this episode of question everything 👜

2025/12/1 Edited to

... Read moreWhen we talk about building a lasting legacy, it's clear that such an achievement requires more than just vision — it demands making difficult choices that align with core values. Lew Frankfort’s journey with Coach highlights how an outsider's perspective can uniquely position a leader to innovate and adapt in a competitive industry. The phrase "legacy is built on hard choices" resonates deeply, especially in today’s complex socio-political environment where business values are closely intertwined with broader societal issues. Frankfort’s memoir, Bagman, sheds light on navigating these challenges while growing a company from a modest $6 million enterprise into a $5 billion global powerhouse. One fascinating aspect of Coach’s rise under Frankfort’s leadership is the interplay between what he calls "magic and logic." This approach marries creative intuition with strategic decision-making, fostering a culture that embraces innovation without losing sight of operational discipline. Scaling a leather goods company to a worldwide lifestyle brand is no small feat. It involves persistent effort, strategic scaling, and cultivating relationships that uphold the brand’s heritage. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, Frankfort’s experience underscores the importance of balancing authenticity with expansion ambitions. Moreover, embracing an outsider’s viewpoint allows leaders to challenge norms and redefine industries. This perspective can expose blind spots and inspire fresh approaches that keep a brand relevant and competitive. In summary, Frankfort’s story is a powerful reminder that creating a meaningful legacy demands resilience, principled leadership, and the courage to make tough decisions that shape not only a company’s future but also its core identity.