What makes a great leader? Lew, Long time CEO of Coach, weighs in

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.

2025/12/3 Edited to

... Read moreLeadership is often defined by a combination of unique traits and strategic decision-making. From Lew Frankfort’s journey with Coach, one key leadership quality emerges prominently: the ability to blend “magic and logic.” This approach balances creativity and innovation with practical business acumen, essential for scaling a company effectively. Frankfort emphasizes the advantage of an outsider’s perspective—a quality that allows leaders to challenge norms, envision new possibilities, and drive transformation. In Coach's case, this perspective helped transition the brand from a modest leather goods maker into a globally recognized lifestyle icon with revenues soaring to $5 billion. Moreover, the personal and professional demands of such growth underscore the resilience, adaptability, and vision required from leaders. Frankfort’s memoir, Bagman, delves into these experiences, offering valuable lessons on leadership challenges, strategic growth, and maintaining brand integrity amidst expansion. The highlighted phrase "THE ONE TRAIT EVERY GREAT LEADER HAS" invites reflection on what distinguishes exceptional leaders. While many attributes contribute to effective leadership, the ability to combine emotional intelligence with strategic insight stands out. Authentic connection with teams, clear communication, and fostering innovation are equally vital. Aspiring leaders can learn from Frankfort’s example that building a lasting brand isn’t solely about financial metrics but also about cultivating culture, empowering people, and sustaining vision through evolving markets. The story of Coach’s rise exemplifies how leadership involves continuous learning and embracing both the measurable and intangible aspects of business success.

Related posts

A dark blue notebook with gold celestial designs is centered on a wooden surface, surrounded by spiritual items like candles, crystals, and small bottles. Text overlays read "THINGS IN MY SPIRITUAL NOTEBOOK THAT JUST MAKES SENSE," "SWIPE," and "Part three."
A handwritten list in a notebook titled "Chakra Crystals." It details seven chakras (Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral, Root) with their corresponding crystals and associated spiritual qualities.
A notebook page with handwritten text titled "Water tip!" It describes speaking positively to water to raise its vibration, with an "EXTRA TIP" about charging water with crystals or leaving it in moonlight.
What’s in my notebook pt. 3 📕
Doing another glance into my first notebook because it was a big hit (and someone asked about it) so here we go! 💎 chakra crystals: we all have chakras in our bodies, and sometimes those chakras can be unbalanced or blocked. An easy way to balance your chakras is to place crystals to their corre
Bailey 🖤

Bailey 🖤

1765 likes

A desk with a computer monitor and a red cup of colored pencils, displaying the title '6 Part time Google jobs That makes $5000 monthly'.
Text boxes on a desk background describe 'Google Product Manager' and 'Google UX Designer' roles, detailing their responsibilities and potential to earn $5000 monthly.
Text boxes on a desk background describe 'Google SEO Specialist' and 'Google Cloud Engineer' roles, outlining their functions and potential to earn $5000 monthly.
6 partime GOOGLE JOBS THAT MAKES $5000 monthly
By following these tips, you can lay the foundation for a great Google job with great monthly return. #lemon8partner #personalfinance #career #moneytips #money
Financebabe

Financebabe

1961 likes

What I take + Why? College student edition
Hey LemonBaes 🍋 This is my updated daily wellness routine that I keep up with every day - am & pm!!! I’m a college student who has depression/anxiety, so I spend a lot of time doing research on what’s best for my mind, heart and overall health. All of these things are effective and play ke
JaiZee🐉

JaiZee🐉

1079 likes

A hand holds a white ribbed mug filled with a frothy, cinnamon-dusted beverage. The text overlay reads "My hormone balancing coffee routine" with two heart emojis. A plant and a notebook are visible in the background.
A hand pours brewed coffee from a silver coffee maker into a white ribbed mug on a wooden cutting board. The text overlay says "Step 1: Brew organic, mold free coffee & pour into coffee mug."
A spoon adds raw honey from a jar into a white ribbed mug of coffee. The text overlay states "Step 2: Add raw honey." A potted plant and wooden board are in the background.
What makes this hormone balancing? ⬇️
The ingredients & WHEN you drink it👏🏼 The ingredients added to this recipe help to stabilize blood sugar & prevent cortisol from increasing more (cortisol is the stress hormone release by the adrenal glands & cortisol is already highest in the morning). When you drink coffee, th
chels

chels

1539 likes

what you need on your period 🫶
with studies coming out exposing tampons for having high levels of lead (non organic) & arsenic (organic), you need to make sure you are choosing safe, non toxic menstrual products!! ✨ I’ve been using pads & liners that are 100% organic cotton! I also want to try a menstrual disc but I’m
rachel

rachel

3397 likes

🤍💙What I Bought At Walmart Today 💙🤍
Blossom Cuticle Oil - My nail tech recommended that any cuticle oil is fine but I got this one because it smells like peaches! 🍑 Shea Moisturizer Even Tone Deodorant- This smells so fresh & clean and I'm intrigued to see if this really helps even out the skin tone underneath my arms! 🤎
Mara 🩷

Mara 🩷

1151 likes

A title image featuring two pieces of avocado toast with sliced tomatoes and seasoning. Text indicates the content is about a 1,700-calorie deficit meal plan for someone who is 5'1" and 118 pounds, including daily steps and workouts.
A breakfast yogurt bowl with vanilla yogurt, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, chia seeds, and strawberry shortcake granola. The total for this meal is 395 calories, with individual calorie counts for each ingredient.
A lunch snack plate featuring carrot and celery sticks, cucumber slices, hummus with hot sauce, macadamia nuts, and pretzel crisps. The total for this lunch is 355 calories, with individual calorie counts for each item.
What I eat on a calorie deficit 🥑
This is a typical what I eat in a day on a calorie deficit of 1,700 calories a day. Including breakfast, lunch, a snack, and dinner 💧I drink at least 60 Oz of water everyday & get in 10,000+ steps and a 1 hour workout in. 🍳Breakfast: I typically have a yogurt bowl most days and try to
Kailee

Kailee

9355 likes

THIS is what makes America great! 🇺🇸
Make America love again 💖 #womensrights #toxicmasculinity #barefootandpregnant #acceptance
Gwen Levey

Gwen Levey

75 likes

Multiple clear plastic bags are filled with smoothie ingredients, including spinach, kale, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and sliced bananas, prepared for freezing.
Several clear plastic bags containing smoothie ingredients like spinach, diced pineapple, and sliced bananas are neatly arranged on a green tray, ready for storage.
Two clear plastic bags are packed with green smoothie ingredients: spinach, kale, green grapes, green apples, sliced kiwi, sliced bananas, and fresh mint leaves.
Smoothie packs makes life easier
Great for freezing and making smoothies on the go. #HealthTips #bodytransformation #embracevulnerability #beautyfinds #fashionfinds #juicing #healthy #healthylifestyle #healthyrecipes #mentalhealth
NellyJo

NellyJo

639 likes

A completed 'Self-Love Art' piece featuring the colorful word 'Inspire' in bubble letters over a squiggly background, with a blue mug, plant, and heart stickers. The text asks 'What gift do you bring?'.
A hand drawing the first 'squiggly wiggly' line on a white paper, illustrating 'STEP 1' of the self-love art project. A blue mug and plant are in the background.
A white paper filled with numerous 'squiggly wiggly' lines, representing 'STEP 2' of the art project. A blue mug, plant, and heart stickers are visible.
Self-Love Art~ What Gift💝Do You Bring?
We each have a gift to share. I love to inspire people and fill someone with confidence and desire to do something great no matter how big or small. What gift do you bring that makes this world a better place because you are in it? Are you loving, peaceable, forgiving, generous or a good listen
Chris Whitfield

Chris Whitfield

966 likes

Great advice for when your sad 😢
Who knew something so simple can be so helpful 🕺💃 #sad #depressiontips #health #dance #anger
Legacy Minds

Legacy Minds

40 likes

A row of colorful terraced houses in Notting Hill, London, with the text "Don't make this mistake in London" overlaid, suggesting a travel tip.
A street scene in London with a blue building and a market stall where two people are browsing items, illustrating the crowded Portobello Market on a Saturday.
A market stall displaying various band t-shirts and London-themed beanies, with a woman standing nearby, highlighting the availability of vendors on weekdays at Portobello Market.
Everyone a makes this mistake when going to London
I have been to 📍 London England at least a dozen times. I’ve been by myself with repeat visitors and first timer visitors. I almost always make time to walk around Notting Hill and stroll Portobello Road. It’s one of my favorite past times but I feel like everyone always says to go on Saturday so t
Kasey

Kasey

22 likes

🎧💻🎒What’s in my backpack 🫶🩵🗒️
This is what I bring with me to class everyday. This is a BÉIS backpack in black. This is not their travel backpack that unfolds, it’s more for just carrying around day to day items. It can squeeze in a lot but it is sturdy/stiff. However I don’t mind this since my last backpack was too big and alw
jenna

jenna

420 likes

A TikTok profile for @davideinitaliano, an Italian teacher, showing 78.1K followers and 442.7K likes. The profile features a man's photo, a message button, and options for everyday Italian life and subscription, all under an Italian flag.
The TikTok profile of @davideinitaliano, an Italian teacher, displaying various video thumbnails. Pinned videos include 'Parla con me' and 'MIGLIORA L'ASCOLTO', alongside other content like 'Crucipuzzle in italiano' and 'I diminuitivi'.
A TikTok video from @davideinitaliano titled 'Che cosa c'è in questa foto?'. It shows Davide with an overlaid image of a man eating ice cream, offering interactive options 'C'è un uomo' and 'C'è una donna' for viewers to practice Italian.
a great italian teacher on tiktok!
Davide is a great Italian teacher on TikTok who makes learning videos for beginners and intermediates (even advanced if you need a little refresher). He puts in effort on his videos like including photos and text. His interactive videos are the best – he will do little quizzes where you guess what
Anaïs D’Ottavio

Anaïs D’Ottavio

31 likes

A close-up of a page with the quote "Failure isn't the end. It's a pitstop. Refuel and go." highlighted in yellow. The text is black on a light, textured background. The Lemon8 logo and username "@ashgotthemap" are in the bottom left corner.
Practice makes progress
A temporary pitstop on the road to success. Use it as an opportunity to refuel your determination, adjust your strategy, and keep moving forward. Every great journey has its setbacks! What matters is how you rise and continue. #letstalklemon8
Ashley Geez

Ashley Geez

80 likes

A Boudoir Pose That Looks Great On Every Woman 🌸
✨ The One Look That Flatters EVERY Woman! ✨ There’s nothing better than a cozy sweater that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish! Whether you’re curvy, petite, tall, or somewhere in between, an oversized knit with a cute pair of und!es will do the trick! Embrace yo
BoudoirbyNinaRose

BoudoirbyNinaRose

423 likes

what makes a secure relationship
If you’re growth oriented and want to learn more about yourself, your conscious and unconscious patterns and how you can connect with a significant other in a more aligned and harmonious way…keep reading! Remember, attachment styles are fluid and can work to build a secure attachment and partne
gabrielleassaf

gabrielleassaf

58 likes

SHOWER AND SMELL GREAT😋🧁
Besides sleeping, showering is my favorite time of the day! I can easily shower for 20 minutes or longer. This is my time to really be alone with my thoughts and decompress. I throw on a playlist or a podcast and enjoy myself! Self-care is so important!! Here are some of my essentials to smell good
Khay✨

Khay✨

84 likes

Part 4 - What NOT to add to your baby registry
Another item to not add to your baby registry is a super expensive or a cheap baby bouncer. I’ve heard good reviews about the baby Bjorn bouncer because it bounces easily with baby’s own movements, but baby will outgrow it fast. Cheap bouncer like the Bright Starts in the picture are flimsy &
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

276 likes

what your relationship needs to thrive
When it comes to relationships, many factors play a role in keeping the love strong and healthy. Whether you’re just starting out or have been together for years, there are certain things your relationship needs to thrive. A thriving relationship goes beyond just surviving. It’s a partnership th
gabrielleassaf

gabrielleassaf

158 likes

A beach picnic scene with a picnic basket, red roses, and a lantern on a white blanket, with a tent and ocean in the background. The image features text overlay 'MY PERFECT MAN CHECKLIST'.
A scenic view of ocean waves crashing on rocks under a blue sky, with a white text box listing qualities for a perfect man, including empathy, humor, goals, openness, and support.
A scenic view of a rocky coastline with green vegetation and the ocean under a blue sky, with a white text box listing qualities like willingness to explore, honesty, emotional awareness, shared values, and attentiveness.
What makes him perfect? The Dream Guy
Hello friends! 🍋 I know nobody’s truly perfect, but there are definitely qualities that make someone shine. Like being supportive and kind, having a great sense of humor, have encourage conversations… these are the things that matter most to me. It’s not about looks or status, but about
thamysenem

thamysenem

58 likes

A close-up selfie shows a person with dark hair and glasses, looking at the camera. Next to them, a yellow emoji with a halo is partially visible, representing a child. Overlay text reads "What Makes a Great Mom Not just a good one?!" with the Lemon8 logo and username.
What makes a great mom??
In my opinion, all it takes to be a good mom is the desire to do better for your children. The WANT to strive to improve for them. So, for me, what it takes to be a great mom is the action that coincides with the desire. Putting in the work, exerting the effort. I don’t think you have to be per
Kaylie ✨

Kaylie ✨

30 likes

Religion in Fantasy (Some great beginner picks!)
I love when fantasy authors build religion in to their stories! It makes the story feel more realistic and it’s a great way for the authors to add a lot of depth. Here’s some of my fav picks. These are also just great all-around fantasy book, and Divine Rivals is great as a beginner fantasy series!
sarah joseph | books 📚

sarah joseph | books 📚

9 likes

Great organization bins!!!
#organization #bins at #target for just $6 dollars. #cleaningmotivation #veryorganized at home!!!
TC World of Hacks

TC World of Hacks

990 likes

This makes getting a smooth finish so easy!
Wipe-on polyurethane is the easiest way to get a smooth finish — no brush marks or drips! Simply apply wipe-on poly using a clean sponge or lint-free rag. I like to do a few coats depending on the furniture and how much use it will get. Wipe-on polyurethane is NOT great for going over a glaz
upcyclerevivalco

upcyclerevivalco

49 likes

Makes no sense 🤦🏽‍♂️
Thebiggerplay

Thebiggerplay

15 likes

A tablet on a desk displays a shopping folder with app icons for Amazon, Apple Store, Etsy, and Mercari, with text overlay "App you need for selling your stuff!".
The tablet shows the Mercari app store page, highlighting features like buying, selling, earning money, and discounts, with text "I've sold a lot of my things on here and I don't regret it! -Mercari!".
The tablet displays Mercari's item listing interface, showing options to add photos, description, hashtags, category, brand, condition, and color, with text about easy uploading and shipping.
This App Makes You Money!🤌
NO MORE SELLER FEES ON THIS APP. After i got tired of eBay, i found this great app Mercari! I still put up some listings to make a little cash for the things that i haven't been utilizing. It's a great way to declutter and it's really easy. It's like posting on social media, but e
lexii 🌸

lexii 🌸

46 likes

Why Fall is a Great Time to Visit the PNW
The Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Northern California) is such a great place to visit! It is extra special in the fall months (September to November) too. The leaves are changing and the temperatures are cooling down making it a great time to explore and go on adventures. There
Shady.G

Shady.G

9 likes

🤔 What do you use for hyperpigmentation?
My holy grail for hyperpigmentation & smooth skin My skincare holy grail are these products from Topicals Let me tell you I struggle with hyperpigmentation^ and dry skin for a long time & adding these products to my routine is definitely a game changer! 1. FADED SERUM - This produ
Eve | UGC

Eve | UGC

170 likes

A hand holds a bottle of probiotic shampoo and conditioner for pets, designed to support natural defenses against itching, dryness, irritation, and odor, with a sunkissed coconut scent.
A hand holds a bottle of daily-use probiotic deodorizer for pets, with a sunkissed coconut scent, used after baths or between washes to keep pets smelling fresh.
A hand holds a bottle of daily-use probiotic detangler for pets, with a honeysuckle scent, effective for thick coats to make fur smooth and easy to brush.
these are great and affordable products
if you’re looking for well working, affordable products that are easy to get ahold of, I highly recommend Scouts Honor! Especially the bath time essentials like shampoo, detangler and odor spray have been life savers for me over the years. You can find Scouts Honor at your local Petco or Pet Suppli
cockapoogeorgie

cockapoogeorgie

40 likes

A grand, ornate stone building with a prominent turret and intricate architectural details, suggesting European influence. The image has a text overlay "US DUPE FOR GREAT BRITIAN" highlighting Boston as a similar destination.
The Boston Public Library's Copley Square facade with American flags, and Trinity Church visible in the background. Text overlay: "Travel to Great Britain without leaving the US by going to Boston, Massachusetts!".
An exterior view of Trinity Church in Boston, featuring its distinctive Romanesque architecture, tall stone tower, and green dome. Text overlay lists places in Boston that feel like Great Britain.
US destination dupe for Great Britain
Travel to Great Britain without leaving the US by going to Boston ! This makes sense since it was English settlers who built and colonized this city. The places that feel most like Great Britain: The Charles River Bridges (between Cambridge and Boston) The architecutre of Back Bay
boboandchichi

boboandchichi

18 likes

See more