About this event
**This event will be online only** Click here to register This event is part of The New York Public Library's Business Center CEO Series. Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Lew Frankfort, Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of Coach, Inc., as he shares the story behind building one of the most iconic brands in modern retail. When Lew joined Coach in 1979, “accessible luxury” didn’t exist. Over the next three decades, he helped create and dominate that category—scaling the company from a $6 million family business into a $5 billion global powerhouse and legacy brand. In this candid conversation inspired by his book BAG MAN: The Story Behind the Improbable Rise of Coach, Lew will break down the philosophy he calls “Magic Plus Logic”—a powerful blend of creative design and data-driven discipline—and how it fueled Coach’s rise. From pioneering consumer research to making bold moves during the 2008 financial crisis, his leadership consistently challenged convention and delivered results. But the conversation won’t be just about business success. Lew will also speak openly about the personal side of leadership, including his experience with depression and the realities of managing pressure at the top. It'll be a rare, honest look at how grit, fear, and resilience intersect in building something that lasts. This is an opportunity to hear directly from one of retail’s most influential leaders as he shares insights on how to: Build products customers love—and keep them relevant Make smarter decisions using both intuition and data Lead through uncertainty and market disruption Hire, develop, and retain high-performing talent Navigate stress, sustain energy, and perform at your best Sign up now to reserve your spot and don't miss this one-of-a-kind conversation where you can ask Lew your questions! Click here to register Guest: Lew Frankfort [[{"fid":"395410","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"left","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Lew Frankfort's headshot. Photo by Lisa Berg.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Lew Frankfort's headshot. Photo by Lisa Berg."},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"23":{"format":"default","alignment":"left","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Lew Frankfort's headshot. Photo by Lisa Berg.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Lew Frankfort's headshot. Photo by Lisa Berg."}},"attributes":{"alt":"Lew Frankfort's headshot. Photo by Lisa Berg.","title":"Lew Frankfort's headshot. Photo by Lisa Berg.","height":300,"width":200,"style":"float:left","class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-left","data-delta":"23"}}]] Lew Frankfort is Chairman Emeritus of Coach, Inc. He joined Coach in 1979 and served as Chairman and CEO from 1985 through 2014. During his 35 years with Coach, Lew built the small leather goods company into a $5 billion global accessories and lifestyle brand and was recognized multiple times by Barron’s as one of the “30 Most Respected CEOs around the World,” and by Institutional Investor as one of the “Best CEOs in America.” After retiring from Coach, Lew cofounded Benvolio Group, an investment firm that focuses on early-stage disruptive consumer brands, including several where he advises and mentors senior leaders. Lew spent the first 10 years of his career in New York City government, with the last three restoring the city’s Head Start and day care programs as the Commissioner of the Agency for Child Development. He grew up in the Bronx and attended Hunter College and Columbia Business School. He and his wife Bobbie live in New York City, where they are active supporters of education and the arts. They have three children, eight grandchildren, and two beloved labradoodles. Registration for this event is through Eventbrite. Click here to view Eventbrite's Privacy Policy.
gymnasticsFREE
