Mickey Drexler, Chairman of Alex Mill and former CEO of J.Crew and Gap, shares his journey transforming American retail. He reveals insights on anticipating consumer desires and the artistry behind merchandising. With anecdotes from his time working alongside Steve Jobs at Apple, he discusses innovative branding strategies. Drexler emphasizes the significance of aesthetics in retail and challenges traditional wisdom in consumer behavior. His perspectives on timeless fashion and personal impact redefine success in the business world.

When Gap was failing, Mickey Drexler didn't just increase sales. He made it into a pop culture staple of the 80s and 90s. But that wasn't enough to keep him from getting fired. At his next job, he was not just the CEO. He bought stock with his own personal money to bolster J.Crew. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mickey Drexler, a retail legend, transformed brands like The Gap and Old Navy. He shares insights from his humble Bronx beginnings and emphasizes the importance of people skills in hiring. Mickey discusses his unique decision-making style, valuing urgency over indecision, and reflects on his friendship with Steve Jobs. Listeners learn about the emotional aspects of fashion and Mickey's innovative approach to market research. His journey highlights resilience, the impact of mentorship, and a deep passion for retail.