GUEST
KEYWORD
Search
Charlie Rose Science Series
Click here to watch previous episodes of the Charlie Rose Science Series



Charlie's Choice
Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History
by Ted Sorensen
Buy it
The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order
by Parag Khanna
Buy it
Find Charlie in Your Area
Click here to check your local listings.
gdfgds
Charlie Responds (FAQ)
Submit your questions for Charlie and read Charlie Responds (FAQ) for the answers
Charlie's Updates
Charlie's Update

Tue, Apr 24
More...

divider
Keyword Tag Cloud
A conversation with Mickey Drexler
04/21/2008
Millard Drexler
A conversation with Mickey Drexler
Buy  Share
A conversation with Mickey Drexler, CEO, J. Crew.
Comments
Comment by JKB on Friday, May 2 at 05:15 PM

I worked for the Gap in their heyday of the 1980's soon after Mickey joined, and had the opportunity to meet him several times. He is an amazing merchant and leader, and I loved seeing the interview.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by DMS on Wednesday, Apr 30 at 11:20 AM

I had the opportunity to work for Mickey when he was with the Gap. It was inspiring to work for a leader who truly understood the creative process, listened, and always made time for his team. I currently work for a competitor with a leadership team in sharp contrast to Mickey's style. That being said, I miss Mr. Drexler.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by Shirman on Monday, Apr 28 at 05:08 PM

Having worked with Mickey at his previous "other" company, I would have to say that this interview is a true representation of his character. I found him to be very approachable and involved. At one point I sent him feedback from a store visit and he personally called me back within a few hours, starting with an apology that he had taken so long to respond, while on a plane! He encouraged any kind of feedback and I obviously felt at ease sharing my thoughts with him. I miss his drive, creativity, and leadership.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by MMS on Friday, Apr 25 at 04:29 PM

I'm currently empoyed with J. Crew and I've lucky to have met Mr. Drexler on numerous occasions. He's an amazing man. He's why I made the switch from Gap Inc. to J. Crew.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by VM on Wednesday, Apr 23 at 07:44 PM

Who knew there was someone this insightful in fashion retail! He sees people quite clearly for who they are and may even like them. He also knows how to run a business, not just "understand fashion". **There's** a guy I'd love to work for. Wonderful interview.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by John on Wednesday, Apr 23 at 06:57 AM

The watch over the cuff is nothing new. Gianni Agnelli did it for decades when he ran Fiat.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by I yousta heart gap on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 07:59 PM

I am with you, Brian - I thought Charlie's passion on that was charming. His point as to why he was asking an uncomfortable question was really wonderfully made and Drexler was equally terrific in his agreement. I am happy to give the whole conversation high marks on technical skills and artistic expression!
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by F on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 05:34 PM

*KMB: Amen to that. Mickey Drexler is a badass and that interview shows just a few of the reasons why I've been a Mickey D fan for YEARS (all the way back to Ann Taylor, as a matter of fact.) He is positive and enthusiastic, he is objective, he's good to his people, he respects and listens to his customers, and he's got "the eye". I was only too happy to hear him speak and just wish Charlie had him "for the hour".
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by I.A, JD on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 03:54 PM

I would love to work for a company like J. Crew. I think it is innovative while staying simple and realistic. I also love Mickey Drexler's fashion sense (the watch over the cuff), unique and quirky. :)
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by JDM on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 01:42 PM

Excellent, excellent, interview and the part were charlie pressed on about the firing of Drexler from Gap and what we all can learn about not letting other people define who you are is a HUGE life lesson. If anything I would have loved if he pressed further. Not about sorted details bout about what he had learned from that and if he was managing differently because of it etc
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by Brian on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 10:47 AM

I loved Charlies comment on this interview about not letting people define you. So true and hit so close to home! Thank you Charlie!
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by JAP on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 01:44 AM

I very much enjoyed watching CR's interview or Mickey Drexler. I found him realistic and in touch. You can give people low prices but ultimately you also have to give them something they want to buy and a reason (quality and service) to do so from you. I love the fact that he is curious and "needs to know things".
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by annette franklin on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 01:34 AM

i enjoyed listening to Mickey Drexler's interview...he is hands on...understands who his customer is....gets out there and talks to them...yes, quality is so important...but customer service is the link....you can have the best merchandise with the best location but without customer service it you will not get far...customers know how they want to be treated and deserve to be treated...what i will always take with me is his comment regarding his being fired from the GAP..."those who judge you are not always right and do not allow them to change who you are and what you believe"
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by KMB on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 12:45 AM

RE Mant appears to know nothing about fashion or Mr. Drexler. Mickey is a man who has spent a great deal of time in the "real world" and Mr. Mant's tangent is completely devoid of any tangible argument against him or his company.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by KMB on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 12:45 AM

RE Mant appears to know nothing about fashion or Mr. Drexler. Mickey is a man who has spent a great deal of time in the "real world" and Mr. Mant's tangent is completely devoid of any tangible argument against him or his company.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
Comment by RE Mant on Tuesday, Apr 22 at 12:39 AM

Ah yes, J. Crew, a sort-of low-brow Brooks Bros., rode in on the coattails, as it were, of the Reagan "revolution" - in fashion terms the demise of polyesterism - but was, itself, about as authentic as the budget deficits that supported it or the man. I can't think of a single nice thing to say about any of it, or any of the rest of that sort, and I think Mr. Drexler needs some experience in the real world.
Sending Report...
Abuse Reported
 
Leave Your Comment
 Name (required)
 Mail (will not be published) (required)
Your Comment (required):
Submit Comment
Related Videos
Associated Media