The influence of exceptional individuals can be profound. Former Gap CEO Mickey Drexler, having spent over a decade working alongside Apple founder Steve Jobs, embodies this principle. His experience offers invaluable lessons in leadership, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence.
Drexler, in a recent interview on Yahoo Finance’s Opening Bid podcast, described Jobs as “a difficult person, mercurial, incredibly creative,” highlighting his obsession with even the smallest details, like ensuring screws on Apple products were uniformly horizontal. This meticulous approach resonated with Drexler, who shares a similar commitment to perfection. “We were very compatible in a sense,” he remarked. He further lauded Jobs as a “unique, once-in-a-lifetime” figure whose passing represented “a loss to America.”
Drexler served on Apple’s board for 16 years, a period during which Gap boasted a market capitalization exceeding Apple’s—$15 billion compared to Apple’s then-lower valuation. Jobs, after co-founding Apple in 1976, faced ouster in 1985 but triumphantly returned in 1997 to revitalize the company. His legacy lies in making technology accessible to the masses, transforming it from complex code into user-friendly devices that seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
Today, Apple’s valuation stands at a staggering $3.67 trillion, while Gap is valued at $9.6 billion. This stark contrast underscores the transformative impact of Jobs’ vision and leadership.
Drexler’s management style, much like Jobs’, emphasizes meticulous attention to detail. He proudly identifies as a “micromanager” when it comes to the customer experience, believing in leading by example and clearly defining priorities for his team. This hands-on approach, honed through his experiences at Bloomingdale’s, J. Crew, and now as chairman of his son’s company, Alex Mill, mirrors Jobs’ relentless pursuit of perfection. He illustrated this philosophy with a simple analogy: “If you had a bad button on a jacket, you look at the bad button.”
His commitment to quality extends beyond the confines of the boardroom. During a consultation with Ford executives, Drexler candidly critiqued the design of the Mustang’s wheels, deeming them “ugly.” His direct feedback earned him an invitation to the design room, where he emphasized the importance of a clear vision. Although his suggestions weren’t fully embraced, the anecdote highlights his unwavering dedication to excellence.
Drexler believes strong leadership is paramount to a company’s success. He emphasizes the importance of managing people effectively, fostering a culture of excellence, and empowering employees to contribute their best work. “You can’t have a really great company without strong leadership,” he asserted. His insights, gleaned from years of experience and close interaction with one of history’s most iconic business leaders, offer a valuable roadmap for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. The key takeaway? A relentless focus on the customer, an unwavering commitment to quality, and the courage to challenge the status quo are essential ingredients for building a truly exceptional organization.
