logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
35m 7s

Eileen Fisher: Keep it simple to make it...

Waitwhat
About this episode

Simplicity is notoriously difficult, but it’s key to iterating successfully — and staying relevant. Featuring cameos from entrepreneur superstar Daymond John, and Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom, this episode shares lessons from the timeless clothing brand, and its namesake creator, Eileen Fisher. During her 40 years at the helm, the company has scaled from a small shop on Madison Avenue, to one of the fashion world’s most recognizable, and sustainable brands.

Read a transcript of this episode: https://mastersofscale.com/

Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Aug 21
How design drives successful companies, with Sarah Stein Greenberg
Whether you’re building a new product from scratch, growing your team, or trying to find product market fit, every part of scaling a business has one thing in common. It needs to be well designed. That’s why we’re headed back to school this week – and learning from Stanford d.sch ... Show More
34m 19s
Aug 19
Dating is down. So why is Hinge thriving? with CEO Justin McLeod
As young people report feeling lonelier and less connected than ever, the dating app Hinge is driving its users into real life, human experiences. CEO Justin McLeod returns to Rapid Response to share how the platform is combating digital fatigue amongst users, as well as navigati ... Show More
26m 7s
Aug 16
The bromance that rebuilt Detroit: Dan Gilbert and Mayor Mike Duggan
As we gear up for our 2025 Masters of Scale Summit, we’re revisiting one of the stellar on-stage conversations that happened at the 2024 event. Hear Rocket Companies’ Dan Gilbert and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan reveal how their unique public-private partnerships have transformed th ... Show More
24m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2019
Eileen Fisher: Eileen Fisher (2017)
In 1983, Eileen Fisher signed up for a fashion trade show with no experience, no garments, no patterns or sketches – nothing but a few ideas for a women's clothing line focused on simplicity. Within three weeks, she came up with 12 pieces, a logo, and a name: Eileen Fisher. Today ... Show More
45m 5s
Feb 2019
SPI 359: How to Build a Business You Enjoy Even with Little Time—with Dana Malstaff
#359: Boss Mom Founder Dana Malstaff lays out approaches for building an online following, climbing the business ladder, and optimizing your time—even if you don't have much time available in the first place. Podcast show notes available here: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/s ... Show More
1h 2m
May 2021
Sponsored: Small Business Stories | Columbia Sportswear | 2
This episode is brought to you by Wondery in partnership with Dell Technologies. In honor of small businesses, we're featuring inspiring stories of successful companies that started out small.It’s 1970 and Gert Boyle’s life is in ruins. Her husband’s just died, and now, as a midd ... Show More
31m 23s
Sep 2021
Fast Fashion | Fire Sale | 1
It’s 1987 and Jane Shepherdson, a star buyer for retail chain Topshop, is using her keen ability to predict trends to put the company on the map as the go-to shopping destination for young British women. But when the company is bought by prickly business tycoon Philip Green, all ... Show More
26m 49s
Nov 2021
Eileen Fisher: How design principles and systems guide a clothing company
Show notes: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/rewind-eileen-fisher-embracing-imperfect In his book The Laws of Simplicity, John Maeda says that “simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.” Our final guest this season, Eileen Fisher, is a master at mak ... Show More
42m 48s
Oct 2021
Fast Fashion | Long Haul | 5
It’s 2019, and the internet is overflowing with videos of satisfied customers showing off their Shein hauls. But it’s not all smooth sailing when allegations go viral that the company steals from independent designers. Meanwhile, former Topshop brand director Jane Shepherdson has ... Show More
24m 41s
Oct 2023
SPI 725: The #1 Way to Scale Up Your Business with Eric Partaker
#725 The seven words that hold you back more than any other are "It is faster to do it myself." This kind of short-term thinking leads to burnout and stunts your business growth. But what is the most efficient way to scale your brand long-term? In this episode, returning guest Er ... Show More
36m 32s
Jan 2024
SPI 747: How to Build a Six-Figure Brand in a Small Niche with Victoria Moll
#747 I say it all the time—the riches are in the niches! Today's guest, Victoria Moll of Contempo Coding, is the perfect example of someone taking this to the ultimate level. So listen in to hear how she became the leader in her tiny industry and built a six-figure business aroun ... Show More
41m 32s
Oct 2021
Fast Fashion | Clothes Call | 3
It’s 2010, and a series of deadly tragedies at factories in Bangladesh paint H&M and the fast fashion industry in a negative light. In response, the company doubles down on sustainability, launching a new eco-friendly line.Meanwhile, Forever 21 goes to court over copyright infrin ... Show More
29m 7s
May 2021
Sponsored: Small Business Stories | Domino's Pizza | 1
This episode is brought to you by Wondery in partnership with Dell Technologies. In honor of small businesses, we're featuring inspiring stories of successful companies that started out small.It’s 1961 and Tom Monaghan is about to drop out of college and put his all into the hole ... Show More
31m 55s