Eileen Fisher: Focused on Using Business for Good Since 1984

Eileen Fisher has been putting purpose at the center of her company since 1984. The entrepreneur started her women’s clothing line with $350 in her pocket and the desire to help women feel great about getting dressed.   Although it’s more expensive to do so, Eileen is focused on using environmentally sound raw materials, and ensuring good working conditions for those creating her products. She’s observed a growing number of companies following suit. She tells Leadership Next's Alan Murray, “I think the companies that aren’t doing this kind of work will be gone in 5 years, 10 at the most.”   Eileen and Alan discuss some of the tradeoffs that have come with sticking by these sustainability practices, why Eileen has never partnered with investors, and the advice she has for other entrepreneurs.  Also in this week’s episode, Ellen McGirt speaks with the founders of the fashion label Public School, who – with advice from Eileen Fisher - are retooling their business to become a more sustainable brand. 

Om Podcasten

Something big is happening in the world of business. CEOs increasingly say their jobs have become less about giving orders, more about inspiring, motivating, setting a north star. They are taking the lead on big issues like climate change, worker retraining, and diversity and inclusion. They are under pressure from employees, customers and investors not just to turn a profit, but to prove they are doing good in the world. And in the process, they are fundamentally redefining the relationship between business and society. Join Fortune CEO Alan Murray and Editor-at-Large Michal Lev-Ram as they probe the best of these leaders for insight into what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what impact it is having.