The Founder and CEO of Burch Creative Capital and co-founder of Tory Burch talks to JOLIEGAZETTE about creative process behind Burch Creative Capital, challenges, philosophy and more.
What influenced your business career, especially your relation with fashion industry?
When I was younger growing up outside of Philadelphia I would shop at the local thrift shop for old Brooks Brothers shirts and other old clothes from quality brands. Nothing excited me more than a ripped, torn collar for one dollar.
Could you give us an insight into the creative process behind Burch Creative Capital?
We love to invest in people who have disruptive, creative and inspirational ideas that warrant acceptance by consumers.
What are your challenges?
Being me—I’m impulsive, emotional, sensitive, and insecure.
What role does music play in your brand investment philosophy process?
Music always plays a role in my creative process. Whether I’m at a musical on Broadway, or at a concert or listening to my iPod, music allows me to create. I experience a huge leap from music to business.
What advice can you share with the world on the importance of empowering others to reach one’s full potential? How do you empower others in your daily life?
My advice is: Ask questions. Be curious. Listen.
I empower others by using analogies to show them direction. I love analogies to help articulate a point, and will create an analogy specifically for the person I’m hoping to inspire. Recently I shared with someone: “You are a rhinoceros running through a kindergarten. Be careful where the horn is.”
Would you describe yourself as a spiritual person?
I believe that what you do today has an effect on your past lives, and your new life. What you do echos to other people around you. My spirituality comes out of being open and my ability to relate to people in some way. I really care about people who have depression, or anxiety, or are sad. My spirituality manifests itself out of other people’s emotional and physical pain.
What is your message to entrepreneurs who struggle to launch their ideas?
Tenacity. Don’t always create product you want to buy. Create products that are underserved. An idea must be totally and absolutely authentic and disruptive. A good idea becomes a great idea becomes a superior business when creativity and execution fall into place.
How is a normal day for J. Christopher Burch?
There is no normal day. It’s emotional. It’s passionate. It’s creative. It’s unpredictable.
Which are your hobbies?
Exploring people’s emotional thoughts, and hiking while learning (by listening to podcast).
What is your greatest hope for the future?
That we change prison care, I want to get involved. And generally, that we put more emphasis on human empathy.
What is next for J. Christopher Burch?
A balance.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a big-hearted, creative visionary.
Who are your top three living thought leaders?
The Pope, Steve Ross, and Jeff Bezos
Interview by Carolina Rodriguez Hernandes for JOLIEGAZETTE.
Photo courtesy of Christopher Burch.
