Sharon Price John

Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, transformed the company from a $49 million loss to sustained profits by focusing on emotional connections with customers. She emphasizes that the brand is about more than just teddy bears—it's about meaning. Discover her simple turnaround formula and the secrets behind the viral 'Pay Your Age' campaign. She also shares insights on balancing legacy and innovation, applying lessons from motherhood to leadership, and how to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.

Sharon Price John, the long-serving CEO of Build-a-Bear Workshop, shares insights on the company's impressive reinvention in a challenging retail landscape. She discusses the brand's success in opening new stores and targeting international markets, despite the hurdles posed by Trump tariffs on Chinese goods. John also highlights the importance of innovative products and maintaining a strong workplace culture to foster customer loyalty. Her leadership approach offers a unique perspective on adapting to changing consumer habits and economic pressures.

Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop and author of Stories & Heart, shares her journey through retail challenges. She discusses how climbing a tree as a child taught her the value of courage and resilience. Sharon reveals her bold moves in advertising and the lessons learned from a failed startup. Her two-step turnaround framework emphasizes eliminating wasteful habits. With impactful storytelling, she reshaped Build-A-Bear's mission, leading the company to profitability and expansion, all while navigating the complexities of leadership during crisis.