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Sharon Price John

Build-A-Bear, CEO
EPISODE 247

Meaning is your brand’s superpower

The real product isn’t always what’s on the shelf. It’s the story—and the feeling—that comes with it.

Sharon Price John, CEO of Build‑A‑Bear, reinvented a mall staple by returning the company from a $49 million loss to sustained profits while expanding into digital, adult, and licensing channels. 

And here’s the insight that anchored her: Build‑A‑Bear isn’t selling teddy bears. It’s selling meaning. If you want to expand and grow your brand (without losing its heart), hit play on this episode!

You’ll also learn:

  • A turnaround formula so simple, it fits in four letters
  • An analogy to honor your company’s past—without getting stuck in it
  • The math (and magic) behind a viral “Pay Your Age” campaign
  • What decisive leaders understand that hesitant ones miss

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Short (but powerful) leadership advice from entrepreneurs and CEOs of top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Target, Starbucks and more.

Clips

  • Adding experiences to your product intensifies their brand impact
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • Don’t believe the odds
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • Great brands stand for something bigger
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • Rethink what business you're really in
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • Stop doing stupid stuff
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • If you want to move forward, you can't spend all your time looking backward
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • Be willing to trade margin for lifetime value
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • Big decisions require both authority and humility
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO
  • Hesitation isn't a flaw, but there's power in decisive action / Advice for women who hesitate on big decisions
    Sharon Price John
    Sharon Price John
    Build-A-Bear, CEO

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