
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
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Adding experiences to your product intensifies their brand impactSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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Don’t believe the oddsSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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Great brands stand for something biggerSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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Rethink what business you're really inSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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Stop doing stupid stuffSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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If you want to move forward, you can't spend all your time looking backwardSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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Be willing to trade margin for lifetime valueSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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Big decisions require both authority and humilitySharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO
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Hesitation isn't a flaw, but there's power in decisive action / Advice for women who hesitate on big decisionsSharon Price JohnBuild-A-Bear, CEO