The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want.
Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else.
Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life.
Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.
We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.
All content for Leap Academy with Ilana Golan is the property of Ilana Golan and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want.
Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else.
Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life.
Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.
We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.
Build-A-Bear CEO, Sharon Price John: The Mindset Behind a Billion-Dollar Comeback | E134
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
1 hour 12 minutes
19 hours ago
Build-A-Bear CEO, Sharon Price John: The Mindset Behind a Billion-Dollar Comeback | E134
When Sharon Price John was a kid, she spent a summer determined to climb a massive tree. After several falls, she reached the top, only to realize she didn’t know how to get down. As darkness fell, she jumped into the pine needles below and learned a lasting lesson: tough goals can be fun. Years later, that same mindset guided her as CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a company that was $49 million in the red. Instead of retreating, she climbed again, leading one of retail’s greatest comebacks. In this episode, Sharon shares how to face fear with curiosity, lead with heart, and use storytelling to spark transformation in business and life.
Sharon Price John is the President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, where she led one of retail’s most inspiring turnarounds. She is also the author of Stories & Heart and Chair of the Toy Association.
In this episode, Ilana and Sharon discuss
(00:00) Introduction
(02:17) The Truth Behind Every “Overnight” Success
(03:53) The Tree That Taught Her Courage
(07:16) Breaking Into Advertising
(13:49) Climbing the Ladder at Mattel
(19:41) When Her Startup Collapsed
(28:55) Leading a Turnaround When Everything Seems Lost
(32:44) The One Rule Every Great Leader Lives By
(33:40) Avoiding the Mistakes That Cost You Most
(38:12) The Strategy That Saved Build-A-Bear
(50:57) Leading With Courage and Clarity Through Crisis(01:04:33) Storytelling as the Heart of Great Leadership
Sharon Price John has served as President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop since 2013, leading the brand from a $49 million loss to record profitability. Before Build-A-Bear, she held senior roles at Hasbro, Mattel, and Stride Rite Children’s Group, earning a reputation as a turnaround expert. Sharon is the author of Stories & Heart and serves on the boards of Jack in the Box and First Book. She is also Chair of the Toy Association.
Connect with Sharon:
Sharon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-price-john-26239820
Sharon’s Website: storiesandheart.com
Resources Mentioned:
Sharon’s Book, Stories & Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950863441
First Book: https://firstbook.org
Build-A-Bear Workshop: https://www.buildabear.com
Leap Academy:
Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.
Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want.
Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else.
Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life.
Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.
We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.
