Stories and Heart: Unlocking the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love

UNEXPECTED INSIGHTS from an UNCONVENTIONAL BUSINESS BOOK

Each of us has the power to create a life we love. This is the core belief of Build-A-Bear CEO, Sharon Price John, and one that makes Stories & Heart stand out among today’s business books. Revealed in events and experiences that shaped her life, Sharon Price John assembles a blueprint for making meaning in modern times.

More than candid stories that educate and inspire, Sharon guides readers through her framework for using their personal stories to enact meaningful change in their lives. Each chapter begins with a themed story―like setting productive goals, or challenging limiting perceptions―then proceeds to a “Questions from the Heart” section that creates space for contemplation. The chapters conclude with a “Create Your Own Story” exercise, designed to help readers identify the power of their personal stories, take control of their journey, and create a life they love.

Since 2013, SHARON PRICE JOHN has served as president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), turning around and redefining the multi-million-dollar company and beloved brand while navigating the “retail apocalypse” — and, more recently, a global pandemic — to deliver the most profitable year in the company’s history in 2021.

However, before becoming the CEO of a publicly traded company, Sharon was a self-professed tomgirl from Tennessee. With sights beyond her small-town roots, Sharon embarked on a fascinating life journey of challenges and opportunities, including graduating from the University of Tennessee, working in the ad industry in New York City, earning an MBA from Columbia University, managing iconic kids’ brands at companies like Mattel and Hasbro and becoming known as a change - agent, and eventually accepting the role of president of the Stride Rite Children’s Group, which led to Sharon taking the helm at Build - A - Bear.

Sharon also serves on the board of directors at Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK), and on the executive committee of the Toy Industry Association board, in addition to supporting a number of philanthropic organizations. She has been named one of the University of Tennessee’s Top 100 Alumni of the last 100 years and recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Columbia Women in Business. Sharon has three children and lives in St. Louis with her husband, Russ.