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I'm your host, Elise Hugh.

When Sharon Price-John, the CEO of Build a Bear Workshop, first took over the organization, it was nearing bankruptcy.

In her talk,

she shares how rediscovering the company's true purpose, not for products or profits, but adding a little more heart to life, became the unlikely engine for a major global turnaround.

She asks, in our own organizations and lives, are we willing to, quote, look past the stuffing

and find the purpose that makes everything come alive?

Do you know your organization's true purpose?

Many people say it's shareholder value, the products you make, or the services you provide,

but it's much, much more than that.

It's like what really makes your company's heartbeat.

Well, in today's complex world, shouldn't we all be thinking about that?

I know I had to when I became the CEO of Build a Bear Workshop.

Back in 2013, I was asked to take the helm of this mall-based,

make-your-own-stuffed animal retail company for kids from the beloved founder.

2012 had been the worst year in the company's history, having lost $50 million, and 20% of the stores were not turning a profit. The team had struggled for eight years in the wake of the recession,

mall traffic declines, the rise of the digital economy. Well, bankruptcy was a real threat. So shortly after I got there, I brought

the whole organization together to share my textbook turnaround plans that of course included

cost-cutting, store closures, and maybe some layoffs. But I was met with skeptical stares and silence.

Wow, don't they get it?

I mean, the world had changed a lot since 1997 when Bill DeBarre was started, but it was

almost like they were afraid to change, but why?

...