Sharon John stepped into Build-A-Bear Workshop 12 years ago seamlessly and successfully following Founder Maxine Clark’s retirement. While the boardroom predicted disaster, Sharon orchestrated a textbook turnaround. A veteran of Mattel, she preserved Maxine’s vision and 28-year-old brand legacy and maintained the culture while driving transformation, proving that respect for the past and immediate results aren’t mutually exclusive.

Here’s an impressive retail transformation story. Kimberly Minor, CEO of WOCRA and Interim Executive Director at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, shares raw truths about what it really takes to lead in today’s retail landscape.

Imani Laners transforms leadership with authenticity, innovation, and resilience—rising from cheerleader to award-winning media and tech leader.