THE POWER OF REINVENTION with Kathi Sharpe-Ross

Kathi Sharpe-Ross

Welcome to THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION. Inspired by the best-selling book written by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? (March, 2020) these introspective interviews will provide stories, tips, tools and experiences of great reinventors and curiosity seekers. From Fortune 500 C-Suite Executives and Entrepreneurs, to Exhausted Dads, Homemakers and Artists, these men and women will give you a sense of what is possible in your life through their own journeys in business, career, relationships, health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, hobbies and passions.

  1. JAN 15

    EP 157: Build-A-Bear's CEO Sharon Price John on Reinvention, Turnarounds, and Adding More Heart to Life

    What does it take to turn around a beloved brand during a "retail apocalypse" AND a global pandemic? Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, did exactly that—leading the company to five consecutive years of record results while staying true to its mission of "adding a little more heart to life." In this episode, I speak with Sharon Price John, who's spent over 30 years shaping iconic brands—from Barbie and Transformers at Mattel and Hasbro to Stride Rite footwear, and now Build-A-Bear. Since 2013, Sharon has completely reinvented Build-A-Bear's business model, expanding beyond malls, scaling e-commerce, entering entertainment, and growing the consumer base so that 40% of sales now come from teens and adults. Here's the fascinating part: Sharon spent years underestimating herself. She worked McDonald's drive-throughs, Lee Jeans night shifts, flower shops—and kept thinking she was about to hit the wall. High school was easy, so college would be where she'd fail. College was fine, so her first job would be it. Got her MBA at Columbia thinking, "This is where it ends." It never did. She finally realized she'd been shooting too low the entire time. When Sharon joined Build-A-Bear, the brand had mid-90s awareness but was struggling. She saw the equity was trapped—stuck in malls, stuck targeting only kids. Her vision? Transform it from a mall retailer into a branded IP company with multiple revenue streams. Then COVID hit. They shut down 100% of stores in 48 hours. But Sharon's team pivoted fast, moved with imperfect information, and came out strong. How to Reinvent Like Sharon: You're not supposed to know everything about the next step—that's the point. If you knew everything, it wouldn't be growth. Embrace not knowing. Stop catastrophizing—what's the actual worst that can happen? Sharon was terrified to move to New York. Worst case? She'd come back exactly where she was. Do this exercise every time. The stories you tell yourself are usually wrong. Stop carrying disempowering baggage from past "failures" that probably aren't even based in reality. Learn how your entire company makes money. Be curious. Visit every department. When you understand the interconnections, you can connect dots others miss. When you're young, you're recoverable. Taking risks early is strategic. Stop letting fear keep you from trying. Build trust before you need it. Sharon's team could pivot during COVID because they'd already built credibility through years of solid strategy. Connect with Sharon:  Find Build-A-Bear at buildabear.com Read "Stories & Heart" on Amazon at https://a.co/d/3qSQcnK Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-price-john-26239820 THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross     Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

    44 min
  2. 12/12/2025

    EP 156: From Super 8 Films to Stranger Things: A Hollywood Reinvention Story with Joe Lawson

    What if the kid making Super 8 movies in his backyard grew up to shape some of the world’s most iconic brands? In this episode, I sit down with Joe Lawson, Head of Brand Licensing at Calm, whose career spans The Simpsons, Stranger Things, Angry Birds, Shrek, Netflix—and now wellness. Joe knew at age five he wanted to make films. While chasing that dream, he took the scenic route—turning a temp job at Fox into 12 years leading licensing for The Simpsons, building unforgettable brand experiences, and producing his own feature film along the way. His journey is filled with missed jobs, failed projects, and big “no’s”—but every rejection redirected him to something bigger. Now at Calm, Joe is using everything he’s learned to build products that truly touch people’s lives—while keeping his filmmaker dream alive. 🎙️ Key takeaways: • Rejection is redirection • Your network is everything • Side passions can become your next chapter • Reinvention happens moment by moment A masterclass in patience, persistence, and purposeful reinvention. Connect with Joe Joe’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-lawson-679630/ THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross     Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

    54 min
  3. 12/05/2025

    EP 155: Kneading More: Finding Purpose in the Perfect Crust with Adam Drucker

    Ever wonder what it takes to walk away from a successful career and start over from scratch? Adam Drucker went from IT executive to dishwasher, then built something extraordinary. In this episode, I speak with Adam Drucker, founder of Doctor Dough. His Reinvention story is great. After a thriving career in IT, Adam walked away from the keyboard in 2010 to start over as a dishwasher at Paradise Cove. He worked his way up into management, landed at Border Grill with celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken managing their food truck business, then launched his own restaurant, Big Mango Cafe, which expanded to two locations before he exited just ahead of COVID. The pizza he makes now is phenomenal. I've tasted it myself, and it's the real deal. From Takeout to Doctor Dough Adam grew up in a household where his mom, bless her heart, couldn't cook. He tells this hilarious story about coming back from college breaks and hearing all his friends rave about their mom's cooking, while all Adam wanted was takeout. Those sleepovers at friends' houses showed young Adam there was a whole world of flavor out there. It planted a seed. During lockdown, with zero interest in splurging on a backyard pizza oven, Adam set out to create truly great pizza dough for a standard home oven. His wife Rita—who is one of my favorite humans—said, "Hey, maybe other people would want this." What began as a quest for the perfect crust became Doctor Dough. Today he's curing the world's pizza ills through dough sales, private catering, pop-ups, and markets. What You Can Learn Here's what you can take from Adam's story: Start where you are. Adam started as a dishwasher without culinary school. If you've got an idea that won't leave you alone, lean into it. He spent nearly two years perfecting his dough recipe because he believed in what he was creating. Take the leap even when you're terrified—Adam still asks Rita, "Is this right?" There's fear and uncertainty, but he feels fulfilled, and that matters. Involve the people you love. Adam talks about pizza-making as a family activity, flour everywhere, creating memories that matter. That's what Reinvention is really about.The Doctor Will See You Now Ready to cure your pizza cravings? Connect with Adam and get your hands on some Doctor Dough: Doc Dough Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doc_dough Order Your Dough! https://www.docdough.com/ THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

    45 min
  4. 11/14/2025

    EP 154: A Common Thread: From Celebrity Styling to Finding Divine Purpose with Jennifer Principe

    Jennifer Principe is a stylist, author, speaker, and founder whose work blends fashion, faith, and emotional healing. After spending 14 years as a celebrity wardrobe stylist, she felt called to create something more meaningful — a space where style becomes a pathway back to confidence, dignity, and self-worth. She is the author of A Common Thread, a spiritually rooted memoir that explores clothing as a tool for inner transformation, and the founder of The Phoenix Effect, a nonprofit offering full styling, hair, makeup, and photography experiences for individuals facing life-debilitating illnesses. Her work has been featured on KTLA, BBC, Inside Edition, and across major outlets for its impact and heart. Before you listen to this episode, I want to share something with you: finding your purpose rarely appears as a straight, clear path. Sometimes it unfolds slowly, in detours and seasons we don’t fully understand at the time. When Jennifer told me she worked thirty different jobs before realizing what she was meant to do, it struck me in the best possible way. It’s a reminder that the things we’re drawn to — the small nudges, the recurring interests, the quiet whispers — aren’t random. They’re direction. In this conversation, Jennifer opens up about her journey from a difficult childhood to a thriving styling career, and how she ultimately discovered the deeper calling beneath it. Jennifer shares the moment she first learned about “enclothed cognition,” the idea that what we wear can shift how we feel and how we move through the world. It’s something she intuitively understood as a little girl seeking peace and play in the back of her grandmother’s gift shop. And then there’s the moment that changed everything: she’s out on a run, overwhelmed by life transitions, when she feels an unmistakable inner pull telling her to stop and give her gift away. She listens. She makes one phone call from the side of the road. That call becomes the beginning of The Phoenix Effect, a nonprofit that has helped countless individuals see themselves again with warmth, strength, and hope. Today, Jennifer has stepped away from her 14-year styling career to fully embrace this mission. When I asked her about fear, she told me she’s more afraid of never reaching her full potential than she is of stumbling along the way. There’s something incredibly grounding about that. Her book, A Common Thread, captures her journey beautifully — blending storytelling, faith, healing, and practical tools to help you reconnect with who you are at your core. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, waiting for clarity, waiting to feel ready… let this episode be the moment that encourages your next step. You deserve what’s on the other side. Shop A Common Thread (Amazon/Barnes & Noble) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Common-Thread-Fashion-Soul-Book/dp/B09YL79827 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-common-thread-jennifer-principe/1141622278?ean=2940166550262 Jennifer's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenprincipestyles/?hl=en All of Jennifer’s Links! https://linktr.ee/jenprincipestyles THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExchIG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/⁠ FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross⁠

    40 min
  5. 09/25/2025

    Ep 153 - Two Moms, One Book, Endless Ambition with Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores

    Sometimes the most powerful Reinventions don’t start with a plan, but with two people realizing their different strengths belong in the same story. In this episode, I chat with the wonderful Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, the dynamic co-authors of the sizzling debut novel Happy Wife. Happy Wife has captured national attention as a "Read with Jenna Book Club Pick," a SheReads Must-Read, and a Paste.com Most Anticipated Thriller. The novel has earned widespread praise, including Jenna Bush Hager’s “delicious, fun summer book” endorsement, along with acclaim from Booklist and Red Carpet Crash. But before their success, Meredith spent decades shaping stories in Hollywood, show running The Flight Attendant and developing new series with Netflix, Showtime and Paramount+, while Kendall built her career in communications, beginning with grant writing at the Orlando Science Center before moving into strategy roles at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mailchimp. Their journeys took a turn when Kendall turned 40 and chose to stop telling herself the story that she couldn’t write a novel, just as Meredith was navigating the writers’ strike and searching for a new creative outlet beyond television. Together, they represent two sides of the same coin, and show what happens when you put different strengths together. As two working moms, they blended carpools with Zooms, powered through their first draft in a single summer with a fail-fast mentality, and showed that momentum outweighs perfection. More than anything, it’s about the courage to say your dream out loud, the power of creating with others, and the reminder that reinvention is possible—and exhilarating—at any stage of life. Key Takeaways  Embrace a fail fast mentality - experiment quickly, learn, and keep moving forward. It’s okay not to grind at the desk every day - sometimes the best creativity comes from stepping away, sitting on the couch, or just taking a breather. Saying your dream out loud invites accountability and energy - when others hear it, they often help you bring it to life. When your hobby becomes your job - build new rituals and outlets so your passion doesn’t get lost in deadlines. Confidence often comes after action - momentum builds belief faster than waiting to “feel ready.” Link to their book: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Wife-Novel-Meredith-Lavender/dp/0593974379https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771523/happy-wife-a-read-with-jenna-pick-by-meredith-lavender-and-kendall-shores/ Learn More about the Authors: https://www.meredithandkendall.com/ Kathi Sharpe-Ross and all things RE:INVENTION: IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross     Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

    40 min
  6. 08/28/2025

    EP 152: The AI Anxiety Fix with Shiv Singh

    Shiv Singh grew up writing fiction in India, Hong Kong and Dubai, before he ever dreamed of shaping brands like PepsiCo or Visa. That early relationship with language, art, and culture became the backbone of how he now leads in a world being rewritten by AI. In this wonderful episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I speak with Shiv about his career pivots, cultural values, and the humanity behind modern marketing. We talk about how AI is reshaping everything, from brand voice to business ethics, and why legacy is no longer just about what you build, but how you build it. Shiv shares reflections on his father’s advice, his early years in advertising, and the moment he realized that storytelling is strategic, necessary, and deeply personal. Whether you are a CMO, a parent learning how to connect with your young ones in this new world of AI, a founder, or someone navigating your next chapter, this conversation will challenge the way you think about innovation, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with both. Poetry and marketing are more alike than we think. Both are about clarity, emotion, and impact AI is a leadership issue, not just a tech trend. It forces us to ask what kind of world we are building Your values will show up in your marketing whether you plan it or not Legacy is created not through titles, but through moments of truth The best leaders listen more than they speak, and treat culture as strategy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivsingh/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shivsingh/?hl=en X(Twitter): https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivsingh/ Link to his book: https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Dummies-Business-Personal-Finance/dp/1394237197/ Shiv’s Website: https://www.savvymatters.com/ THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.thereinventionexchange.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross     X: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

    40 min
  7. 08/07/2025

    EP 151: C-Suite to Soul work: How Maria Weaver Built XO Maria Louise

    Maria Weaver has led massive teams, shaped culture across media giants, and built brands at the highest level. But her latest chapter might be the most intentional of all. In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I talk with Maria about her journey from acting as a child in New York City to rising through the ranks at HBO, Comcast, and Warner Music Experience. We discuss the decision to step away from corporate life to raise her daughters, the challenges of re-entry, and the many ways she Reinvented along the way. Maria shares how a quiet passion—handmaking gemstone bracelets for herself and loved ones—evolved into XO Maria Louise, a jewelry brand built on story, spirituality, and self-belief. She explains how she used every tool from her marketing and leadership career to build a business with heart, intention, and structure. If you’ve ever felt the tug to create something that’s yours, Maria’s story offers the blueprint—and the nudge to start. Key Takeaways: A creative pivot can begin long before it becomes publicResilience is a superpower, especially in times of transitionYou don’t have to choose between impact and intuitionBuilding something personal can be your most meaningful workSide hustles deserve real strategy and heartYour next Reinvention might already be with you—you just haven’t launched it yetExplore XO Maria Louise https://xomarialouise.com/ Follow Maria Instagram (brand): https://www.instagram.com/xomarialouise/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msmariaweaver/ For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

    38 min
  8. 07/18/2025

    EP 150: Reinventing Confidence & Speaking Without Fear - Shelley Goldstein

    If you can’t clearly and confidently explain who you are and what you do in 30 seconds, you’re not alone… but it’s costing you. We all speak every day. But few of us know how to truly communicate in a way that inspires action. In Episode 150 of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION (yes, 150!), I’m joined by Shelley Goldstein, known as The Coach Whisperer, who shares what it really takes to embody your messaging and stop shrinking in rooms where you belong. Shelley has worked with thousands of professionals across five continents. Her #1 international bestselling book, Remarkable Speaking: A Framework to Embody Your Voice and Your Vision, is for anyone who wants to show up with more presence. In this episode, Shelley breaks down: • The hidden impact of labels like “introvert” or “imposter” • How to reframe fear when you’re stepping into something new • Why storytelling is still your greatest communication tool • Her signature “sprint method” to unlock clarity in minutes We first crossed paths at Ringling Brothers, Shelley was designing, I was handling PR. Even then, she had that rare blend of presence and purpose. Today, she teaches others how to find it in themselves. If you’ve ever wanted your words to reflect your value, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: You do not need to be a professional speaker to speak with power Personal storytelling builds connection and credibility Labels like introvert, extrovert, or job title often limit our potential Reframing how you think about speaking is the first step to growth Effective communication is about essence, not perfection Confidence comes from clarity, repetition and self-ownership Everyone deserves to be heard, not just the loudest voice in the room Explore Remarkable Speaking www.remarkablespeaking.com Follow Shelley LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shelleygoldstein YouTube: www.youtube.com/@remarkablespeaking Book (Amazon): https://a.co/d/5eocSAo For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

    40 min

About

Welcome to THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION. Inspired by the best-selling book written by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? (March, 2020) these introspective interviews will provide stories, tips, tools and experiences of great reinventors and curiosity seekers. From Fortune 500 C-Suite Executives and Entrepreneurs, to Exhausted Dads, Homemakers and Artists, these men and women will give you a sense of what is possible in your life through their own journeys in business, career, relationships, health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, hobbies and passions.