Maxine Clark, founder of Build-a-Bear Workshop, Inc. shared her business experience and expertise with the MBA Class of 2015 yesterday afternoon during their Gateway Olin (GO!) Orientation Program.

Clark shared her personal and professional journey with the students to inspire them to follow their dreams.  Her message included the importance of mentors and taking risks as the MBA students begin carving their professional paths, as well.

She graciously answered questions from the audience for the last 30 minutes of the program and concluded by sharing her email address so the conversations could continue. @CheifExecBear tweeted last night after the event that, “their questions were energizing!”

Build-A-Bear stores first opened their doors in St. Louis in 1997 and expanded to 400 locations around the globe under Clark’s leadership. She retired in June from her position as “Chief Executive Bear”, but remains on the company’s board. She is a frequent and popular speaker on campus. Build-A-Bear’s new CEO is Sharon Price John.

Photo credit: Jerry Naunheim