Story Lab develops executive-level presence and communication skills through storytelling workshops and events. To be an effective leader — at work, in the community, or in your personal life — you must be able to communicate with impact. Often this means telling stories that are meaningful to you and others, and doing so in the rich language and expressive style of a seasoned storyteller. If you can craft and deliver an effective story, you will be better able to convey your value to recruiters, inspire and motivate classmates and colleagues, and influence any audience you find yourself addressing. At Story Lab, you’ll find a fun and immersive experience and an opportunity to hone your skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Story Lab is co-created with the Sanger Leadership Center.
Story Lab runs throughout the academic year, from September through April. The program begins in the Fall with a kickoff event that is open to the entire university. Then, each semester, a selected group of students who apply participates in a half-day skill-building retreat with wolf&heron. Student who attend the retreat can apply to be a featured storyteller at a Story Lab Showcase, our live “The Moth-style” storytelling event. We conclude the academic year with a our finale event, featuring storytellers from throughout the year at a community-wide, year-end celebration.
During leisure time, not counting work, each of us processes 34 gigabytes, or 100,000 words, every day. That’s one of the many reasons why storytelling matters. It cuts through the clutter and creates moments that are easy to remember. It also fosters connection, motivates and inspires. It’s a powerful tool for persuasion and learning
Just ask Jeff Bezos (who banned PowerPoints at Amazon)
Why is storytelling important during my MBA?
Storytelling is an opportunity to stand out, build your personal brand, and make you unforgettable.
Learn how to communicate with impact, enhance your influence, and inspire dialogue and action. The workshop will help you discover your voice and adopt proven storycraft techniques while developing the verbal communication skills effective leaders use to engage and activate people in today’s complex world.
Get beneath the surface with your peers and build a more connected Ross community. Through your storytelling, you’ll have the opportunity to go deep, share your authentic self, and connect meaningfully with others. In so doing, you’ll model courageous leadership and learn to foster empathy and trust in others.
You’ll reflect on your life experiences, recall failures, and celebrate moments of resilience and grit. Along the way, you’ll be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone, receive rich feedback from coaches and peers, and gain fresh insights about yourself and the power of your voice.