Story Lab
Overview
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 your audience. At Story Lab, you’ll find an immersive experience and an opportunity to hone your skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Story Lab is generously sponsored by M•LEAD and the Ford School’s Leadership Initiative.
reason why students choose Ross
coaching sessions
Michigan community members reached
Skills You’ll Learn
All program skills are connected to the Michigan Model of Leadership, our evidence-based framework for leadership development.
Skills
Team Communication
I facilitate open team communication
You will develop stories and communication techniques that can be used to demonstrate authenticity and vulnerability, break down barriers, and create deeper personal connections.
Team Inclusion
I create a shared sense of team belonging
Through your storytelling, you’ll go deep, share your authentic self, and connect meaningfully with others. As a result, you’ll model courageous leadership and learn to foster spaces of vulnerability and belonging.
Curiosity
I actively seek to learn and grow
You’ll give and receive robust feedback around the construction and delivery of your story from coaches and peers at different points throughout the retreat.
Influence
I influence others to action
You’ll learn, apply, and practice story crafting techniques and delivery tools to communicate with impact and influence others to action.
Team Inspiration
I inspire the team to achieve its goals
You’ll learn how practicing authenticity, engaging emotion, inviting curiosity, and focusing on key takeaways when constructing and delivering stories has the power to inspire teams and communities to activate and drive action.
Details & Registration
Details
Fall 2025
Showcase: November 19, 7–8:30 PM (Robertson Auditorium)
Winter 2026
Registration: February 2–13
Retreats:
– February 18, 4:30–9 PM (Michigan League)
– February 20, 10 AM–2:30 PM ET (*virtual)
Showcase: April 1, 5–6:30 PM (Robertson Auditorium)
Time Commitment
Retreats are 4.5 hours
Showcase events are 1.5 hours
Participant Requirements
Deep interest in storytelling, personal growth, and lifelong learning
*Virtual offerings will first prioritize the registration of Online, Executive, and Weekend MBA students, with remaining spots available to students in other programs
Retreats are open to all U-M students
Showcase events are open to the public
Registration
The Program Structure
Retreats: Two identical skill-building retreats are offered in the fall and winter semesters focusing on the art and architecture of storytelling.
Coaching: Interested retreat participants can sign up to receive additional 1:1 coaching with professional storytelling coaches.
Showcases & Podcast: Each semester, retreat participants can apply to either take the stage at a public Showcase event to share their story or be featured in a podcast episode.
Registration for the fall retreats is now closed. Ross students will be notified via email when registration opens for the winter retreats. Non-Ross students are invited to fill out the interest form below to receive the same communication.
RSVP for the Fall Showcase below.
Contact a Sanger Student Ambassador about this program.
Testimonials
Sam Schmitt, MBA ’25
Testimonials
“I chose to come to Ross for many reasons, one of them being the Sanger Leadership Center offerings. When talking to prospective students, so many people mentioned participating in or attending Story Lab. I attended my first Story Lab and it exceeded all my expectations. I loved being able to support my friends and classmates, while also hearing their personal stories. Story Lab allowed me to get to know my peers better, while also giving them the dedicated space and coaching support to craft an authentic story. I am looking forward to participating and attending over the next two years!”
Indhu Venugopal, WMBA ’25
Testimonials
“I had a preconceived notion that only native English speakers can craft stories and sound like a natural storyteller. However, Story Lab helped me transform my prejudices into a growth mindset where I started to experience that storytelling is indeed a skill that everyone can learn with the right set of tools and guidance.”
Andrew Johnston, MBA ’22
Testimonials
"Story Lab was the perfect place to learn the framework of how to craft a great story and practice delivering it in a psychologically safe setting."
Videos
Story Lab Retreats Video
Podcasts
Story Lab Podcasts
Select Story Lab participants share their stories via M-LEAD’s Break Away Podcast. Listen to the most recent episodes below!
How Do You Take Steps to Find Community?
In this episode, Sanger Program Specialist Nick Viviano speaks with Story Lab participant Sally Mo, BS ’26, who shares her experience finding community at the University of Michigan.
How do you Challenge Misconceptions about Long COVID?
In this episode, Sanger Program specialist Nick Viviano speaks with Story Lab participant Armani Guerra, MBA ’26, shares his journey advocating for and fighting misconceptions about an illness that still doesn’t have a cure.
Gallery
Scenes from the Program
News
Related News
Story Lab Participant Shares Lesson in Humanity and Resilience on M-LEAD’s Break Away Podcast
What happens when everything goes wrong—and a stranger shows up to help? Storytelling is a powerful tool that the best leaders use to influence and inspire others. At Story Lab, students develop executive-level presence and communication skills through storytelling...
Story Lab Participant Reflects on Belonging and Bravery on M-LEAD’s Break Away Podcast
How can we take steps to find community? Storytelling is a powerful tool that the best leaders use to influence and inspire others. At Story Lab, students develop executive-level presence and communication skills through storytelling workshops and events. In an...
Story Lab Participant Speaks to the Power of Advocacy on M-LEAD’s Break Away Podcast
How can storytelling challenge stigma? Storytelling is a powerful tool that the best leaders use to influence and inspire others. At Story Lab, students develop executive-level presence and communication skills through storytelling workshops and events. In an...