Leadership Story Lab

06/09/2026

I'm a board member of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. I believe in the freedom to read. So for my MFA project, I studied book-ban advocates.

This may seem like an unusual choice, since I stand on the opposite side of this issue. Yet that is precisely why I chose it.

In my book Winning Without Persuading, I emphasize a simple idea: the best way to get someone’s attention is to give them yours. Before we seek to change minds, we must first become genuinely curious. Before we tell our stories, we must be willing to listen to others’.

This analysis taught me something crucial. If we want to persuade anyone on divisive issues, we can't lead with our arguments. We have to start with genuine curiosity about theirs.

Read the full analysis with my discoveries here: https://open.substack.com/pub/estherchoy/p/to-understand-book-bans-follow-the?r=29wzd3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

06/04/2026

A powerful way to improve a conversation is to improve the question.

In a recent article from Content Marketing Institute by Clare McDermott, I discussed how small changes in the way we frame questions can dramatically change the depth of the responses we receive. For example, asking someone about one of the best things they've ever done for themselves will often generate interesting answers.

But adding a layer of challenge, like "especially because you were told you couldn't," introduces adversity, obstacles, and reflection. Suddenly, people are more likely to share a story rather than simply an opinion.

Stories often reveal far more about how people think, decide, and lead than direct questions ever can.

I'm honored to be featured in this thoughtful article exploring what meaningful conversations can uncover that data alone cannot!

https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/content-marketing-strategy/data-versus-conversation

Advisory boards and executive dinners reveal insights no survey can. Learn what makes intimate gatherings work and how to run them effectively.

05/19/2026

We're so excited to see that Winning Without Persuading is still the #1 new release in Business Sales on Amazon!

Have you ordered your copy yet?

05/12/2026

We're so excited to see that Esther Choy's new book, Winning Without Persuading, is the #1 New Release in categories like business writing, sales and selling, and more!

If you haven't picked up your copy, click the link below to order yours!

https://www.leadershipstorylab.com/winning-without-persuading/

05/08/2026

Last chance to submit your proof of purchase for Winning Without Persuading and join Esther Choy for two exclusive leadership communication trainings!

Session 1: Asking Crazy Good Questions That Get to What Actually Matters
Session 2: Speaking Up- 3 Levels to Use Your Voice When It Matters Most

You’ll explore:
⭐️ How to ask questions that unlock meaningful insight
⭐️ How leaders can create conditions where people truly speak up
⭐️ How story discovery uncovers the hidden information that drives better decisions, stronger trust, and lasting change

These two interactive sessions will allow you to practice curiosity and story discovery in real time and gain and refine new communication skills. Learn more by clicking the link below:

https://www.leadershipstorylab.com/winning-without-persuading-book-promotion/

with Esther Choy, author of Winning Without Persuading Join Esther to experience the joy of curiosity and story discovery! The first 500 readers who purchase Winning Without Persuading: A New Framework for Leading with Curiosity and Story Discovery are invited to join Esther Choy for an exclusive li...

05/08/2026

Persuasion is often treated as the ultimate leadership skill.

But what if the leaders who create the greatest impact are the ones who know how to uncover the stories others haven’t yet shared?

If you’ve read Winning Without Persuading, we would love to hear your thoughts in a review. Your perspective not only helps future readers but also expands the conversation around curiosity-driven leadership: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400252776/?bestFormat=true&k=winning%20without%20persuading&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_20_de&crid=2644W56FQKLJ2&sprefix=winning%20without%20pers

We're so grateful that you're a part of it!

Winning Without Persuading: A New Framework for Leading with Curiosity and Story Discovery

05/06/2026

Want a deeper dive into Esther Choy’s story and Winning Without Persuading? Check out her interview with NBC Chicago!

https://www.nbcchicago.com/video/news/local/asian-american-author-challenges-people-to-observe/3932240/

A trailblazing Asian American author says her deep connection to Chicago culture, history and entrepreneurship helps her share leadership skills no one teaches - yet determine the quality of every decision she makes. Natalie Martinez reports on her challenge for others.

05/05/2026

Winning Without Persuading is now officially available!

Here're all the buying options and an invitation to attend a live, interactive, complementary training with Esther:

https://www.leadershipstorylab.com/winning-without-persuading/

05/04/2026

Today is the last day to join two virtual leadership communication trainings!

Curiosity is an underrated and overlooked leadership skill that allows you to excavate the hidden stories, insights, and perspectives within your organization. Those are the very elements that drive better decisions, stronger trust, and lasting change. Winning Without Persuading introduces a framework for leading with curiosity that will allow you to find these stories that change everything.

The first 500 readers are invited to join Esther Choy an exclusive live training! Two interactive sessions where you'll will practice:

• asking high-impact questions
• unlocking hidden insights
• creating conditions where people speak up

Submit proof of purchase by tomorrow, May 5, 2026 to join:

https://www.leadershipstorylab.com/winning-without-persuading-book-promotion/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=WWPpromo

Have you submitted your proof of purchase yet?

02/11/2026

📣 Save the Date!

Our next Sawyer Foundation Quarterly Webinar will be held Thursday, March 19th from 2 to 3:30 PM EST and it’s free for our nonprofit partners!

We’re excited to host Leadership Story Lab, experts in executive storytelling who coach leaders to communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact.

🎁 Bonus: All attendees will receive a copy of Esther's new book releasing this spring.

More details and registration coming soon!