NOW AVAILABLE
Open This Book
The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders
Sign up to be notified as soon at the book becomes available!
Everyone has a story, they just don't know it yet.
Ever think that silly story you tell to break the ice could actually be a breakthrough for your career? Welcome to Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders, where we’re ditching the textbook definitions and embracing storytelling as the heart of authentic leadership.
This isn’t your average “how-to” guide. Imagine it as a heart-to-heart with a friend who’s seen their fair share of life’s plot twists and learned how careful word choice and a smooth delivery can turn chaos into clarity and mishaps into powerful messages.
Because the secret to being a thought leader–a content creator, podcaster, speaker, author–is knowing how to transform those “just another day” experiences into an arsenal for connecting in a world that’s scrolling past the same old content.
Open This Book is your backstage pass to understanding why storytelling isn’t just for the Shakespeares and Spielbergs of the world. Designed as part book, part journal (but no part textbook), this book is for anyone who’s ever had a “you can’t make this up” moment (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?). From crafting your narrative to delivering it in a way that feels like a mic drop, we’ll explore the ins and outs of telling stories that connect, challenge, and change the game of leadership.
So, if you’re ready to turn your misadventures into your mission statement, you’ve come to the right place. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best stories are hiding in plain sight—they just need a little nudge (or a full-on shove) into the spotlight.
This isn’t just about finding your voice; it’s about discovering that your voice, quirks and all, is exactly what the world’s been waiting to hear.
What are you waiting for? Open this book.
Editorial Review
Independent Book Review
“I dare you to read Open This Book and not come out with a story to use on the other side of it.
Prompts, explanations, empty journal pages, examples, and helpful tidbits on choosing and telling stories—this book prioritizes brainstorming and fosters direct action. The questions Lohse poses are pointed enough that you’ll not only have something to talk about the next time you’re booked on a podcast but you’ll be able to talk about it well and with personality.
Audiences connect with story; they always have. Now, in a time of trusting and believing in who you are buying from, this book is as relevant as ever.
Lohse does such a terrific job keeping things light, approachable, and even personal in Open This Book. She’s got plenty of her own stories to tell—her infamous penis tattoo story, her maid of honor speech—and it makes the practice-what-you-preach aspect of the book work two-fold. Her point is made crystal clear because she is keeping our attention with her own personal storytelling. I’m glad to listen to this very real person chat about what she knows—not only because I can tell there’s merit, but also because she’s good at telling it.”
"Looking for an excuse to get ahead as a thought leader? Take the advice of this title and Open This Book."
Reviews from Early Readers
Shannon Russell
Second Act Success Career Coaching
I opened this book and loved the content so much! Sara’s style is very witty and I really like all of her humor and personal stories throughout it. She really touched on the fears many of us have when it comes to imposter syndrome and not thinking we have a story to tell. Her advice on how to dig in deep to find our story and truly bring it out was done in such a helpful way that made it seem possible and less scary. The “What to do now” prompts and journal pages were a great addition, so I was able to write down ideas as I read. I learned and laughed all throughout my time reading this book. Lots of good takeaways and a new perception on what it means to share your story and be a thought leader. Highly recommend for anyone aspiring to speak up and get their voice heard!!
Alexandra Segel
I really love how Sara connects with her readers in this book! It’s immersive and engaging throughout, blending expert storytelling with fun, interactive prompts. It’s also packed with practical advice and will inspire anyone who reads it to share their own story. I couldn’t recommend it more highly!
Larry Roberts
Red Hat Media
Sara’s new book, Open this Book is an open call to action for readers to harness the power of their personal stories. Through compelling anecdotes and thoughtful prompts, she guides readers to reflect on formative life experiences and begin crafting their own stories.
As someone who knows Sara both personally and professionally, I can promise you this book is as genuine as it gets. She draws extensively from her own life, sharing intimate struggles and victories along her journey to thought leadership. While feeling very memoir-esque, she demonstrates each story has a purpose by highlighting the larger lessons. The vulnerability in her stories is sure to resonate with readers with a desire to share their own journeys more authentically.
Though primarily focused on developing thought leadership, Sara offers insight to entrepreneurs wanting to humanize their brand, professionals aiming to stand out, and creatives looking to leverage their uniqueness. Her warm tone makes the book feel more like a coffee conversation with a trusted friend.
Each reader will walk away feeling seen, heard, and empowered. Sara inspires each reader to uncover their powerful stories and turn them into leadership tools. For anyone looking to craft their narrative and voice toward greater goals, Open This Book is essential reading. Sara has crafted a truly heartfelt guidebook to help us all shape stories worth sharing.
Amanda Paolicelli
Dare to Be Iconic
Open This Book feels like having a one-on-one, heartfelt conversation with Sara. It strikes the ideal balance between being personal and intimate while providing clear, actionable information. Thank you for sharing your insights and guidance in such a relatable and impactful way.