Don Yaeger releases new book on storytelling as a leadership tool

Don Yaeger’s new book, published by Forbes Books and distributed by Simon & Schuster, argues that storytelling is a critical business skill in an AI-heavy world. The book aims to help leaders, sellers and brands build trust, communicate with clarity and drive action.

Why it matters: - Leaders are facing a flood of AI-generated content, data and messages, making human connection a stronger differentiator. - Yaeger’s book argues that storytelling can help people earn trust, make ideas memorable and move audiences to act. - The book is aimed at leaders, entrepreneurs, sales professionals and brands that need to communicate with clarity and impact.

What happened: - Don Yaeger released “The Business of Storytelling: Inspire Action, Build Trust, and Drive Results Through Story.” - Forbes Books published the title, and Simon & Schuster is distributing it nationwide. - The book is available through national and independent booksellers. - The release date provided was Sept. 15, 2026.

The details: - Yaeger positions storytelling as a practical leadership discipline, not a soft skill. - The book draws on his background as a journalist, author, speaker and student of elite communicators. - The framework includes Four Universal Truths that govern great stories and Ten Elements of effective storytelling. - The book also covers the neuroscience behind how stories influence decisions. - Yaeger says leaders should build a personal story bank to prepare for different audiences and moments. - The book uses examples from business, sports, history, journalism, advertising and culture. - Yaeger argues that stories do more than share information. They create meaning and help people understand why something matters. - A direct line from the book says, "Storytelling is not a soft skill. It is one of the most practical, high-leverage leadership tools available today."

Between the lines: - The book is entering a market where AI can generate polished content quickly, but that speed does not replace credibility or emotional truth. - Yaeger’s core argument is that the story behind the story, including experience, judgment and purpose, is what builds trust. - The positioning suggests the book is meant as a practical business tool, not just a communications guide. - In a crowded information environment, the message is that content may be abundant, but connection remains scarce.

What's next: - Readers can use the book’s framework to improve how they close deals, lead teams, manage change, build brands and present data. - The broader test will be whether business leaders treat storytelling as a core operating skill rather than a presentation tactic. - Yaeger is also likely to use the book to extend his platform as a speaker and leadership commentator.

The bottom line: - Yaeger is betting that in the AI era, the leaders who can tell better stories will be the ones who earn more trust and drive better results.