COE Summer Reading List 2026
The summer season has a way of inviting us to slow down. The longer, hotter days are often accompanied by lighter schedules and changes of pace. It’s the perfect time to pick up a book, explore new ideas, and invest in your personal and professional growth.
As part of our annual tradition, the Center for Operational Excellence once again tapped a small group of recent speakers, board members, and faculty collaborators to share their top book recommendations for OpEx leaders. The result is a curated Summer Reading List with insights on leadership, technology, and continuous improvement.
Whether you’re reading poolside, on a plane, or in between meetings, we hope these selections bring new energy and inspiration for your OpEx journey.
Cheers to your next great read!
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Simon Sinek
“This book challenges purpose and intent and allows professionals to aspire towards something they love versus something they want to do for the money. It also influences one's ability to communicate to everyone around them in a more meaningful and intentional way.” - Nathan Greaves, Senior Lean Specialist and OpEx Leader, Crown Equipment
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear
“Making large changes is often difficult. Making small changes tied to activities you already do is so much easier. Clarifying your identity and how your habits align with your identity is an important step. This book leads you through with applicable steps and examples.” - Adrienne Schmoll, Director of Transformation, Worthington Steel
Leadership reDEFYned: Defy the Ordinary to Unleash Your Potential, Tami Chapek
“This is a practical guide to establishing authentic, strengths-based leadership for yourself or someone on your team. When we align to our gifts and values, something magical happens and our energy shifts, our satisfaction grows, and the business benefits significantly from the impact too.” - Tami Chapek, CEO, WeInspireWe
Flash Teams: Leading the Future of AI-Enhanced, On-Demand Work, Melissa Valentine and Michael Bernstein
“Dr. Melissa Valentine was one of our keynotes at the COE Summit 2026, and I was blown away by her insights on the future of AI-powered organizations! If you’re looking to dive deeper into the revolutionary possibilities of AI in the workplace, this book is an excellent read.” - Kelly Reo, Executive Director, Center for Operational Excellence at The Ohio State University
The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety: Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation, Timothy R. Clark
“This book provides a concise look into the four stages of psychological safety that organizations must provide in order for their people to feel valued and work effectively. Timothy Clark challenges current managers and leaders to take stock of what level of psychological safety their own organizations and teams actually have, and also provides practical guidance for maximizing psychological safety as a leader. This book serves as a valuable reminder that people are an organization's greatest asset, and that a culture of employee well-being is crucial to long-term success.” - Nathan Thorpe, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Crown Lift Trucks
The Machine That Changed the World, James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones, and Daniel Roos
“This book provides a very user-friendly introduction to the Toyota Production System.” - Dennis Hirsch, Lawrence "Larry" Herman Professor in Law at The Ohio State University
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Brené Brown
“This book was designed to essentially be a guide to deeper human connection by giving us names for our emotions and a deeper understanding of what emotions really mean. By giving us language and expanding our vocabulary, leaders are able to more deeply connect with themselves, their direct reports, peers, and superiors. Anyone who deals with a human being should read this book.” - Tami Chapek, CEO, WeInspireWe
The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement, Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox
“This book is foundational for understanding Theory of Constraints and unlocking a flow mindset in a storytelling way!” - Nathan Greaves, Senior Lean Specialist and OpEx Leader, Crown Equipment
