13 Reads/Listens for Leaders this Summer

“Beloved Economies” integrates Indigenous wisdom with modern economic practices, advocating for equitable, sustainable and community-centered models. It offers practical strategies for working in groups and organizations rooted in Indigenous traditions, challenging traditional Western frameworks. Well researched with lessons that are transferable to the workplace. 

Recommended by Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros, Associate Professor, Latin American Studies Librarian, The Ohio State University 

This book discusses how to solve policy problems by offering strategies to work across sectors and levels of government. 

Recommended by Charles Wise, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

After hearing her say “…don’t mistake confidence for competence” in a TED Talk, I’d love to learn more about her insight on gender parity. 

Recommended by Rosa Maria Gaerlan, Learning and Development Coordinator, The Ohio State University 

Gain effective daily living practices that will change your life and your family while destructing expectations that can sabotage your happiness.  

Recommended by Joey Eringman, Senior Project Manager, The Ohio State University 

This book discusses the effects of climate change and extreme weather events on displacement of residents. Future housing choices will influence the landscape of regions with extreme heat, flooding and natural disasters. Also, the author examines where these residents will seek refuge and which areas could experience relocation effects. These forces will remake entire regions and influence leaders in the public and nonprofit sector. 

Recommended by Jessica Clinger, Emergency Rental Assistance Program Manager, City of Columbus 

This podcast highlights human behavior, happiness and communication. There are skills discussed that are both beneficial for the wellness of public and nonprofit leaders in self-care and leadership. My favorite episode is on “super communicators.” I’ve since learned I am not one naturally but can intentionally use the listed communication strategies to better my teams. Best listened to with a cup of tea! 

Recommended by Curtis Nutter, Communications Assistant, The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

The author provides ways for us all to rethink how we pursue success and how we approach teams, education, leadership and more.  

Recommended by Jim Ellison, Career and Internship Specialist, The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Discover how to consistently tap into and act on your innate sense of what’s right to improve your relationships.  

Recommended by Joey Eringman, Senior Project Manager, The Ohio State University 

In the male-dominated workforce, this is a book that is empowering for women and sobering for men. It is unapologetic for how we feel and respond to stressful situations. It informs on the challenges women experience that I was grossly ignorant of. This is a powerful read for women and empowers them to be themselves and not apologize for it. It is a powerful read for men, especially in a management position with an implicit bias toward women. It brings everything into full view. 

Recommended by Joey Eringman, Senior Project Manager, The Ohio State University 

This is one of my favorite easy reads with tangible takeaways.    

Recommended by Eric Gentzel, Executive Director, The Overwatch Partnership 

Though most people identify the culture of overwork with the private sector, “doing more with less” and the associated burnout is pervasive in the public and nonprofit sectors. While “workaholism” is mostly couched as an individual malady, Clark shows how such patterns of behavior are conditioned and rewarded in our society and many of our workplaces. This book is both a diagnostic tool and a handbook for addressing overwork through structural (i.e., organizational, behavioral, management) change. 

Recommended by Lisa Frazier, Senior Researcher, Ohio State University Battelle Center for Science, Engineering and Public Policy 

David Runciman, a professor of politics at the University of Cambridge, takes listeners through the history of ideas from some of the world’s most impactful thinkers including James Baldwin, John Rawls and Seneca.   

Recommended by Trevor Brown, Dean, The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

An essential read for modern leaders, “Quantum Leadership” redefines leadership through principles of quantum physics, emphasizing interconnectedness, purpose and adaptability. This book offers practical strategies to foster inclusive, resilient and purpose-driven organizations, making it invaluable for navigating today’s complex business environment. Written by an economist turned positive organizational development consultant, it provides a positive approach and framework that supports transformative change for a flourishing world. 

Recommended by Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros, Associate Professor, Latin American Studies Librarian, The Ohio State University