23 Reads and Listens for Leaders this Summer

Set aside some time this summer to explore new ideas, sharpen your leadership skills and gain fresh perspectives. Glenn College faculty, staff, alumni and partners share books and podcasts that have shaped their thinking on leadership and public service. 

President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio 
Lecturer, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey 

Covey’s classic explores habits that help leaders build trust, strengthen relationships and lead with purpose. While the ideas may sound simple, they are often more complex in practice than they first appear. 

Podcast Recommendation: “The Tim Ferriss Show” 

Ferriss explores leadership, culture and strategy through conversations with leaders from a wide range of industries. This podcast offers fresh perspectives and ideas that can be applied across sectors. 

Director of Outreach and Engagement, The Ohio State University Libraries 

Book Recommendation: “Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change” by Stacey Abrams 

Abrams shares lessons from her leadership journey and offers practical advice for creating change. The book explores how individuals can build influence and lead effectively, even without formal authority.  

Assistant Director for Research, Battelle Center for Science, Engineering and Public Policy, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History” by Olivia Campbell 

Campbell tells the stories of four women physicists whose careers were shaped by discrimination, war and perseverance. Their experiences highlight the connections between science, democracy and access to opportunity.  

Owner, Degrees of Work 

Book Recommendations: “Collaboration: How Leaders Avoid the Traps, Create Unity and Reap Big Results” by Morten T. Hansen; “Overcoming Conflict: How to Deal with Difficult People and Situations” by Bob Phillips; “Coaching for Improved Work Performance” by Ferdinand F. Fournies 

Managers and leaders need practical ways to manage collaboration across teams, departments and organizations. These books focus on improving outcomes through proven strategies for working across groups.  

Fry also recommends “Change: A Practical Guide for Dealing with and Managing Personal and Professional Change” by Business Learning Solutions, Quick Bites, which focuses on how to navigate change, identify challenges and take practical steps to move forward.

Strategic Project Management Consultant, Lieutenant Colonel 
Lecturer, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout” by Cal Newport 

Newport challenges the belief that being busy is the same as being productive. In this book, he offers an alternative approach that focuses on meaningful work, sustainable performance and long-term impact.  

Podcast Recommendation: “Humble Leaders Lead Better Teams with Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink” (Simon Sinek podcast) 

This podcast explores how humility can strengthen leadership and improve team performance. It highlights the importance of remaining open to feedback, learning from others and adapting to change.  

Learning and Development Consultant, Kane Learning 

Book Recommendation: “The Leader Lab: Core Skills to Become a Great Manager, Faster” by Tania Luna and LeeAnn Renninger 

This book provides practical tools for handling common leadership challenges. Through real-world examples and actionable advice, it helps managers build confidence and strengthen their effectiveness.  

Podcast Recommendation: “HBR On Leadership” 

Each episode of this podcast offers research-based insights on leadership, decision-making and organizational effectiveness. The conversations provide practical ideas that leaders can apply in their daily world. 

Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Reporting, The Ohio State University 
Lecturer, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen 

Allen presents a practical system for organizing tasks, priorities and commitments. His approach helps leaders reduce stress, stay focused and make progress on what matters most.  

Podcast Recommendation: “Moonshots” with Peter Diamandis 

This podcast explores emerging technologies and bold ideas that are shaping the future. Conversations with innovators offer insight into how rapid change is transforming organizations and society. 

Director of Education and Research, National Women’s History Museum 
Lecturer, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “What to Do When It’s Your Turn (And It’s Always Your Turn)” by Seth Godin 

Godin encourages readers to stop waiting for permission and start taking action. His message in the book challenges leaders to embrace responsibility and create opportunities for change.  

Podcast Recommendation: “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus” 

Through conversations with women from different generations, this podcast explores leadership, resilience and personal growth. The stories offer thoughtful perspectives shaped by experience and reflection.  

Senior Lecturer, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek 

Sinek argues that trust, empathy and service are essential qualities of effective leadership. In this book, he explores how leaders can create environments where people feel supported and motivated to succeed.   

Senior Lecturer, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “Energize Your Workplace: How to Create and Sustain High-Quality Connections at Work” by Jane E. Dutton 

Dutton examines how workplace relationships influence performance, engagement and well-being. The book offers practical insights for creating stronger connections and healthier organizations.   

Podcast Recommendation: “The Right Time” with Bomani Jones 

Jones combines sports, culture and current events through thoughtful conversation and commentary. The podcast encourages listeners to consider issues from new perspectives and engage with ideas more deeply. 

Technical Director, Air Force Installation Contracting Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 
Lecturer, John Glenn College of Public Affairs 

Book Recommendation: “Think Better Now: A Practical Guide to Critical Thinking in an Age of Distraction” by Roger Westermeyer 

This book explores how leaders can improve decision-making by slowing down their thinking and questioning assumptions. It offers practical tools for navigating complex problems with greater clarity and confidence.  

Podcast Recommendation: The Curiosity Shop 

The conversations in this podcast encourage listeners to ask better questions and explore ideas from multiple perspectives. Each episode highlights the value of curiosity in leadership and decision-making.  

Franklin County Administrator 

Book Recommendation: “The Prepared Leader: Emerge from Any Crisis More Resilient Than Before” by Erika H. James and Lynn Perry Wooten 

This book focuses on how leaders can prepare for disruption before a crisis occurs. It offers practical lessons on resilience, planning and leading through uncertainty. 

Podcast Recommendation: “Talk of the County” 

This podcast highlights the people, programs and issues shaping Franklin County. It provides a closer look at local government and the impact of public service in the community.