What Ohio tech leaders are reading, watching, and listening to
No fluff, just the signal. We asked eight Ohio tech leaders—from CEOs to engineering deans—to share the one resource they actually vouch for. From quantum mechanics on YouTube to the psychology of team dynamics, here is the shortlist of what’s helping inspire and inform Ohio's leaders in 2026.
Tech leaders don't have time to waste on mediocre content. Every podcast, book, or newsletter needs to earn its place in an already-packed schedule. So when someone running a company or organization recommends something, it's worth paying attention.
We asked Ohio tech leaders to share one book, newsletter, or podcast they recommend. Their picks reveal what's actually useful when you're building companies, managing teams, and trying to stay ahead of rapid change. From AI governance to quantum computing deep dives, here's what made their shortlist.
1. Multi-Format Deep Dives
"The best book I have read this year is Breakneck by Dan Wang. For a great newsletter check out Short Squeeze and the best podcast is actually two (sorry but they are tied for the best): All In Podcast and Acquired. Gotta listen to both." — Tony Pietrocola, President, AgileBlue
2. How Founders Actually Built Their Companies
"I recommend How I Built This, a podcast featuring candid interviews with founders and innovators about how they built iconic companies. It's full of practical lessons on leadership, resilience, decision-making, and navigating uncertainty, which is especially valuable if you're building, scaling, or leading in a fast-changing world." — Kristy Campbell, President and COO, Rev1 Ventures
3. Curiosity as a Competitive Advantage
"I'd recommend The Curious Advantage Podcast. It's packed with real stories about how curiosity drives problem-solving and sparks new ways of thinking. Every episode has a theme, but the conversations go deeper into how curiosity shapes decisions and innovation. No matter your industry or interests, there's something that will inspire you, and it's led me down learning paths I didn't even know I needed." — Carissa Nettle, Director, Advising Services, Hyland
4. AI Governance and Data Science Careers
"Shift by Jennifer Strong and Super Data Science by John Krohn. Shift is an oral history that captures how leaders building and governing AI are thinking about its impact on work, power, and responsibility. Super Data Science is more technical, drawing from over 1,000 interviews with data science leaders on how they built their careers and approached meaningful advances in the field." — Cal Al-Dhubaib, Head of AI and Data Science, Further
5. Quantum Computing on YouTube
"This past year, I've been heads down in my spare time studying quantum mechanics and quantum computing. I find the area exciting, but I understand it's not for everyone. Two YouTube channels have been great: Asianometry by Jon Y and Anastasi In Tech by Anastasiia Nosova." — David Brewster, Managing Director, Technology Industry, JobsOhio
6. Team Dynamics That Stall Progress
"Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. Reread it and found it helped work through why things have stalled in a number of projects." — Tracy Ruberg, Executive Director, The Circuit
7. Current Affairs and Quantum News
"The Daily podcast by the NY Times is one I would recommend based on the vast variety of topics that are covered including technology, politics and current affairs. I also enjoy reading the Quantum Insider." — Beena Sukumaran, Dean, College of Engineering and Computing, Miami University
8. Embracing Discomfort for Growth
"The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter argues that modern life's excessive comfort is harming our physical and mental health, and proposes that intentionally embracing discomfort (like cold, hunger, and boredom) is essential for reclaiming our wild, happy, and healthy selves. The book blends scientific research with Easter's personal experiences, including a challenging Alaskan hunting trip, to show how stepping outside our comfort zones builds resilience and leads to greater fulfillment." — Nevin Bansal, CEO, Outreach Promos
What stands out across these recommendations isn't a single theme — it's the range. Leaders studying quantum computing on YouTube in their spare time. A classic team dynamics book proving as useful in 2026 as it was when it was written. Podcasts that go deep on how iconic companies actually got built. Resources that challenge how we think about AI governance, personal resilience, and staying curious when everything is moving fast. Ohio's tech leaders are consuming content with intention, and this list is a good place to start.
This article is part of The Blueprint: Insights from Ohio Tech Leaders, an exclusive editorial series from OhioX and Ohio Tech News showcasing the people and ideas shaping our state's tech sector. This invitation-only platform features curated perspectives from the state’s most influential technology executives and innovators. To learn more about this series or to inquire about future partnership opportunities and inclusion, please submit your interest.
