Curated by College of Business faculty and alumni
At the College of Business, learning doesn’t stop when class ends. Faculty, alumni, and staff are always exploring new ideas that shape how we think about leadership, ethics, innovation and the future of work. Business Brainfeed is our ongoing collection of books, podcasts and videos sparking conversation across our community.
Rebecca Murdock
Dean, College of Business
How to Find Your Life’s Purpose – Daniel Pink (YouTube)
Dean Murdock recommends this short talk by Daniel Pink, who explores how purpose and motivation intersect — offering a practical lens for both emerging professionals and experienced leaders.
Stephen Linenberger
Professor, Leadership and Organizational Studies
Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading – Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky (2002)
Dr. Linenberger points to this modern classic as an essential guide to leading in times of uncertainty and change. Heifetz and Linsky blend research and real-world insight to explore how leaders can mobilize others to tackle tough challenges while staying grounded and resilient themselves. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about having the courage to face it with purpose and clarity.
Kyle Payne
Leadership Consultant and Bellevue University Ph.D. Alumnus
Complicit: How We Enable the Unethical and How to Stop – Max Bazerman (2022)
“This is an important and humbling read about how psychology informs our ethical and unethical decision-making,” Payne says. Bazerman examines how well-meaning people can become complicit in wrongdoing—and how to build awareness and accountability. He also discusses these insights on the Ideas Podcast.
Rick Pennington
Associate Professor, Supply Chain and Operations Management
American Society for Quality (ASQ) | Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
Henry Ford’s Lean Vision: Enduring Principles from the First Ford Motor Plant – William A. Levinson (2002)
Pennington stays current with industry insights from ASQ and ASCM, sharing key takeaways with students. His latest read revisits how Henry Ford pioneered quality and efficiency principles decades before lean manufacturing became a movement.
Chris Bergeron
Associate Professor, Management and Leadership
Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI – Ethan Mollick (2024)
Bergeron recommends this approachable guide to understanding and collaborating with AI. It’s part primer, part playbook — offering practical advice for professionals learning to integrate emerging technology into daily decision-making.
Marcia Brown
Assistant Professor, Leadership
Let Them Lead: Unexpected Lessons in Leadership from America’s Worst High School Hockey Team by John U. Bacon (2021) – “A story-driven example of how empowering others builds confidence, accountability and high-performing teams,” Brown said.
Randa Zalman
Associate Professor, Marketing
Marketing Over Coffee podcast – A long-running weekly podcast where hosts John J. Wall and Christopher S. Penn break down the latest trends, tools and strategies in marketing, analytics and technology. Each episode delivers practical insights in a conversational, coffee-shop style format that helps marketers stay current and sharpen their skills.