'Riding Shotgun' Book Cover

Riding Shotgun

The Role of the COO, Third Edition
Nathan Bennett and Stephen A. Miles
July 2026
272 Pages
Hardcover ISBN: 9781503645226

In today's fast-moving business world, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical yet often misunderstood role. Nathan Bennett and Stephen A. Miles's Riding Shotgun: The Role of the COO offers a deep dive into what it takes to succeed as a second-in-command.

This insightful book explores how COOs support CEOs, drive strategy, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Drawing from real-world examples and extensive research, Bennett and Miles uncover the unique challenges and opportunities of the job. Whether you're a current or aspiring COO, a CEO looking to strengthen your leadership team, or simply curious about executive dynamics, this book provides valuable takeaways.

With engaging storytelling and practical insights, Riding Shotgun breaks down the different types of COOs, the skills required to excel in the role, and how businesses can leverage this position for long-term success. It's a must-read for anyone interested in leadership, corporate strategy, and the power of effective teamwork at the highest levels of an organization.

Nathan Bennett is a professor and the faculty director of the executive MBA program at in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. His research, writing, and teaching focus on issues in leadership, innovation, and change management. Stephen A. Miles is the Founder and CEO of The Miles Group and one of the world's foremost executive coaches to CEOs and COOs. For over two decades, Stephen has advised top leaders and boards on CEO succession, executive development, and board dynamics. He co-leads The New CEO Program at Melbourne Business School and is a widely published thought leader and podcast host. His work is featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, HBR, and Fortune, and he frequently collaborates with Stanford GSB on leadership research.