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Riding Shotgun
The Role of the COO
Nathan Bennett (Author), Stephen A. Miles (Author)
9781503645226
Hardback, published 28 July 2026
316 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.666 kg
"The CEO–COO relationship is one of the hardest to define and even harder to get right, especially in high-growth environments. Riding Shotgun brings rare clarity to that partnership, grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges leaders face as companies scale."—Evan Spiegel, Co-Founder and CEO, Snap Inc. "Enduring organizations are built on trust. Stephen and Nate illustrate the shared judgment, candor, and mutual accountability required between CEOs and COOs to build that trust from the top. Riding Shotgun offers a clear-eyed view of that partnership, based on decades of experience developing leadership teams for the benefit of the entire enterprise."—Ken Chenault, Former Chairman and CEO, American Express "The COO role is one of the most demanding and least well-understood positions in the C-suite. This book cuts through the ambiguity, clearly articulating what effective COOs actually do and how a strong CEO–COO partnership is critical to driving performance in complex, high-stakes organizations."—Marillyn Hewson, Former Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin
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.
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. The Second in Command
2. One Title, Many Jobs: How Companies Deploy the COO
3. Understanding Each of the Seven Types of COO
4. When Is It Time to Add a COO to the Team
5. Finding the Right COO
6. Getting the COO Off to a Fast Start
7. Why COOs Fail
8. How COOs Navigate C-Suite Complexity
9. Tomorrow's COO: Leadership in an Era of Perpetual Transformation
Notes
Index