As summer approaches, we at KTH Executive School want to say thank you — for the trust, curiosity, and commitment you bring to every learning journey with us.
The first half of 2026 has reminded us how demanding leadership has become. AI is moving from experimentation into real work. Geopolitics is reshaping business conditions. Sustainability is becoming more concrete. And organizations are under pressure to deliver performance, renewal, and responsibility at the same time.
In that spirit, we’re sharing a short summer reading list — chosen to broaden perspectives and spark better conversations at work and in the classroom.
Thank you for keeping our community daring, sharing, and caring — curious, generous, and human in how we lead.
We wish you a restful summer and look forward to continuing the conversation in the autumn.
Warm wishes,
KTH Executive School´
Recommended readings
Project Maven — Katrina Manson
A powerful account of how AI moved into the heart of military decision-making — and how Silicon Valley’s relationship with defence, ethics, and national security has changed.
Question: When AI becomes part of critical decisions, what must remain human — judgment, accountability, ethics, or strategic intent?
See here
Robot-Proof — Vivienne Ming
A timely book on the human capabilities that matter when machines can provide more and more answers: empathy, resilience, creativity, divergent thinking, and learning capacity.
Question: If AI gives us more answers, what human capabilities become more valuable — judgment, responsibility, imagination, trust, or courage?
See here
Incorruptible — Eric Ries
Eric Ries turns from start-ups to the question of why good companies lose their original purpose. He explores how governance, incentives, reporting, and “best practice” can sometimes work against innovation and integrity.
Question: What routines, metrics, or governance structures may protect today’s business — but prevent tomorrow’s renewal?
See here
Surviving Chaos — Mark Leonard
A book about the weakening of the liberal international order and the need for more adaptive ways of navigating geopolitics.
Question: How can leaders prepare organizations for a world where rules, alliances, and assumptions shift faster than planning cycles?
See here
