Pietro Pazzi Receives Shingo Publication Award for 'The Simplicity Switch'

The Shingo Institute, part of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, has announced that The Simplicity Switch: Turning Complex Business into Simple Success by Pietro Pazzi has been awarded the Shingo Publication Award. This honor recognizes works that advance the global understanding and application of the principles of organizational excellence.

In The Simplicity Switch, Pietro Pazzi addresses a challenge that affects organizations of every size and industry: the gradual accumulation of complexity. While many improvement approaches focus on implementing new tools, systems and methodologies, Pazzi argues that complexity itself has become a significant barrier to performance, often growing through well-intentioned decisions that add processes, controls, reporting structures, technologies and governance without removing what no longer creates value.

Central to the book is the concept of complexity debt — the accumulated burden organizations create when layers of approvals, processes, systems and exceptions remain in place long after their original purpose has passed. Pazzi challenges leaders to view unnecessary complexity as a form of organizational waste that slows decision-making, increases costs, creates friction for teams and limits innovation. Rather than treating simplification as an occasional initiative, he presents it as an ongoing organizational capability and leadership responsibility.

“Many organizations pursue excellence by adding new tools, systems, and processes, yet few take time to examine the complexity those additions can create,” said Ken Snyder, executive director of the Shingo Institute. “In The Simplicity Switch, Pietro Pazzi challenges leaders to rethink complexity as a barrier to performance and to view simplicity as a disciplined leadership practice. His work offers an important and timely perspective for leaders seeking to create organizations that are both effective and enduring.”

The Shingo Publication Award, one of the most respected honors in the field of organizational excellence, recognizes authors whose work expands the way leaders think about and apply principles that drive sustainable results. The Simplicity Switch reflects this distinction. By framing complexity as a systemic, cultural, behavioral and leadership challenge rather than merely a technical problem, Pazzi contributes a distinctive perspective to the field of operational excellence. His work advances the global conversation on how organizations can build the clarity, focus and alignment necessary to sustain improvement and achieve lasting excellence.

Recognized for its thoughtful examination of complexity as a leadership and organizational challenge, The Simplicity Switch has earned praise from respected voices in business, transformation and operational excellence:

“Too many businesses are paralyzed by complexity. The Simplicity Switch shows leaders how to cut through the noise and implement a practical framework that improves decision-making, execution and operational clarity — starting now.”

—Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless and founder of The Essentialism Academy.

“Exactly what we need in our never-ending battle against complexity — a secret weapon! The Simplicity Switch lights the way to a simpler, more efficient, and more profitable business.”

—Ken Segall, former creative director at Apple and author of Think Simple: How Smart Leaders Defeat Complexity

“The book's greatest strength is making simplification actionable, not as a vague aspiration, but as a disciplined practice with clear tools, stages, and measures of success.”

—Morgan L. Jones, author of Believe

“A systematic blueprint for turning overwhelming complexity into clear, actionable success. Pazzi guides the reader through a rigorous four-phase process — Discover, Design, Deliver and Defend & Develop — providing a step-by-step recipe for simplification. While the real-world examples lean toward business and marketing, the core tools are highly transferable. As an engineering leader, I rely on traceability and clear insights. Pazzi’s framework delivers both, transforming the abstract desire for simplicity into an actionable routine that brings order to the most demanding environments.”

—Florian M. Heckmeier, Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering & M.Sc. Management, Engineering Leader in Multinational Aerospace Projects.

“As the CEO of Tiger Brands, I have witnessed firsthand how complexity can stifle progress — bureaucracy, layered decision making, excessive meetings, and redundant systems, to mention a few contributors to the hidden costs of complexity. Pietro Pazzi’s Simplicity Switch is a masterful guide that cuts through the noise, offering clear, actionable strategies to transform organizations by embracing simplicity. This book is not just a manual for process improvement; it’s a call to rethink leadership, culture, and purpose in today’s fast-paced world. For any leader committed to driving clarity, agility, and sustainable growth, The Simplicity Switch is an indispensable companion.”

—Tjaart Kruger, CEO of Tiger Brands.

The author will be formally presented with the award at the Shingo Connect Awards Gala in Kraków, Poland on Dec. 4. Shingo Connect includes workshops, site tours, keynotes and sessions focused on achieving organizational excellence. Learn more at shingo.org/events. To purchase a copy of The Simplicity Switch or other Shingo publications, visit https://shingo.org/books.

About the Author

Pietro Pazzi is a global business leader, executive coach, consultant, and author with more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, transformation, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles including global head of Lean Six Sigma at Linde, managing director at Johnson Matthey, and general manager at 3M, while advising executive teams across five continents. Drawing on decades of experience helping organizations navigate complexity and change, Pazzi specializes in leadership development, process improvement and business transformation. Through his work with The Simplicity Switch, he is helping leaders and organizations cut through complexity, improve decision-making, and create greater clarity, alignment and impact. His approach combines practical business expertise with a deep understanding of the human side of leadership, helping individuals and organizations thrive in an increasingly complex world.

About the Shingo Institute

The Shingo Institute is home to the Shingo Prize, an award recognizing organizations that demonstrate an exceptional culture fostering continuous improvement. Part of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, the Shingo Institute is named after Japanese industrial engineer and Toyota adviser Shigeo Shingo, one of the world's thought leaders in the Toyota Production System.

Drawing from Shingo’s teachings and years of experience working with organizations worldwide, the Shingo Institute developed the Shingo Model, the basis for its various educational offerings, including workshops, study tours, and conferences. Workshops are available in multiple languages through the Institute's Licensed Affiliates. For more information on workshops and affiliates or to register to attend an event, please visit https://shingo.org.