Shannon Karels, Kathy Miller Receive Shingo Publication Award for 'Steel Toes and Stilettos'

The Shingo Institute, part of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, has announced that Shannon Karels and Kathy Millerhave been awarded the Shingo Publication Award for their book Steel Toes and Stilettos: A True Story of Women Manufacturing Leaders and Lean Transformation Success. This award recognizes publications that make a significant contribution to the advancement and practical application of organizational excellence.

Steel Toes and Stilettos chronicles the transformation of a traditional manufacturing operation into a lean enterprise through the shared experiences of Kathy Miller, an executive leader responsible for business performance, and Shannon Karels, a transformation leader charged with driving sustainable change.

Through their unique perspectives, the authors provide an engaging account of the challenges, successes, and human dimensions of leading organizational transformation. Drawing on firsthand experience, they explore the complexities of culture change, the realities of implementing lean principles, and the leadership practices required to achieve lasting results.

More than a lean transformation story, the book highlights the power of authentic leadership, collaboration, and inclusivity in creating high-performing organizations. Karels and Miller demonstrate how leaders can build trust, navigate change, and foster environments where people thrive while improving operational performance. Their story also offers a compelling example of women supporting one another in leadership roles and balancing demanding careers with the complexities of everyday life.

“Steel Toes and Stilettos reflects many of the principles that underpin organizational excellence,” said Ken Snyder, executive director of the Shingo Institute. “Through a powerful combination of practical experience, leadership insight, and personal storytelling, Shannon Karels and Kathy Miller show how authentic leadership and principle-based transformation can create meaningful and sustainable results. Their work serves as both an inspiration and a guide for leaders seeking to build cultures of excellence.”

Across industries, readers have embraced Steel Toes and Stilettos as an engaging and relatable account of leadership, transformation, and the pursuit of operational excellence.

Kathy and Shannon are systems-based thinkers, which makes their lean enterprise implementation successful and sustainable. Understanding their journey and challenges makes this book a must read for both new lean thinkers and seasoned lean professionals.

— Rick Harris, President of Harris Lean Systems, Inc.

Kathy and Shannon offer a glimpse of the struggles and barriers they have faced on their road to a successful lean transformation. It would behoove all leaders to truly understand these obstacles and perspectives through their eyes so that the unique traits of both genders meld into synergistic, winning organizations. This breakthrough publication is required reading if one is serious about building a diverse, world-class organization.

— Mark DeLuzio, President & CEO Lean Horizons Consulting

Not only a technically sound lean transformation, but a story of leadership, friendship, and camaraderie. These ladies demonstrate strength through vulnerability, perseverance through compassion, and remind us all of what true leadership looks like.

— Diane Larkin, Executive Vice President Global Operations

Valmont Industries

This is an inspiring and important story, and one that is deeply relevant today, with timeless principles for both women and men, seasoned professionals, and those just starting their careers. It is a story of courageous women, working side by side with the masters of lean manufacturing to transform a business. It is the story of how they build an inclusive culture where teams felt connected, engaged and trusted. Through their rigorous and fulfilling work, they delivered for their employees, employer, and stakeholders alike.

— Roger Lehman, Managing Partner, Oliver Wyman

The Shingo Publication Award, one of the most respected honors in the field of organizational excellence, recognizes authors whose work meaningfully advances leadership and cultural transformation worldwide. Steel Toes and Stilettos exemplifies this standard. By sharing a compelling real-world story of lean transformation, Shannon Karels and Kathy Miller illustrate the power of principle-based leadership, authentic relationships, and a culture that empowers people to contribute their best. Their work makes an important contribution to the ongoing pursuit of organizational excellence by demonstrating how sustainable results emerge when leaders intentionally develop both people and systems.

The authors will be formally recognized at the Awards Gala at Shingo Connect USA in Atlanta, Georgia, March 15-17, 2027. 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 Steel Toes and Stilettos or other Shingo publications, visit https://shingo.org/books.

About the Authors

Kathy Miller is a senior operations executive who has held multiple global vice president and director roles in manufacturing and lean enterprise leadership. A Shingo Prize recipient for a large business as a plant manager, she began her career as a co-op student at a vehicle assembly plant and advanced through engineering, marketing, lean, and operations leadership roles within major publicly traded corporations. Kathy is recognized for driving transformational results through team development, process discipline, continuous improvement, and the creation of inclusive cultures grounded in trust, respect, and accountability.

Shannon Karels is a senior operations leader who has led multiple lean transformations and managed operations across diverse industries for major publicly traded corporations. Beginning her career in supply chain management, she advanced through lean and operations leadership roles, helping organizations strengthen employee engagement, empower teams, and improve business performance. Shannon is known for fostering accountable, high-performing organizations built on trust, collaboration, and a relentless focus on customer and business results.

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.