About the Book
In the world of harmonious collaboration, how does your rhythm of connection set the beat?
The resounding wisdom of Frank Iero reverberates: "The best music happens when you have a personal connection to it." As a devoted music lover and practitioner, I've realized this philosophy extends far beyond melodies-it's a universal truth that underscores every interaction and achievement in life.
Make It Personal: Discover the Five Dimensions of Human Collaboration in the Workplace unravels a journey through diverse experiences. As a musician, the flute, piano, and saxophone have been my companions, each whispering the importance of personal bonds. From early days with a plastic Yamaha recorder to navigating cross-industry corporate leadership, connection weaves through every note of my life's symphony, where music has been a metaphor for collaboration.
Life's composition ventured into technology. As a senior leader orchestrating global innovation and transformation, the familiar cadence of personal connection echoed-why do some collaborations flourish while others falter? What sparks successful relationships in a world dominated by algorithms?
In the crucible of these questions, my pursuit evolved into an academic endeavor. My exploration traversed studies, culminating in a doctoral thesis that uncovered human collaboration's five dimensions. Each melody-like dimension intertwines, creating a harmonious resonance that elevates relationships and drives innovation.
Leadership, I've found, isn't confined to titles; it emanates from the heart. Minouche Shafik's words resonate: "In the future, jobs will be about using our hearts." This sentiment drives my academic exploration into a guide for nurturing workplace connections.
Make It Personal melds academic insight with relatable narratives. Characters inspired by real experiences offer perspectives that illustrate collaboration's dimensions. My anecdotes provide the delicate counterpoint that accentuates the symphony of workplace connections and transformations - a journey guided by the belief that true collaboration emerges from the heart.
About the Author :
Dr. Cara Lenore Antoine is a renowned global leader and innovative speaker passionate about creating positive change in society, for the economy, and our planet. A technology advocate, education champion, and empowering executive, Dr. Antoine enables people and organizations to achieve their full potential in the digital era. With nearly three decades of dedicated experience, Dr. Antoine is a powerful agent of growth and transformation, driving impact at the intersection of technology and humanity.As the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer of Capgemini Europe, Dr. Antoine strategically advises global corporations at the C-Suite across industries on applying innovation to drive and accelerate digital and cultural transformation. With a strong background in digital technology, innovation, B2B and B2C operations, digital marketing, and sustainability, she has flourished at some of the world's most prestigious companies, including Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Microsoft, and Polaroid.A beacon of excellence in the industry, she has been honored with recent accolades such as Women Changing the World's 2023 "Global Leader of the Year Award" and the "Top Woman in Corporate Award", Women in Governance, Risk and Compliance's 2023 "ESG Officer of the Year Award", Global Women in Tech's 2022 "Global Excellence Award," Computable's 2021 "Top 100 Most Influential Women In Business" and multiple Digital Leader Of The Year titles, as well as being named Global Digital Female Leader at Global Digital Women's Conference in 2019. Leveraging her success to help future generations break down barriers to creating a better future in tech-focused fields, this powerhouse serves on several Boards, including the role of President & Chairwoman of Women In Tech Netherlands, where she is a fierce advocate and pioneer dedicated to promoting diversity & equity and changing the game in empowering women within STEAM worldwide.
Review :
"Cara's thoughts, artfully expressed in this book, have truly been a revelation. With each page turned, every sentence, and every word, her insights resonate profoundly. The skill of consistently embracing one's ideas, embracing the mantle of a 'champion of the cause' in any conceivable business situation, has proven to be a monumental boon for me and promises to infuse everyone with invigorating and illuminating wisdom. As I delved deeper into Cara's book, a radiant shift encompassed my perspective on the world, my business ethos, and my interactions with fellow beings. The voyage through this book transcended mere motivation; it orchestrated a transformative symphony across the orchestra of life." - Rene van der Heijden, Editor, NOS
"How can a human approach help transform organizations? This is not a run-of-the-mill book about technology, and you won't find much business lingo here. In this book, Cara makes an empathetic plea for building closer relationships, written straight from the heart. This intensely personal book is peopled by fascinating characters whom she has encountered during her versatile career. She encourages us to make stronger human connections, value our relationships, offer tribute to our colleagues, and trust our core intuition. Cara is convinced that doing this will enhance how we do business in the 21st century."- Mike Gould, CEO Michael Gould Associates
"An enlightening journey that brings a wealth of theory, practice and forward thinking. Insights that get you moved and motivated to build meaningful workplace relationships."- Asli de Munnink, Global Director of Digital Products - Gartner
"An enlightening journey that bridges theory and practice, offering insights into meaningful workplace relationships. The style of interweaving interviews with personal experience grounds the content in memorable stories. Prepare to be moved and motivated."
- Gavriella Schuster, Board Executive and Ex-Microsoft Executive
"Finally! A book which elegantly provides a roadmap into how to win at the 'hearts and minds' of workplace relationships. Dr Cara's masterpiece echoes what I've witnessed in the most transformational organisations - that they value heart over hands. And now you can too."- Friska Wirya, Author 'The Future Fit Organisation', CEO of Fresh by Friska and TEDx speaker
"Business is always personal! A masterpiece in authenticity & empowerment leadership that explores human interaction in the modern workplace. A guide for orchestrating harmony in workplace relationships, that bridges theory and practice. Offering insights into building meaningful workplace relationships. Prepare to laugh, cry, be inspired and motivated."- Alex Bulat- van den Wildenberg, "The Tech Guy", Capgemini
"'Make It Personal' brilliantly illuminates the intricate tapestry of workplace dynamics, offering a transformative guide to harnessing the power of collaboration. With its insightful exploration of the five dimensions, this book is an indispensable tool for anyone striving to cultivate meaningful and impactful professional relationships."- Kathryn Rose, Author, 'Return on Relationship' and Founder & CEO, GetWise
