Written by: Dr. Cara Lenore Antoine
Formats: Paperback & ebook
ISBN Paperback: 979-8987643433
ISBN eBook: 979-8987643426
Genre: Business (Non-Fiction)
Published by: Novo Publishers (October 10, 2023)
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 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.
Reviews:
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
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I’m a passionate guitar player and in the end more of a musician turned executive over the years. In my team leadership and coaching I often use music as a source of inspiration. Great leaders conduct an “orchestra” with small arm and hand movements as they bring alive the most beautiful music. In the end my profession is about channeling human energy to help shape products and services that make the world a bit better every day – Cara’s book is about making that ambition a reality – a real game changer.
Gerard Penning, Chief HR Officer, NED SEforALL & Alliander N.V.
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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
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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
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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
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The author’s meticulous research and thoughtful analysis lay the foundation for a profound understanding of how individuals interact, communicate, and cooperate in professional settings. Backed by academic insights, the book offers readers a comprehensive perspective on the dynamics that shape workplace relationships. By seamlessly blending theoretical concepts with real-world scenarios, Cara ensures that the content remains accessible and relevant to a wide range of readers.
Samiran Sengupta, Founder and CEO, Justmyroots
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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
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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
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By exploring five dimensions of human collaboration in the workplace, Cara delineates the art of infusing personal connection with sophistication, as depicted in her meticulously crafted literary work. In a lucid and captivating narrative, she adeptly intertwines theory with her own experiential insights and astute observations. With heartfelt candor, she articulates pivotal learning moments and navigates the intricacies of practical scenarios, furnishing readers with invaluable guidance on harnessing the nuances of human relationships within a professional environment, thereby, as a true guiding light, mastering the elusive personal touch.
Lieke Lamb, CEO Future Expertise Center
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Cara Antoine is a role model who, with her book, inspires many to dare and be able to manage workplace relationships. The fusion of academic rigor and true stories gives a clear picture of what professional leadership should look like.
Marianne Hamilton, Author, and former SVP Atlas Copco
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A wisdom rich journey that bridges theory and practice, offering insights into meaningful workplace relationships that thrive and touch the soul. Readers will instinctively sense that Cara’s (worldwide business) experiences, mindset and approach make people feel trusted, energized and emotionally connected. ‘Make It Personal’ makes it personal, very personal.
Boudewijn Roubroeks, Founding Partner, The Thrive
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‘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
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Cara’s heartfelt human journey shared with grace and purpose through “Make it Personal“ is a must read for anybody who truly wants to leave a footprint in the world for the next generation to follow.
Effie Moss, CEO & Founder, We are Boost Agency
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Embark on an enlightening journey that seamlessly connects theory and practice, offering valuable insights into cultivating meaningful relationships in the workplace. Through the exploration of the 5 dimensions of collaboration, this book kindles inspiration within readers, motivating them to establish connections, understand, and engage. An essential resource for those seeking to unravel the elements of successful human interaction and create true collaboration that emerges from the heart.
Dr. Alexandra Treutler, General Manager, SchwörerHaus GmbH & Co.
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