Antonia Gimenez is a highly recognized Lead Business Architect Target Operating Model expert with a strong track record of more than two decades helping global organization execute their multibillion-dollar strategies involving cost reduction and revenue generation.
The dramatic economic change in 2008, which was the greatest crisis in the history of finance and capitalism, caused many business environments to change more quickly than ever before and thus intensified the pressure on organizations to employ more sophisticated strategy execution methods. A new discipline emerged, named the Business Architecture and Target Operating Models. Since its commence, She has pioneered departments on this new discipline within Global organizations.
She has been successfully helping global organizations to execute and sustain strategy including Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Reuters, FTSE, HSBC IB. She also helps with consulting, including Tata Consulting Services and CAPCO, to execute their client’s strategies. She has her own consultancy in London.
Antonia received her BA (Hons) degree in English Linguistics from Granada University in Spain and Cardiff University (1999), Master’s Degree in Translation, Economics and Finance from Surry University (2002), Postgraduate Diploma from CEA Confederation of Business Administration (2000), Certified Advanced Green Belt Lean Six Sigma (2010) and her Executive MBA from Imperial College (2015). Her dissertation on Business Architecture and Target Operating model [Strategy to Execution and Innovation received an A with distinction. She was strongly advised to published on the method in 2015. Her book on Business Architecture Target Operating Model is currently on the publication process.
AG- I am a co-author in the book Women Who Empower, we aim to empower 30 incredible stories that will empower anyone to strive to reach their best and happiest selves!
What were the top three mistakes you made writing / publishing your book what did you learn from it?
My mistakes were related to the techniques related to writing my story.
I did not know a strategic approach or technique to best structure my story. Writing is a complex and creative process. I first thought of writing my story in a linear manner. In other words, I started to write from the first day I was born. However, I realized that this was not the best way to approach my story when I spoke to my publisher –Kate Butler – # 1 best seller and winning author. She interviewed me and it was then when she made me understand the clear structure of my chapter. I started with a key event in my life – I was completing my Executive MBA at Imperial College London.
From my experience, I learned that authors do write in a more creative and non-linear manner. The editor commented that my story was an excellent chapter for the book.
My second mistake was when I should have started to promote the book much earlier than I did. Marketing your book before its publication may ensure that the readers are ready to buy the book during launch day and beyond. At that moment I only had Facebook and LinkedIn and felt that I also needed to create other accounts e.g. Instagram and Twitter.
Ideally, I should have started to create these accounts and promote my book as soon as I started to write my story. The process when one starts writing and the book is being published is the time one should start to promote the book. I started to promote the book a month ago. My concern is that many readers that may be interested in the book may not have heard about the book.
Finally, the importance of photos. Photos are really important since they can help to show who we are. I did not do research on suitable photos for the book. I thought that I could simply get this type of photos in a Photo Shoot. I am used to wear suits for work as I do work for very senior executives and C-suite clients. My Co-authors look more relaxed in their photos.
Publishing a book is an amazing journey and I do recommend it to anyone.
They should read staff that is similar to what you are aiming to write about. I did read a few biographies and stories prior to writing my story.
Please ensure that you are either an expert or know about what you are writing about. You will definitely gain the trust of your readers.
It is also important that you do your first draft by laying out the structure and all your ideas. This will help you to visualize and articulate your ideas.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before publishing your first book?
- I wish to have known more about promoting the book and marketing.
- It does not matter how good your story good or how engaging your story is, you need to have an audience for your book, and be able to attract readers.
- I wish I have marketed myself more prior to this book and published some articles so that I had an audience ready for the book.
I do have followers on Facebook and Linkedin. I do also have now followers on Instagram. I have been sending personal messages informing them about the book.
I have also regularly posted graphics I was provided with by the publisher. I also created my own graphics using CAVAS for Christmas Season.
My contacts shared some of my graphics and I am speaking to 1000 women about the book tomorrow. I have been approached by my group organizers who have asked me to introduce the book WOMEN WHO EMPOWER to their audiences.
If you had the chance to start your career over again what would you do differently?
I love everything I have achieved so far. I would probably work more on my work balance and dedicate more time on my personal life.
Balancing my professional and professional life has been challenging. I let my work precedence over everything else in my life. I have lately learned that it is essential to create a harmonious work-life balance or work-life integration. It is also very important for my career ahead.
I love reading books because I learn from those who already have experience in the field. I love reading stories, biographies e.g. Oprah Winfrey, and social media/marketing books e.g. How to Market Your Book (John Kremer), and One million follower (Brendan Kane)
How can we get in touch with you?
- Antonia Gimenez Website
- Antonia Gimenez LinkedIn
- The Book: Women Who Empower: 30 Stories To Empower Your Heart and Mind
