Business View Caribbean | Volume 8, Issue 10

14 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10 BOOKMARKED for one’s behaviors and using this [book] will be a significant breakthrough on the journey of building relationships and achieving self- development.” Regarding her motivation to write the book, Ambassador Underwood says that, during her career as an HR Professional and Executive Coach, she encountered numerous high performers who struggled with the transition from individual contributor to manager. The difficulties encountered are not unique to Caribbean managers. In fact, published data reveal that as many as 60% of new managers either fail outright or underperform during their first two years. Ambassador Underwood states that she is honoured to add to the body of published work that showcases Caribbean stories, case studies and examples of our being best in class. This is how one regional manager benefitted from exposure to the contents of Joan’s book. “I have become a more focused leader; more aware than ever of the three areas where these challenges may exist. It has enabled me to be a better decision maker personally and professionally. I have also become conscious of emotional intelligence and the role it plays in the world of work as a management professional.” Having successfully transitioned from a laboratory technician to a hospital administrator to general management and, ultimately, to a regional and international talent and leadership development specialist, Ambassador Underwood is uniquely qualified to help alleviate this common pain point. She is a former chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Employers’ Federation (ABEF) and has been a lecturer/facilitator with the Cave Hill School of Business/UWI for two decades. Further, her contributions to the business sector in Antigua and Barbuda and to the wider Caribbean resulted in her being recognized with the 2001 Caribbean Employers Federation Employers Champion Award and the ABEF’s 2011 Award for Sterling Contribution toward the Growth and Development of the Business Community in Antigua and Barbuda. Copies can be purchased from joanhunderwood. com and on Amazon. Websites: https://www.joanhunderwood.com/ https://utdsinc.com/