This is not another boring business book! In a world filled with lots of interesting characters, what better way to relay a story about how we all have unique hardwiring that we use to create, cultivate, and deepen long-lasting relationships than a business fable with a giraffe, robot, entertaining sea lion, workhorse, and old dog? Of note, each character (yes, even the robot) has whiskers. Animals use their whiskers for sensory functions, spatial awareness, hunting and foraging, communication, balance, and orientation. Robots use their whiskers for environmental sensing, measurement and precision, exploration, research, and enhanced autonomy. In humans, our whiskers are not as obvious, but they are as beneficial. Our whiskers are our experiences, education, culture, diversity, and so much more. They are special to each individual, regardless of type or use. The fable’s thought-provoking ending about which character wins the deal promises to surprise you! This book is the first in the Winning with Whiskers™ book series. Stay tuned as our characters — Rockie, Harlie, Stevie, and Dannie — experience real-world business scenarios and are called upon to develop and advance their new business relationships with their client, GiGi, to win work for their firms by leveraging their unique whiskers. The Fable's Takeaway Summary: Without business relationships, you have no business. - Know yourself and appreciate your uniqueness (your whiskers). - Identify and explore your relationship connection type. - You won’t connect with everyone and that is okay. They are not your people. You have to find your people. They are out there. - Stay present and be a great listener. - Always be on the lookout for something to follow up on with someone. - And, most importantly, you must: Get to the relationship before you get to the ask! Winning with Whiskers™ is part of Authentizity's BD Dynamics training program. The fable has been beta tested with technical service professionals including engineers and commercial construction professionals. These are direct quotes from training participants: ✔ - "The Winning with Whiskers ™ Fable might have been one of my favorite parts about the training. Not only was it interactive, but it allowed for some self-reflection while simultaneously seeing how other people saw the qualities that I liked & / or disliked in myself. It allowed me to see the positives in all of those qualities, & reinforced the idea that there is not one glove that will fit all individuals." ✔ - "Overall I think everything was done very well, I really enjoyed the training and I wasn't sure I was going to heading into it, but I found it to be very helpful and useful. I really liked the Winning with Whiskers ™ Fable because I was able to relate to the successes and downfalls of each character. I think it is an important story that helps convey that everyone has a part in the BD aspect of engineering." ✔ - "I thought there was good balance between breakout team building activities and queries and interactive lecture style. The format was perfect. There was something very powerful in your Winning with Whiskers ™ characters. It really is a gentle approach to an uncomfy subject for some. Great work!" Winning with Whiskers™" helps readers develop self-awareness, understand different personalities, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success. - We all create relationships and influence decisions based on our innate hardwiring. However, we must apply curiosity to discover our uniqueness and how it relates to others. - My goal with this book is to demonstrate that all of us have the ability to successfully connect - no matter our character (or whiskers) type. 2024-2025 International Impact Award Winner in the Business of Sustainable Practices and Environmental Leadership category The fictional book showcases the uniqueness of diverse characters as a client searches for new consultants to service her technical business. The fable story is about four representatives from competing firms through their business development journeys as they prepare for, conduct themselves during, and follow up after an interview with the client. As this tale tells, each of the characters has their own whiskers, and they can all win by knowing and owning their special whiskers. The surprising outcome of the client's selection includes client debriefs with each of the characters. The book also offers practical tools for assessing one's drivers and reading interpersonal cues effectively. This evergreen fable is a must-read for professionals across all industry sectors and levels eager to advance their careers, expand their internal and external business connections, and enhance their workplace environments. The International Impact Book Awards named Winning with Whiskers™, a Business Fable about Overcoming Barriers by Knowing Yourself and Others, the Impact Award in the Business of Sustainable Practices and Env