We are working on the Portuguese edition of “Please Hold – The Power of Outcome-Driven Thinking“. The title will be “Segure na Linha” (Hold the Line). It doesn’t carry the same range of meanings as the original English expression, but it is exactly what the protagonist says at a turning point in the story — a milestone in his transformation to become outcome-driven.
The book is a corporate novel that, in a playful way, shows how any professional can become more innovative and motivated with a focus on outcomes.
Throughout the narrative, the narrator alludes to various stories, films, and songs to illustrate the feelings and situations he experiences. This is a way I enjoy expressing myself, and I believe it helps readers connect more deeply with the story.
During the editing process of the Portuguese version, the team suggested adding Spotify links for the songs mentioned in the book. I loved the idea and started thinking that, just like a movie, a book could also be accompanied by a soundtrack. Although there are only four songs, they are very different in style and add a fun extra flavor for those who wish to listen while reading.
Chapter 1 – Routine
In the first chapter, and again throughout the story, the protagonist encounters an elderly homeless woman playing “Deixa a Vida Me Levar” (“Let life take me”) on a toy guitar. This raises the recurring question of whether success is the result of chance or effort — a theme that lingers throughout the book. After all, is success a matter of luck or hard work?
The song is a very popular Brazilian samba that invites us to relax and live life in the best carpe diem style.
Chapter 14 – To the Rhythm of the Orchestra
A song playing on the radio inspires the protagonist to come up with a creative idea — a pretext to approach the beautiful girl on the sixth floor. From that moment, the novel is no longer just corporate; it also gains a romantic touch. The relationship between the couple inspires changes in the protagonist that will affect the way he sees the world and acts. For this romantic moment, the soundtrack is a gentle caress to the ears, sung by the Carpenters with their sweet version of Please Mr. Postman.
Chapter 21 – To the Rhythm of Complexity
The rhythm changes completely when the protagonist finds himself facing multiple perspectives and corporate dilemmas, having to deal with many variables at once. One person alone cannot solve such problems — it requires guiding several specialists as if they were musicians in an orchestra. At first, complexity seems frightening and impossible to manage, but with the right “conductor” to bring everyone into cadence, the protagonist begins to see beauty and grace in the nuances that emerge. This complexity is beautifully illustrated in an Argentine tango by Astor Piazzolla, full of highs and lows, tempo shifts, and a fascinating, inspiring melody.
Chapter 22 – Transcendental Sushi
While trying to convince his best friend to have the courage to follow his true calling, the protagonist reflects on how organizational changes also require deep personal changes. It is not enough to change processes and systems; values and beliefs must also be transformed into a shared mindset. A change agent, such as a business analyst, is nothing less than a revolutionary. The chapter ends with the citation of a rap — a true punch in the stomach for those who expect change to happen externally without taking responsibility: Até Quando? (Until when?) by Gabriel the Thinker.
An Experience to Savor
I invite readers to listen to the songs and immerse themselves in the soundtrack at each moment of the story. For those who haven’t read it yet, listen to the songs and feel inspired to do so.
Had I thought of this possibility earlier, I would certainly have included more musical references, as they make the reading experience even more delightful. I truly believe that learning becomes easier and more memorable when we add emotion and pleasure to the experience. I try to bring this into everything I do.
Savor this book with pleasure.
Find out more about the outcome-driven mindset by reading Please Hold – The Power of Outcome-Driven Thinking, a fun business novel for anyone driving real change at work and beyond.
