An Interview with Anthony D’Anna on Building, Focus, and Practical Leadership

Anthony D’Anna is an entrepreneur and business leader known for his practical approach to management, finance, and growth.

His career began at ground level, running his own Italian deli, where he learned firsthand how leadership, operations, and customer trust come together in real time. Long hours and daily problem-solving shaped his belief that strong businesses are built through consistency, structure, and accountability.

Those early experiences led Anthony to develop a deeper interest in strategy and financial markets. He began studying trends, analysing patterns, and applying disciplined thinking to decision-making. Rather than chasing fast results, he focused on building systems that support steady progress. “Big ideas only work when the foundations are solid,” he often notes.

As his career progressed, Anthony brought together hands-on management experience with analytical insight. He is known for clear thinking, direct communication, and an ability to simplify complex challenges. His leadership style values focus over noise and preparation over speed. He believes that understanding how every part of a business connects is essential to long-term performance.

Outside of finance and operations, Anthony’s passion for cars and motorcycles influences how he views leadership and innovation. Precision, balance, and maintenance are principles he applies both on the road and in business. Today, Anthony D’Anna continues to build and lead with discipline, curiosity, and a commitment to sustainable growth, earning respect as a thoughtful voice in modern business leadership.

You started your career running your own Italian deli. How did that experience shape the way you think about business today?

Running a deli teaches you very quickly that ideas mean nothing without execution. You are dealing with staff, suppliers, customers, and cash flow all at once. If something goes wrong, you feel it immediately. That environment forced me to be present and accountable. I learned how small decisions add up over time. It also showed me that leadership is not about giving instructions from a distance. You are in it with your team every day, solving problems as they appear.

What lessons from that early stage still influence your leadership style?

Clarity and consistency. In a small business, people need to know exactly what is expected of them. There is no room for mixed messages. I also learned the value of systems early on. When processes are clear, people can do their jobs well. When they are not, even good people struggle. That lesson has stayed with me as my work has expanded beyond hands-on management.

How did your interest in finance and strategy develop from there?

It started with curiosity. I wanted to understand why some decisions led to stable outcomes and others did not. That pushed me to study patterns, trends, and structure. Finance appealed to me because it rewards preparation and discipline. There is a strong link between operational thinking and financial thinking. In both cases, you are managing inputs, measuring outputs, and adjusting over time. I approached it the same way I approached operations in the deli, by learning the mechanics before trying to change anything.

You often talk about systems rather than shortcuts. Why is that important to you?

Shortcuts tend to break under pressure. Systems are what hold up when conditions change. Early in my career, I tried to grow a business too quickly without the right structure in place. On paper, the idea made sense. In reality, the foundation was not ready. That experience taught me that growth without stability is not progress. Since then, I focus on building repeatable processes before scaling anything.

How does your passion for cars and motorcycles influence your thinking at work?

It influences almost everything. When you work with engines, you learn that performance comes from balance. Every part matters. If one component is off, the whole system suffers. Business works the same way. You cannot ignore small issues and expect strong results. Maintenance, attention to detail, and patience all apply. Working with machines has helped me stay grounded and realistic about how systems behave over time.

What does a productive day look like for you now?

I keep it simple. I start early and avoid filling my day with unnecessary tasks. I focus on a few priorities that actually move things forward. I also block time for deep thinking, especially when reviewing operations or planning next steps. Meetings and conversations happen later in the day. I have learned that productivity is about rhythm, not constant activity.

You have said that multitasking is overrated. Can you explain why?

Multitasking creates the illusion of progress. In reality, it often reduces quality and increases mistakes. I have found that giving full attention to one problem leads to better outcomes and fewer issues later. This applies to managing people, reviewing data, or building systems. Focus is not dramatic, but it is effective.

How do you handle moments when things do not go as planned?

I step back and review what actually happened. I treat setbacks as information rather than personal failures. When I expanded too quickly early on, it was uncomfortable, but it gave me clarity. I learned where the gaps were and how to close them. Reflection is important. You cannot improve what you refuse to examine.

What role does learning still play in your career today?

A constant one. Markets change, industries evolve, and assumptions expire. I spend time studying trends, reviewing outcomes, and learning from people with different perspectives. Maintenance applies to knowledge as much as it does to systems. If you stop learning, performance declines.

Looking back, what do you think has mattered most in bringing ideas to life?

Patience and discipline. Big ideas are appealing, but they only work when supported by strong fundamentals. Most progress comes from small improvements made consistently. That approach has helped me build ideas that last, rather than chasing results that fade quickly.

How would you describe your approach to leadership today?

Practical and focused. I value clear communication, steady progress, and accountability. Leadership is not about visibility or noise. It is about making sure the work is understood and done well. That mindset has stayed with me from the deli counter to where I am today.