Anthony D’Anna’s journey is one built on hard work, curiosity, and drive. His story begins behind the counter of his own Italian deli, a small business that taught him big lessons about leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Long hours, loyal customers, and real-world problem-solving shaped his belief that success starts with consistency and care. “Running a small business teaches you to think fast and stay humble,” he often says.
Those early experiences gave Anthony a foundation that would guide him into new ventures. Over time, his curiosity about business and markets grew into a deep passion for finance. He began studying trends, analyzing patterns, and investing strategically, approaching the financial world with the same discipline he once used to manage a busy kitchen.
Today, Anthony blends that mix of hands-on experience and strategic insight across everything he does. His leadership style is rooted in adaptability and precision, similar to the high-performance cars and motorcycles he loves. “You learn a lot about control and balance when you ride,” he says. “It’s the same in business. You have to stay focused, but never stop moving.”
Whether managing a team, analyzing markets, or exploring his next project, Anthony approaches life with purpose and energy. He believes progress comes from learning every day and leading by example. His story is proof that success is not about shortcuts. It is about showing up, paying attention, and doing the work that matters most.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I like to start with movement, either a workout or a short ride on my motorcycle. It helps me clear my mind and focus before the noise of the day begins. During that time, I think about the three most important things I need to accomplish. I don’t believe in long to-do lists, I believe in focus. If I can finish those three tasks well, the day is a win.
By mid-morning, I’m at work reviewing market trends, analyzing data, or checking in with my team. I dedicate blocks of time to deep work with no distractions and no meetings. In the afternoon, I focus on collaboration and planning. I’ve learned that the key to productivity is rhythm, knowing when to think, when to act, and when to step away.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I treat ideas like engines. You cannot just admire them; you have to take them apart, see how they work, and rebuild them until they run smoothly. I start by writing everything down, even rough thoughts. Then I look for weak points. What problem does this solve? Who benefits from it? I talk to people I trust and listen to feedback before committing. Once I’ve refined it, I test it on a small scale. If it performs, I scale it. If not, I learn and adjust.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Right now, I’m fascinated by the growth of electric motorcycles and performance engineering. The innovation happening in that space mirrors what’s happening in business, pushing limits and finding balance between efficiency and speed. It’s not just about power; it’s about smarter design and sustainability. I think that mindset of innovating without losing integrity applies to almost any industry.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I schedule time for reflection. Every night, I write down what went well, what didn’t, and what I learned. It’s a simple habit, but it keeps me grounded. You can’t improve what you don’t review.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell myself to slow down and listen more. When I was younger, I thought leadership meant having all the answers. Now I know it’s about asking better questions and surrounding yourself with people who see things differently.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I don’t think multitasking is a strength, it’s a liability. Doing one thing with full attention beats doing five things halfway. Focus creates results. Distraction creates noise.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Step away from screens and spend time doing something mechanical or physical. For me, it’s working on cars or riding motorcycles. There’s clarity in manual work that no spreadsheet or meeting can give you.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I disconnect completely. I’ll go for a ride or take a walk without my phone. The goal isn’t to escape, it’s to reset. You can’t make good decisions when your mind is cluttered.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I build systems, not shortcuts. Whether managing a deli or leading an investment project, I focus on repeatable processes. Systems create consistency, and consistency builds trust, internally and externally.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I tried to expand my first business too fast. I didn’t have the structure in place, and it nearly fell apart. I learned that growth without foundation is just risk disguised as progress. Since then, I’ve learned to stabilize before scaling.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our audience?
Create a platform that pairs retired tradespeople with young entrepreneurs who want to learn practical business skills. Real mentorship from those who’ve been in the trenches is more valuable than any online course.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Notion to organize everything: projects, market notes, even personal goals. It’s like a digital workshop. Everything has its place, and I can see how the pieces fit together.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve read The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger several times. It’s about leadership through transition and decision-making under pressure. It taught me that empathy and discipline can coexist in business.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched Formula 1: Drive to Survive. It’s a great example of how teamwork, engineering, and mental endurance come together. Every decision counts, just like in business.
Key learnings
- Focus and consistency create more impact than multitasking or overextension.
- Systems and structure sustain growth better than speed or expansion.
- True leadership means asking questions, not having all the answers.