Dr. Tony Anderson
@tonethevizionary.bsky.social
Driving Business Transformation Through Creative Strategy | Building High-Performing Teams & Organizations | Leveraging Insights from the Arts & Philanthropy to Spark Innovation
The “singularity” isn’t some distant future moment. It’s already here.
We’re working inside systems that learn, decide, and optimize faster than people can reasonably keep up. Algorithms now shape hiring, performance, messaging, and strategy... often before a human ever weighs in.
We’re working inside systems that learn, decide, and optimize faster than people can reasonably keep up. Algorithms now shape hiring, performance, messaging, and strategy... often before a human ever weighs in.
January 14, 2026 at 2:22 PM
The “singularity” isn’t some distant future moment. It’s already here.
We’re working inside systems that learn, decide, and optimize faster than people can reasonably keep up. Algorithms now shape hiring, performance, messaging, and strategy... often before a human ever weighs in.
We’re working inside systems that learn, decide, and optimize faster than people can reasonably keep up. Algorithms now shape hiring, performance, messaging, and strategy... often before a human ever weighs in.
January is National Mentorship Month, and it feels worth saying this out loud: mentoring has changed my life as much as it’s changed anyone I’ve worked with.
January 5, 2026 at 2:40 PM
January is National Mentorship Month, and it feels worth saying this out loud: mentoring has changed my life as much as it’s changed anyone I’ve worked with.
Loved this article: three “outsiders” to advertising sharing how they eventually became agency leaders. What stuck out was their vision despite a lack of traditional experience.
It reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough in marketing: leadership is transferable.
It reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough in marketing: leadership is transferable.
How 3 advertising outsiders became agency leaders—and the lessons that got them there
Three nontraditional agency leaders share the lessons that drive faster decisions, empathy-led hiring and real-time testing to gain an edge.
adage.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Loved this article: three “outsiders” to advertising sharing how they eventually became agency leaders. What stuck out was their vision despite a lack of traditional experience.
It reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough in marketing: leadership is transferable.
It reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough in marketing: leadership is transferable.
As we head into Thanksgiving, I’m feeling deeply thankful for the people who’ve opened doors, shared ideas, pushed my thinking, and trusted me with their vision. You’ve made this year feel full: creatively, professionally, and personally.
Wishing you a season of gratitude and good company.
Wishing you a season of gratitude and good company.
November 27, 2025 at 2:05 PM
As we head into Thanksgiving, I’m feeling deeply thankful for the people who’ve opened doors, shared ideas, pushed my thinking, and trusted me with their vision. You’ve made this year feel full: creatively, professionally, and personally.
Wishing you a season of gratitude and good company.
Wishing you a season of gratitude and good company.
The latest 2025 State of Small Business Marketing Report dropped a number that genuinely shocked me:
Only 18% of SMB marketers feel very confident in their marketing effectiveness.
Only 18% of SMB marketers feel very confident in their marketing effectiveness.
Four Out Of Five Small Business Marketers Don’t Trust Their Marketing
Fewer than 1 in 5 small business marketers feel confident their efforts are working. Here's why—and what leaders must do to fix it.
www.forbes.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The latest 2025 State of Small Business Marketing Report dropped a number that genuinely shocked me:
Only 18% of SMB marketers feel very confident in their marketing effectiveness.
Only 18% of SMB marketers feel very confident in their marketing effectiveness.
When change initiatives fail, leaders need to look in the mirror.
I’ve seen this across sectors; when a leader steps into a challenge and feels the weight of expectation, they can unconsciously slip into the hero role. Suddenly, every critique is personal and every question is a doubt.
I’ve seen this across sectors; when a leader steps into a challenge and feels the weight of expectation, they can unconsciously slip into the hero role. Suddenly, every critique is personal and every question is a doubt.
Change Management: How to Avoid the Hero Trap
When leading change, seeking overinflated credit and taking extreme ownership can cause trouble.
sloanreview.mit.edu
November 5, 2025 at 2:53 PM
When change initiatives fail, leaders need to look in the mirror.
I’ve seen this across sectors; when a leader steps into a challenge and feels the weight of expectation, they can unconsciously slip into the hero role. Suddenly, every critique is personal and every question is a doubt.
I’ve seen this across sectors; when a leader steps into a challenge and feels the weight of expectation, they can unconsciously slip into the hero role. Suddenly, every critique is personal and every question is a doubt.
In most schools, administrators will tell you that the cafeteria is their classroom. But, I learned that cafeteria duty can be one of the most powerful tools we have to connect with students.
Ask my former students and they’ll tell you: there were moments when I would “crash out” in the cafeteria.
Ask my former students and they’ll tell you: there were moments when I would “crash out” in the cafeteria.
October 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
In most schools, administrators will tell you that the cafeteria is their classroom. But, I learned that cafeteria duty can be one of the most powerful tools we have to connect with students.
Ask my former students and they’ll tell you: there were moments when I would “crash out” in the cafeteria.
Ask my former students and they’ll tell you: there were moments when I would “crash out” in the cafeteria.
In every leadership role I’ve taken on, one challenge always shows up wearing different clothes: change.
New systems and new ways of doing the same old thing. And it’s rarely the change itself that causes resistance. It’s the confusion.
New systems and new ways of doing the same old thing. And it’s rarely the change itself that causes resistance. It’s the confusion.
The Power of Metaphors When Introducing Change Initiatives
Change can be scary, which can activate the brain’s fight or flight response. So how can senior leaders help calm that threat response when introducing change initiatives? Research has shown that storytelling can help. However, busy executives often lack the time, skills, and runway needed to craft full-fledged storylines, transformation heroes, and relatable characters. This is where strategic me
hbr.org
October 24, 2025 at 1:25 PM
In every leadership role I’ve taken on, one challenge always shows up wearing different clothes: change.
New systems and new ways of doing the same old thing. And it’s rarely the change itself that causes resistance. It’s the confusion.
New systems and new ways of doing the same old thing. And it’s rarely the change itself that causes resistance. It’s the confusion.
Reports are showing that by 2032, the U.S. will need over *5 million* more workers who have at least some postsecondary education. As a leader in education, I believe we need to reimagine how we prepare people for the future.
US faces shortfall of 5.3M college-educated workers by 2032
Nursing, teaching and engineering would experience the largest gaps, per a study from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
www.highereddive.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Reports are showing that by 2032, the U.S. will need over *5 million* more workers who have at least some postsecondary education. As a leader in education, I believe we need to reimagine how we prepare people for the future.
UX Friction: We save content, then forget it.
The Fix: "Show Me This Again." Let users signal the algorithm to organically re-surface content they care about. This actually honors user intent and eliminates the "like this comment so it stays in my feed" workarounds.
The Fix: "Show Me This Again." Let users signal the algorithm to organically re-surface content they care about. This actually honors user intent and eliminates the "like this comment so it stays in my feed" workarounds.
October 13, 2025 at 3:03 PM
UX Friction: We save content, then forget it.
The Fix: "Show Me This Again." Let users signal the algorithm to organically re-surface content they care about. This actually honors user intent and eliminates the "like this comment so it stays in my feed" workarounds.
The Fix: "Show Me This Again." Let users signal the algorithm to organically re-surface content they care about. This actually honors user intent and eliminates the "like this comment so it stays in my feed" workarounds.
Rapture memes are hilarious, but after the laugh, I felt an uncanny tilt in reality. Quantum thought: Is the universe like a drafts folder? Countless existences run in parallel. Maybe we're just in the strangest draft that collapsed into being when collective attention locked in.
October 8, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Rapture memes are hilarious, but after the laugh, I felt an uncanny tilt in reality. Quantum thought: Is the universe like a drafts folder? Countless existences run in parallel. Maybe we're just in the strangest draft that collapsed into being when collective attention locked in.
Tech's pace overwhelms elderly users. My fix: AI onboarding survey to auto-adjust interface complexity & gradually unlock features based on comfort. This inclusive design taps into a market with disposable income. Meet users where they are = higher adoption + loyalty. Let's connect!
October 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Tech's pace overwhelms elderly users. My fix: AI onboarding survey to auto-adjust interface complexity & gradually unlock features based on comfort. This inclusive design taps into a market with disposable income. Meet users where they are = higher adoption + loyalty. Let's connect!
This story is a lot, but I think it's an important conversation about leadership.
One day, I got called to the principal’s office. A student named Sam had been overheard talking about taking his own life.
One day, I got called to the principal’s office. A student named Sam had been overheard talking about taking his own life.
October 1, 2025 at 2:02 PM
This story is a lot, but I think it's an important conversation about leadership.
One day, I got called to the principal’s office. A student named Sam had been overheard talking about taking his own life.
One day, I got called to the principal’s office. A student named Sam had been overheard talking about taking his own life.
@zillow @redfin @trulia @realtordotcom - House hunting shouldn't feel like spam hunting
Problem: Users drowning in irrelevant property notifications despite filters
Solution: Smart block function
• "Never show again" button
• AI learns from dismissals
• Neighborhood blocking
Problem: Users drowning in irrelevant property notifications despite filters
Solution: Smart block function
• "Never show again" button
• AI learns from dismissals
• Neighborhood blocking
September 29, 2025 at 2:26 PM
@zillow @redfin @trulia @realtordotcom - House hunting shouldn't feel like spam hunting
Problem: Users drowning in irrelevant property notifications despite filters
Solution: Smart block function
• "Never show again" button
• AI learns from dismissals
• Neighborhood blocking
Problem: Users drowning in irrelevant property notifications despite filters
Solution: Smart block function
• "Never show again" button
• AI learns from dismissals
• Neighborhood blocking
I was an assistant coach on my daughter’s #basketball team. They won the championship. But here’s the truth: it wasn’t just love. It was #leadership.
Our job is not just to encourage. It’s to equip others with the tools they need to succeed. Kids want honesty. They expect it.
Be clear. Be honest.
Our job is not just to encourage. It’s to equip others with the tools they need to succeed. Kids want honesty. They expect it.
Be clear. Be honest.
September 24, 2025 at 1:10 PM
I was an assistant coach on my daughter’s #basketball team. They won the championship. But here’s the truth: it wasn’t just love. It was #leadership.
Our job is not just to encourage. It’s to equip others with the tools they need to succeed. Kids want honesty. They expect it.
Be clear. Be honest.
Our job is not just to encourage. It’s to equip others with the tools they need to succeed. Kids want honesty. They expect it.
Be clear. Be honest.
I started the Paragon Project because kids were walking into school with brilliance in their bones and no space to be seen.
That’s the thing about leadership. Sometimes you only need a better question. If you want innovation, stop over-managing people and start giving them room.
That’s the thing about leadership. Sometimes you only need a better question. If you want innovation, stop over-managing people and start giving them room.
‘Doctor Tony’ brings together education & music entrepreneurship to help lift students to success – BG Independent News
bgindependentmedia.org
September 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM
I started the Paragon Project because kids were walking into school with brilliance in their bones and no space to be seen.
That’s the thing about leadership. Sometimes you only need a better question. If you want innovation, stop over-managing people and start giving them room.
That’s the thing about leadership. Sometimes you only need a better question. If you want innovation, stop over-managing people and start giving them room.
How do we ensure our discipline practices are both consistent and equitable?
Too often, we confuse punishment with accountability. Kids are going to make mistakes.
It’s our response to those mistakes that shapes how they see justice, community, and even themselves.
Too often, we confuse punishment with accountability. Kids are going to make mistakes.
It’s our response to those mistakes that shapes how they see justice, community, and even themselves.
September 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
How do we ensure our discipline practices are both consistent and equitable?
Too often, we confuse punishment with accountability. Kids are going to make mistakes.
It’s our response to those mistakes that shapes how they see justice, community, and even themselves.
Too often, we confuse punishment with accountability. Kids are going to make mistakes.
It’s our response to those mistakes that shapes how they see justice, community, and even themselves.
If you work in urban #education, you know the frustration. The needs are urgent, the barriers are real, and sometimes it feels like the system is built to resist change.
But here’s the truth: That frustration is fuel. And it’s on us to build the bridges.
But here’s the truth: That frustration is fuel. And it’s on us to build the bridges.
September 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
If you work in urban #education, you know the frustration. The needs are urgent, the barriers are real, and sometimes it feels like the system is built to resist change.
But here’s the truth: That frustration is fuel. And it’s on us to build the bridges.
But here’s the truth: That frustration is fuel. And it’s on us to build the bridges.
There’s a reason Apollo 13 still holds up as one of the best #leadership films ever made. But more than anything, it’s a masterclass in storytelling and every leader could learn a thing from this fantastic film.
A three-act structure is how you build belief and create momentum:
A three-act structure is how you build belief and create momentum:
September 12, 2025 at 2:13 PM
There’s a reason Apollo 13 still holds up as one of the best #leadership films ever made. But more than anything, it’s a masterclass in storytelling and every leader could learn a thing from this fantastic film.
A three-act structure is how you build belief and create momentum:
A three-act structure is how you build belief and create momentum:
I'm truly honored to have been inducted into the Central Ohio Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.! To join this brotherhood of leaders who are committed to mentorship, service, and building stronger communities is a privilege. There is so much work to be done!
September 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I'm truly honored to have been inducted into the Central Ohio Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.! To join this brotherhood of leaders who are committed to mentorship, service, and building stronger communities is a privilege. There is so much work to be done!
So when I got to college, I really wanted to play basketball and I thought I was going to walk on at Xavier. But it didn’t happen.
In a strange turn of events, the head coach at the time saw my passion and asked me to be a manager. But my pride wouldn’t let me do it.
In a strange turn of events, the head coach at the time saw my passion and asked me to be a manager. But my pride wouldn’t let me do it.
September 4, 2025 at 2:17 PM
So when I got to college, I really wanted to play basketball and I thought I was going to walk on at Xavier. But it didn’t happen.
In a strange turn of events, the head coach at the time saw my passion and asked me to be a manager. But my pride wouldn’t let me do it.
In a strange turn of events, the head coach at the time saw my passion and asked me to be a manager. But my pride wouldn’t let me do it.
Too many institutions push what I call fast food leadership models: pre-packaged frameworks that demand every #leader act the same way.
This is why so many brilliant thinkers and creatives feel suffocated. Their leadership is flattened into robotic bullet points and acronyms.
This is why so many brilliant thinkers and creatives feel suffocated. Their leadership is flattened into robotic bullet points and acronyms.
September 1, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Too many institutions push what I call fast food leadership models: pre-packaged frameworks that demand every #leader act the same way.
This is why so many brilliant thinkers and creatives feel suffocated. Their leadership is flattened into robotic bullet points and acronyms.
This is why so many brilliant thinkers and creatives feel suffocated. Their leadership is flattened into robotic bullet points and acronyms.
I’ve always been fascinated by the way we idolize fictional #heroes. Spider-Man, Superman…
But what about the modern superhero story? I think about this when I look at the people I work with.
We don’t need capes to be great. We just need to recognize it when we see it.
But what about the modern superhero story? I think about this when I look at the people I work with.
We don’t need capes to be great. We just need to recognize it when we see it.
August 28, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I’ve always been fascinated by the way we idolize fictional #heroes. Spider-Man, Superman…
But what about the modern superhero story? I think about this when I look at the people I work with.
We don’t need capes to be great. We just need to recognize it when we see it.
But what about the modern superhero story? I think about this when I look at the people I work with.
We don’t need capes to be great. We just need to recognize it when we see it.
The best bosses I ever had had one thing in common:
They wanted me to win.
And now that I’ve been in those shoes (managing schools, teams, and artists), I see clearly what real #leadership looks like.
Here are four ways great #managers light that path: a thread
They wanted me to win.
And now that I’ve been in those shoes (managing schools, teams, and artists), I see clearly what real #leadership looks like.
Here are four ways great #managers light that path: a thread
4 Skills to Identify a Boss People Will Follow, Respect, and Work Hard For
The best bosses aren’t defined by authority. They motivate people to give their best.
www.inc.com
August 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
The best bosses I ever had had one thing in common:
They wanted me to win.
And now that I’ve been in those shoes (managing schools, teams, and artists), I see clearly what real #leadership looks like.
Here are four ways great #managers light that path: a thread
They wanted me to win.
And now that I’ve been in those shoes (managing schools, teams, and artists), I see clearly what real #leadership looks like.
Here are four ways great #managers light that path: a thread
I used to believe success was about independence—a solo grind toward a big win.
When I was younger, I built a website for my hip-hop group that, in hindsight, had all the ingredients of what MySpace would later become. But I was so focused on the music, I missed the pivot.
When I was younger, I built a website for my hip-hop group that, in hindsight, had all the ingredients of what MySpace would later become. But I was so focused on the music, I missed the pivot.
August 21, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I used to believe success was about independence—a solo grind toward a big win.
When I was younger, I built a website for my hip-hop group that, in hindsight, had all the ingredients of what MySpace would later become. But I was so focused on the music, I missed the pivot.
When I was younger, I built a website for my hip-hop group that, in hindsight, had all the ingredients of what MySpace would later become. But I was so focused on the music, I missed the pivot.