International Media Mogul
The charismatic Tony Gunn has emerged as a Global Figure in an industry which, in his words, is often ‘overlooked and under-respected’. “Manufacturing continues to be an afterthought in many countries. And if it’s not an afterthought, it’s stereotyped as dirty, undesirable, and insignificant. However, that stereotype couldn’t be more incorrect. Without manufacturing, doctors don’t have the instruments they need, transportation would rely on horses once again, and communication would return to smoke signals. And that’s just the beginning! The world is faced with an opportunity to educate and it’s our responsibility to create meaningful awareness in a world that desperately needs manufacturing.”
An International Media Mogul for the Manufacturing and Engineering World, Tony is an Engineer, Traveller, Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host. All this in addition to being the Global General Manager at the prestigious MTDCNC.
“The MTDCNC business portfolio is built to offer a springboard of success to companies in the manufacturing industry. By offering a broad media service range from video creation and PR to podcasting and social media, our unique opportunities offer a platform and a spotlight to an industry that’s often ignored, even considering it makes nearly everything around us.”
The genesis of Tony’s passion is derived from being of service to others.
He finds that he’s the best version of himself when he’s able to help others succeed. And why is that so? “Well, I believe it’s because I’ve had the opportunity to struggle in my own life and know what it’s like to have very little, to suffer, and to feel hopeless. As I’ve continued to work hard and create success, if there is an opportunity to offer hope, inspiration, or a helping hand to others, whenever possible, I offer a helping hand.”
It’s been 25 years now since Tony started working in the manufacturing world. Over these 2 decades, there have been nearly uncountable achievements and accolades received; awards and certifications from schools, companies, and individuals. However, his biggest accomplishments always comes from bringing success to someone else. “The gift that MTDCNC and myself bring to manufacturing is that we’re here to help others succeed! We want to share YOUR voice, YOUR story, and YOUR achievements! As they say #LetYourVoiceBeHeard.”
Tony has travelled to more than 50 countries, sharing Manufacturing Tips, Success Stories, and Technology. He tells us meeting some of the brightest minds in manufacturing and engineering creates a realization that there will always be room to grow. “However, in this growth, there will continue to be places where we can act as teachers, and very similar spaces where we must remain students. Ultimately, I believe understanding this is one of the many gifts of wisdom. Wisdom comes from experience and experience is typically found within the walls of wisdom. This makes for circular learning, where experts and novices can often coexist in harmony and gratitude, as each person becomes both student and teacher for the next person.”
Tony is not just a globally sought after powerful speaker and bestselling author, but also a popular podcast host of ‘The Gunn Show’ on Apple Podcasts. The show shines a light on the remarkable people and personalities in the world of engineering and manufacturing.
How does he manage to be so good at multitasking, we ask Tony: “There are many pursuits in life. The pursuit of love, family, career, health, faith, power, recognition, happiness, and so on. We all have the same amount of minutes in the day, hours in the week, days in a month, and weeks in a year. The question then becomes… ‘How will we spend this time?’, because time is the one thing we can never get back.”
Does he ever stress about getting lost in the rat race? “I don’t believe in being a rat or a tiger. A rat race sounds like an absolute mess, full of stress… and a tiger is known to be a loner that is feared, ripping apart anything in its path. I don’t want either one of those things. If we’re going to have an animal comparison, give me a community organization that takes care of one another. Perhaps like a herd of elephants, a pack of wolves, or a team of African wild dogs.”
If ever he found himself in a pack, it wouldn’t take long for Tony to emerge as the natural leader. But far from being a dictator, his take on leadership is, “‘True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own’. I believe this quote, which is my favourite leadership quote by Nikos Kazantzakis, summarizes my thoughts on who I value as a leader, as well as determining whether leaders should create more followers or leaders.”
Deservingly voted one of the Most Inspiring Business Leaders 2022, Tony credits his success to sheer hard work. “Luck only exists with hard work. As they say, it’s amazing how much more luck we have once we commit to hard work.” But what keeps him going even when the chips are down? “My heart wishes I could heal everything and everyone, but my purse only allows those wishes to be pursued in smiles, good deeds, and a positive voice. I’m inspired by stories of struggle turned hopeful turned successful. I’m inspired by nature in places where it has no business surviving, and yet, not only does it survive, it thrives! I’m inspired by dreamers, creators, and freethinkers. Ultimately, my inspiration comes from the world around me and my hope is that I might be able to help someone else climb out of their own darkness, like tossing a small pebble into the ocean and creating a small ripple of hope.”
As our tete-a-tete with the inspirational Tony Gunn comes to a close, he leaves us with a final nugget: “My final thought is simple… Work hard, but find value in what you do. Be kind and grateful for that person you see in the mirror. Honor that person. Be of service to others, but careful how much you give… no one can pour from an empty cup. Find balance in all things, and with this wisdom, navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of life will be surfing waves with joy!”