Tony Zona has built a remarkable 25-year career at Grant Thornton, progressing from tax trainee to Chief Data Officer. His story highlights how embracing opportunities, continuous learning, and adapting to change can lead to a fulfilling and varied career.

When I joined Grant Thornton as a school leaver in 1999, I started as a Tax Trainee in the Bedford office, working primarily with agricultural clients. It was my first step into the professional world, and I had no idea where it would lead. Over the years, my career has taken me through tax, project management, and data – a journey that’s spanned 25 years and shaped who I am today.

Taking the initiative

Early in my career, I naively expected opportunities to find me. I thought someone would tap me on the shoulder and offer the next step. But I soon realised that others were asking for opportunities instead of waiting for them. That shift in mindset changed everything for me. Every time I considered leaving Grant Thornton, I identified a new opportunity that inspired me to stay. The firm’s culture encourages people to explore different paths, and I’ve always found colleagues willing to share their experiences or offer guidance. I’ve stayed because those opportunities are there if you seek them – but you do have to take the initiative.

Finding my passion for data

I always enjoyed the technology side of tax. Early on, I became the office’s ‘tax software champion’, which led to involvement in how we used systems to deliver services. This sparked a broader interest in how technology could improve not just tax but the way the firm worked as a whole.

In 2006, I joined the central tax software team, focusing on tax-related projects like online tax return filing and new system implementations. This role introduced me to project management, which became another passion. I earned a PRINCE2 qualification and later gained a Six Sigma Green Belt – both of which helped me understand how to improve processes across the firm.

By 2015, I was leading the Management Information team, which evolved into today’s Data Office. This team handles everything from data governance and protection to insights and research, and has been central to how we leverage data as a firm. In 2022, I was proud to become Grant Thornton’s first Chief Data Officer, a role I helped define from scratch.

Shaping a new role and strategy

Creating a role that didn’t exist before was both exciting and challenging. I could see the firm needed a clear data strategy, so I took the initiative to draft one with input from key stakeholders. Our first strategy was approved in 2017, and we’ve been building on it ever since.

Initially, getting people to prioritise data was tough. But as we demonstrated the tangible benefits, interest grew. I also connected with external data leaders, which helped me shape what the role of Chief Data Officer should look like at our firm and why I was the right person for it.

Coaching has also been a key part of my journey. I’ve benefited from great coaches over the years and am now a coach myself. It’s incredibly rewarding to support others in overcoming challenges and progressing their careers.

The impact of good data in the AI era

The advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) over the last few years have been transformative. Today, I spend less time convincing people of data’s importance and more time discussing how data powers AI. Everyone wants to talk about data now, and that’s a huge shift from when I started in this role.

Looking ahead, AI will undoubtedly reshape how we work. It’s not about replacing human talent but enhancing it. Imagine asking your computer for insights on client opportunities and getting instant, actionable results. That’s the future we’re building towards – evolving from being report-led to insight-driven, and ultimately AI-focused.

One of the most exciting parts of my role is seeing the impact data can have. For example, our work on inclusion and diversity data has been vital in helping the firm understand where we stand and what we need to improve. Similarly, our Research team’s 10-year horizon scanning exercises have shaped both firm and client strategies.

Our focus on data culture is also critical. Tools like our “Our Language” site ensure we’re all aligned and using consistent definitions and acronyms, which is essential for leveraging data effectively.

Lessons from my journey

Reflecting on my career, I’ve learned the importance of seeking out opportunities, staying adaptable, and continually learning. Grant Thornton has been a place where I’ve been able to grow, but it’s also a place where hard work and taking the initiative are key.

Building a varied career here is entirely possible; it requires trust, flexibility, and a willingness to push yourself. For me, the journey from Tax Trainee to Chief Data Officer has been full of unexpected turns, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.