From launching one of the world’s first digital marketing agencies in the early days of the internet to building global virtual marketing teams today, Tony Winders’ journey reflects innovation, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. As the CEO and founder of The Winders Group, Tony helps technology companies grow while creating opportunities for marketing professionals worldwide.
Humans of Fuzia is featuring Tony to share his inspiring journey of pioneering digital marketing, building communities that fuel business growth, and redefining success through meaningful impact. His story highlights resilience, continuous reinvention, and a personal mission to create a positive impact through marketing and human connection.
Q: Can you share your professional journey and how it all began?
Tony Winders: My career began in public relations in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. Around 1993, I discovered the World Wide Web through an article and immediately saw its potential to connect people globally. That moment shaped my direction, and I decided to dedicate my career to internet marketing.
In the mid-1990s, I launched one of the first digital marketing agencies, initially called Interactive Agency and later rebranded. We worked with businesses to help them establish an online presence at a time when digital marketing was still unfamiliar. It was a pioneering period where we were essentially inventing new practices like search optimization and online promotion as we went along.
Q: What role has community played in your career growth?
Tony Winders: Community has always been central to my work. During the early internet era, I hosted networking events that brought together professionals from entertainment, media, and technology who were building the web.
These communities created opportunities, relationships, and collaboration that fueled business growth. Even today, I strongly believe that community and business naturally support each other. My work continues to focus on building networks that create value for both companies and professionals.
Q: What challenges did you face while building your early digital ventures?
Tony Winders: The early internet had many limitations—slow bandwidth, evolving technology, and uncertain markets. The dot-com crash was another major challenge that affected many businesses, including mine.
Looking back, I also learned important lessons about hiring the right people and maintaining pricing integrity. These experiences taught me resilience and helped shape my approach to leadership and business strategy today.
Q: What are you working on currently?
Tony Winders: Today, I lead The Winders Group, a collective of marketing professionals worldwide. We build virtual teams that help technology companies grow through services like B2B marketing strategy, HubSpot implementation, email marketing, and digital campaigns.
Our model connects businesses with skilled marketing talent while providing strategy and quality assurance. I also focus on developing AI-driven marketing solutions, including a platform that helps companies create on-brand content using their own data and messaging.
Q: How do you see AI shaping the future of marketing?
Tony Winders: AI is transforming how businesses operate and how customers find information. Today, visibility depends not just on search engines but also on appearing in AI-generated results.
AI tools allow marketers to improve efficiency, personalize communication, and create more meaningful engagement. However, credibility, authority, and strong brand messaging remain essential. Technology enhances human strategy—it doesn’t replace it.
Q: You mentioned being in a transition phase. What drives your vision moving forward?
Tony Winders: While I continue to grow my company, I’m also focused on making a broader impact. My personal mission is to spread joy and create positive change through my work and interactions.
I want to speak, write, and share ideas that encourage people to live more meaningful lives. Overcoming fear and stepping into that purpose is part of my journey right now. If I can make a positive impact and help others grow, that would be the legacy I want to leave.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders?
Tony Winders: Don’t be afraid to try, even if you don’t have everything figured out. Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace change. Business success comes from serving others, building relationships, and continuously evolving with the world around you.
“Success isn’t just about business growth—it’s about making a positive impact, building meaningful connections, and spreading joy wherever you go.”
Connect with Tony Winders:
https://thewindersgroup.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/twinders/ (business)
https://www.instagram.com/tonywinders (personal)
https://www.instagram.com/theworldinyellow/ (one of my first “joy” projects)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/twinders/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewindersgroup
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to share your journey with Humans of Fuzia, reach out at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
