Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
After completing Ivey's Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program, Tony Dao, MM-A ’24, built a career helping organizations turn data into better business decisions. Today, as Director of Data & Analytics at Info-Tech Research Group, he leads teams, mentors students, and continues to stay connected to Ivey. In this Q&A, he reflects on leadership, lifelong learning, and how the MM-A program helped shape his career.
I was born and raised in London, Ontario, to parents who immigrated from Vietnam. Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work, resilience, and making the most of every opportunity. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to shape how I approach my career and the people around me.
After earning my undergraduate degree at Western University, I built my career around helping organizations use data to make better decisions and solve business problems. Today, I’m the Director of Data & Analytics at Info-Tech Research Group, where I lead a team that helps the organization use data and technology to answer questions, improve processes, and support better decision-making.
Outside of work, I enjoy giving back to my community, staying active, and continuing to learn. I volunteer with Junior Achievement, mentor students, play sports, and have developed an appreciation for mechanical watches. Whether I’m learning something new or helping someone else grow, those are the experiences I find most rewarding.
What led you to your career and how has it evolved over time?
I don’t think I ever planned on working in data and analytics. Like a lot of people, I found my way into it over time. I started my career in finance and operations, and what I enjoyed most was solving problems. I found that data often helped answer questions about the problems I faced that weren’t obvious at first. I realized it wasn’t really about the numbers – it was about helping people make better decisions, which led me to transition into the world of technology and data.
Over the years, my role has changed quite a bit. Early on, I spent most of my time building reports and analyzing data. Today, I spend more of my time leading teams, shaping data strategy, and helping organizations use technology and analytics to solve more complex business challenges. The technical side is important, but I’ve learned that successful analytics work is also about people – understanding their needs, building trust, and helping teams feel confident using data.
While my responsibilities have changed, what motivates me hasn’t. I still enjoy asking questions, digging into problems, and working with others to find practical solutions.
Who inspired you?
My biggest inspiration has always been my dad. Growing up, I watched him work incredibly hard to provide for our family while always staying positive through challenges. No matter what life threw at him, he kept moving forward with resilience, humility, and determination. Mostly through observation, my dad taught me that setbacks are part of life, but you can always move forward one step at a time. That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career and while completing both my MBA and MM-A.
Whenever I face something difficult, I remind myself that there is usually a way forward if you’re willing to keep learning and keep trying.
How did Ivey play a role?
Ivey changed the way I approach business problems. While I learned a lot about analytics, what stayed with me most was learning how to connect data with business decisions and recognizing that there is rarely only one right answer.
A big part of the experience was learning alongside classmates from different industries and backgrounds. We often approached the same case in completely different ways, and those conversations challenged my thinking. They reminded me that better decisions often come from listening, asking thoughtful questions, and being open to perspectives that are different from your own.
That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career and into my leadership style.
Why did you choose the Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program specifically?
At the time, I was looking for a program that would help me bridge the gap between business and analytics. I wanted to build a stronger understanding of analytics, but more importantly, I wanted to understand how organizations could use data to solve real business problems. The Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) definitely delivered on this.
The part-time format made it a great fit because I could apply what I was learning directly in my work. As different challenges came up, I often found myself drawing on concepts from the program to approach them with a different perspective. It also helped me become a stronger bridge between business stakeholders and technical teams by translating business needs into analytics solutions that both sides could understand.
I also knew that the people I would meet through the program would be an important part of the experience. Looking back, that was absolutely true. My classmates brought experiences from different industries, functions, and careers, and I learned just as much from our conversations as I did from the coursework. The relationships I built and the perspectives I gained from others are still things I value today.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Completing both my MBA and MM-A while working full-time is probably what I’m most proud of. It wasn’t always easy, and there were definitely days when I wondered how I was going to fit everything in.
Looking back, I’m grateful for that experience because it pushed me further than I thought I could go. The degrees are important, but what I value even more is what I learned about myself. They taught me discipline, perseverance, and the confidence to take on challenges that once felt out of reach.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
One of the most rewarding things I do outside of work is volunteer with Junior Achievement’s Company Program. I mentor high school students as they build and run their own businesses, and it’s amazing to watch their confidence grow over the course of the program. Seeing students who are nervous at the beginning become leaders by the end is what keeps me coming back every year.
Outside of volunteering, I enjoy staying active through sports, and I’ve become a bit of a watch enthusiast. I enjoy learning about the craftsmanship behind mechanical watches, and one day I’d love to learn how to build or repair one myself.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that I used to be a figure skater. The funny thing is, it wasn’t the original plan. My parents signed me up for skating lessons because I wanted to play hockey, but somewhere along the way I stuck with figure skating instead. I never actually ended up playing hockey, which usually catches people off guard.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
One of my favourite memories from Ivey was the residency weeks, particularly the week at the beginning of the program. It was a chance for everyone to step away from their usual routines, get to know each other, and build connections outside of the classroom.
The faculty and program team did a wonderful job creating an environment where people felt comfortable sharing their experiences and getting to know one another. Those first interactions helped set the tone for the entire program and made it clear that the MM-A experience was about much more than the coursework. It was about the people, the conversations, and the different perspectives everyone brought to the classroom.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
One of the biggest lessons I took away from Ivey is that you don’t have to have all the answers yourself. Some of the best ideas come from listening, asking good questions, and being open to perspectives that are different from your own.
That lesson has become even more relevant as technology continues to evolve, especially with the rapid changes we are seeing with AI. I believe the ability to understand business problems, ask the right questions, and connect technology with practical solutions will become increasingly important.
One thing I appreciated about the MM-A program was its ability to evolve alongside the changing landscape. The Analytics Best Practices course was a great example of this. The course brought in industry leaders to share how organizations were approaching new developments in technology, data, and analytics, giving students perspectives beyond the classroom. Having recently returned as a guest lecturer for the course, I was able to see first-hand how the program continues to adapt and bring current industry experiences into the learning environment.
Ultimately, the value of the MM-A program was not just in learning specific tools or technologies. It helped me develop the ability to think critically, connect business needs with analytics solutions, and work effectively across business and technical teams. Those skills continue to guide me as organizations navigate new technologies and changing business environments.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
Yes, and it’s something I genuinely enjoy. I regularly connect with prospective, incoming, and current MM-A students to answer questions and share my experience. I remember how helpful those conversations were when I was considering the program, so I’m always happy to pay that forward.
I also recently had the opportunity to return as a guest lecturer for the Analytics Best Practices course to talk about the importance of bringing people through business transformation projects. It was rewarding to be back in the classroom, but this time sharing lessons from my own career.
Experiences like that remind me how much Ivey has meant to my own journey and why I enjoy staying connected to the community.
Frequently asked questions about the Master of Management: Analytics
Who is the Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program designed for?
Professionals looking to strengthen both their business and analytics capabilities while continuing to work.
How did the MM-A program support this graduate's career?
The program helped him connect analytics with business strategy, strengthen leadership skills, and apply new concepts directly in his role while studying.
What skills did this graduate gain through the MM-A program?
He highlights business problem-solving, leadership, communication, collaboration across business and technical teams, and using analytics to support better decision-making.
How does this MM-A alum stay connected with Ivey?
He mentors prospective and current students and recently returned as a guest lecturer in the Analytics Best Practices course.
