Introduction
In the world of artificial intelligence, unconventional career paths are often the most inspiring.
Tonny’s story, a Project Manager at People for AI, is a perfect example.
After interrupting his medical studies and working in a supermarket, Tonny successfully entered the Tech sector with no prior experience.
Thanks to his determination, discipline, and transparency, he seized an unexpected opportunity at People for AI.
We met with him to retrace his remarkable career change: from his beginnings as an annotator to his current role as a coordinator and manager — a journey guided by perseverance and continuous learning.
Ariel: Can you tell us about your career before People for AI?
Tonny: I started studying medicine but had to stop in my first year when my first son was born. I then decided to work to fully take on my responsibilities as a father.
I found a position as a store assistant at Jumbo Score. This job was very formative for me, as it allowed me to discover the practical workings of a demanding professional environment while being in direct contact with customers. My main tasks were stocking shelves, ensuring products were well presented, and helping customers who needed information or guidance. I was often required to act quickly, sometimes in urgent situations, which taught me to manage priorities, work under pressure, and stay calm and professional at all times.
After a year, I felt the need to change direction.
“I had to interrupt my studies to take on my responsibilities as a father, but that didn’t stop me: I decided to work and seize every opportunity to learn.”
Ariel: How did you join People for AI and what motivated you?
Tonny: I found a job posting by People for AI and decided to apply. At that time, I didn’t know anyone in the company, but something in the announcement caught my eye: the mention of “a desire to change environment and perspective,” if I remember correctly.
It was exactly what I was looking for at that stage of my life. I needed a fresh start, to leave the supermarket routine and discover a more stimulating and promising field. Shortly after, I was contacted for an interview.
During the conversation, I was completely honest: “I have no experience in AI, but I am ready to learn and give my best.”
To my surprise, People for AI trusted me and hired me. That day, I realized it was a unique opportunity and a new beginning.
“I had no experience in AI, but I was ready to learn and give my best.”
Ariel: How was your integration at People for AI?
Tonny: My start as an annotator went very well. I received strong support from the beginning, which helped me settle in quickly. Thanks to my experience in human interaction, I adapted easily. The main thing I had to do was get used to the work environment, the tools, and the specific expectations. But with the guidance and clear explanations I received, the transition went naturally. I understood that even if the field was different, rigor, listening skills, and the desire to do well are key to progress.
Even though it was a completely new field, I was able to adapt quickly. My past experience in customer service helped me a lot: attention to detail, responsiveness, and following instructions.
“Even in a completely new field, rigor, listening, and the desire to do well remain the keys to progress.”
Ariel: How did your career evolve at People for AI?
Tonny: After five months as an annotator, I became a Reviewer, which involved analyzing others’ work and helping them improve. Five months later, I became a Production Project Manager — a real leap into management and coordination. My progression was extremely fast.
The main skill I had to strengthen quickly was communication rigor: whether with teams or the client, every message matters. You must be clear, precise, and always goal-oriented.
Moving from execution to coordination taught me to guide without micromanaging, support my teams, and set a clear direction.
“In less than a year, I went from annotator to reviewer, then to Production Project Manager.”
Ariel: Can you describe a typical day as a Project Manager?
Tonny: In my current role as a Production Project Manager, a typical day starts with a full check of messages: I look for instructions or important feedback from the client or our management in France. As soon as there is something important, I pass the information to the relevant team so that we are all aligned from the start of the day.
Next, I review or conduct reviews of tasks completed the day before to ensure quality. If needed, I organize a quick briefing or rebriefing with the team to correct issues or clarify points.
I also communicate key information for the day to local management, such as project progress, team absences, or estimated delivery dates. This ensures good overall coordination.
The day continues with active project follow-up: I answer annotators’ questions, relay client inquiries, and adjust instructions with the team based on responses. I also conduct reviews.
Finally, at the end of the day, I prepare and send a detailed report for each project, addressed to both the client and management. I also record the time spent on each project.
“Each day starts with a complete check of messages and the communication of important information to the team, followed by reviews, briefings, and project follow-up to ensure quality and coordination.”
Ariel: What personal and family values guide you daily?
Tonny: My daily life is deeply rooted in the values passed on by my parents: courage, perseverance, and silent hard work. Their example taught me to always give my best.
As the head of my family, I am guided by responsibility and commitment: supporting my wife and children, and building a home based on love and respect.
These same values shape how I manage at People for AI.
My mindset is also shaped by scouting and taekwondo, which instilled discipline, the spirit of overcoming challenges, and perseverance. I strongly believe that serious work and continuous learning are essential, and that career change is possible for those who fully commit.
“Courage, perseverance, and silent hard work are the values that guide my daily life and how I manage my team.”
Ariel: What is your vision for the future of artificial intelligence?
Tonny: What fascinates me most about AI is its ability to deeply transform our daily lives, revolutionize entire industries, and solve complex problems that humans alone cannot always handle. AI opens doors to innovation, efficiency, and creativity while pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
I am convinced that AI will profoundly change society and the workplace. It automates repetitive tasks, freeing up time for higher-value and more human activities such as creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking. However, this transformation must be carefully managed to ensure a fair transition, where everyone can find their place, train, and grow.
“AI transforms our daily lives and frees time for creativity and strategic thinking, but this transition must be accompanied.”
Ariel: What advice would you give to someone hesitant to enter Tech or AI?
Tonny: My advice to someone from a very different background who hesitates to enter Tech or AI is simple: believe in yourself. No matter where you come from, what matters is your willingness to learn, your seriousness, and your ability to push yourself.
So to those who doubt: yes, it’s possible to change paths, even with no prior experience. I am proof of that. To succeed, you must give your best, not fear starting over, and remember that every effort eventually pays off.
“Believe in yourself. Your determination, seriousness, and perseverance are your greatest assets. Even without experience, it’s possible to reinvent yourself.”
I also want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to my journey and success at People for AI.
Conclusion
Tonny’s journey, as a Project Manager at People for AI, proves that perseverance and continuous learning can open doors to AI, even without prior experience.
From medical studies and supermarket work to a management role in Tech, his story embodies the values of People for AI: giving opportunities to those who cultivate discipline, curiosity, and the desire to push themselves.
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