Joanne Romano

In the fast-paced world of automotive, leadership is about more than just moving vehicles; it’s about moving people. For Joanne Romano, General Manager, People and Culture at Toyota Australia, the journey from the HR training room to the executive suite has been fueled by a passion for culture, a commitment to inclusion, and an unwavering belief in "Respect for People."

In this feature for Women in Automotive, we go behind the scenes to discuss career trajectories, the power of sponsorship, and why authenticity is a woman’s greatest asset in a male-dominated field.

From the Training Room to the Boardroom

Every leader starts somewhere, and for Toyota’s General Manager, the foundation was built in the heart of the workforce. Beginning as a VIC (Vehicle Industry Certificate) Trainer in HR, she climbed the ranks by immersing herself in every facet of the business, including Industrial Relations.

"What I love about my job is seeing Toyota employees feeling fulfilled in their roles, as this is a key part of creating an inclusive and supportive workplace," she shares. "The People & Culture division sets a great example by fostering an environment where everyone can excel and feel included."

Navigating the "Male-Dominated" Roadblock

It is no secret that the automotive industry has historically been a male-dominated space. For many women, the challenge isn't just the work, but the visibility of a path forward.

"Limited female representation in senior roles can make it harder to find relatable mentors or sponsors," she admits. "This lack of visibility can also impact how women perceive their own career progression opportunities."

To bridge this gap, she emphasises that attracting and retaining female talent requires more than just slogans; it requires sponsorship and genuine support. "Attracting and retaining female talent involves creating an inclusive culture with flexible work, unbiased opportunities, and strong development programs including our annual mentor program. I also think sponsorship is key."

What Leaders Look For

When it comes to hiring and promotion, she looks far beyond a resume. To stand out at Toyota, you need a blend of competence and curiosity.

"When hiring a new employee, I focus on traits like adaptability, strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Communication abilities and a positive attitude are also essential. Beyond these qualities, I ensure candidates fit the company culture and demonstrate potential for growth, continuous learning, and self-motivation."

Before moving someone up, she looks for more than just a job well done. "I assess their consistent high performance, proven leadership/problem-solving skills and confirm they want the role and understand its new challenges, not just a reward for past work. I also think diversity of thought is so important."

Resilience and the "No-Blame" Culture

How a leader handles failure defines the team's culture. At Toyota, setbacks are viewed as data points for growth, not reasons for fear.

"I view failure and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as permanent obstacles," she explains. "When challenges arise, I start by analysing what went wrong and why, without assigning blame. This helps me identify actionable steps to improve. I also seek input from my team and mentors because collaboration often brings fresh perspectives and solutions."

Developing Others

True leadership is measured by the success of those around you. For her, development is a hands-on, consistent commitment. "Developing other people's careers involves actively providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth through formal and informal methods. I meet with my mentee once a month to touch base and to offer my support."

Advice for the Next Generation

"For women looking to climb the ladder in automotive, her advice is grounded in both strategy and soul:

'Own your voice and build a strong network with mentors and sponsors. Embrace authenticity, let go of perfectionism, and strategically navigate corporate dynamics while creating inclusive cultures - all while prioritising continuous learning and resilience. And remember to have fun!'"

She adds that the industry’s "Respect for People" foundation is a universal key to success. "Be kind and true to yourself and you will succeed no matter what your gender is."

The Future of the Industry

To make the automotive world more appealing to women, she believes the automotive industry must move toward genuine flexibility that doesn't carry a "career penalty."

"Implement genuinely flexible work policies (e.g., remote work, flexible hours, part-time options) that allow employees to balance work and personal responsibilities, and ensure that those who do so are not disadvantaged in their careers."