W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 7
Janet B. Toronski
DA I M L E R C H RY S L E R F I N A N C I A L S E RV I C E S
“Never compromise your integrity or self-respect for anyone or anything.”
I
grew up in a traditional household where my father was an executive and my mother was the perfect housewife and mother. Today, I find myself living a very different life than that of my parents. Despite my conventional upbringing, my parents made me believe that I could do and be whatever I chose. And as I get older, I continue to make choices and reprioritize things in my life. Here is some advice I always try to live by: • Always be honest—with others and especially with yourself. • Determine your strengths. Work is more enjoyable when you use your natural abilities. • Like what you do.
BA in English, Mount Union College; JD, Wayne State University
EDUCATION:
FIRST JOB: Office assistant at Airco Carbon, a summer job at a local manufacturing plant
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
• Remember that things change, so keep an open mind. I started my career as a lawyer and have migrated to the business side of corporate life. I love what I do, but going to law school was the best thing I ever did.
READING:
• Work hard and do your homework. When you advocate a position, have your facts straight and be sure you’ve considered all perspectives, especially those that are different from yours!
FAVORITE CHARITY:
• Surround yourself with people who believe in and encourage you, both at work and in your personal life. Naturally, there always will be people who both support you and work against you. When you have a choice of whom to be around, choose wisely. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC, a company of DaimlerChrysler AG
COMPANY:
HEADQUARTERS:
Farmington Hills, MI
WEBSITE:
www.daimlerchryslerfinancialservices.com/na BUSINESS:
Financial services
One of the leading financial services organizations worldwide and headquarters for operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela
RANKING:
More than $103 billion with nearly five million contracts
PORTFOLIO:
EMPLOYEES:
164
Vice President, Dealer Credit and National Accounts
TITLE:
Approximately 5,600
Profiles in Diversity Journal November/December 2006
PHILOSOPHY/LEGACY: INTERESTS:
Live and let live.
Cooking, art fairs, traveling and music Hospice
• Don’t accept mediocrity in yourself or in others. • Strike a good balance between humility and self-confidence. • Never compromise your integrity or self-respect for anyone or anything. They are qualities that no one can take from you unless you allow it. • Know what’s expected from you in your job and your organization. If it conflicts with what’s really important to you, find another job or another company to work for. • Keep your priorities in perspective. This is a continuing practice, and one that most people never master. But don’t give up trying. • Finally, be a champion for inclusion and diversity. Push for tolerance and acceptance (not accommodation) of different types of people and lifestyles. An organization will thrive when its employees are smart, motivated, work for a common goal and have a real respect for others’ differences. Diversity of people and opinions will foster fresh, exciting ideas and will allow an organization to thrive. Above all, always do the right thing. That’s definitely one thing you’ll never regret.
PDJ