Jo Tornatore-Gallo: Leadership Tips for Risk and Resilience
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Jo Tornatore-Gallo is a highly regarded risk leader, specialising in governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. As Managing Director & Chief Risk Officer, Australia at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Jo is responsible for providing independent oversight of risk across business platforms, ensuring resilience and stability in an increasingly complex financial environment.
Championing Inclusion, Mentorship, and Wellbeing
Beyond her corporate role, Jo is a champion of diversity and inclusion, actively participating in RBC’s Diversity Council and initiatives such as RWomen, the Women in Finance UTS program, Pride Chair, and Multicultural groups. She is also an accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer and a dedicated mentor in RBC’s leadership programs, demonstrating her commitment to fostering talent and supporting the next generation of risk professionals.
Away from the office, Jo enjoys spending time with her family, trail running, and volunteering at ParkRun, embodying the same dedication in her personal life as in her career. With her extensive expertise in risk management, resilience, and leadership, she is a trusted advisor in the financial sector, helping organisations navigate challenges, drive innovation, and build long-term sustainability.
What factors have been critical to your success?
Success is not something you achieve alone; it is based on the people who support you and the risks you are willing to take. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a supportive partner who has backed me every step of the way in my career. That support system has been invaluable, especially when I needed encouragement to pursue new opportunities.
Beyond that, I’ve always made a conscious effort to surround myself with good people—mentors, peers, and leaders who are smart, honest, and willing to tell me the truth. It’s important to have people who will challenge your thinking, push you to grow, and provide guidance when you need it most.
Another key factor has been my willingness to take risks. Playing it safe might feel comfortable, but real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career have come from backing myself and taking a chance on new challenges.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received?
The advice that’s shaped my career has changed over time. Early on, the focus was education—ensuring I had the right knowledge and qualifications to build a strong foundation. As I moved into the middle of my career, the emphasis shifted to working hard, proving myself, and building a reputation for delivering results.
Recently, my coach gave me a piece of advice that really resonated: “Don’t sit back and wait for things to happen—you have to plan and invest in the next phase of your career.”
Looking back, I realise I spent too long waiting for recognition—assuming that hard work alone would get me noticed. But the reality is, you have to back yourself. If you want to progress, you need to be proactive, put yourself forward, and make sure your contributions are seen.
What was the most challenging moment in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the toughest moments in my career happened early on when I was presenting at a major industry conference. Midway through my session, someone in the audience stood up and openly disagreed with my position. It completely threw me, and for a moment, I questioned whether I should even continue.
But instead of letting it derail me, I focused on pushing through and delivering my message. After the session, I approached the person and asked why they disagreed. That conversation ended up being incredibly valuable—it reinforced that challenging perspectives are a natural part of leadership, and that confidence in your expertise is key.
Moments like that teach you resilience. Not everyone will agree with you, and that’s okay. The key is to stay composed, stand by your knowledge, and be open to learning from different viewpoints.
If you could start your career over, what would you do differently?
Looking back, the biggest change I’d make is not waiting for others to acknowledge my contributions. I spent too long assuming that hard work alone would get me noticed, when in reality, you need to proactively own your career growth.
I also would have been more vocal about what I needed to succeed—whether it was mentorship, learning opportunities, or career progression conversations. My advice to others is simple: if you need something, ask for it.
And finally, I would have embraced the 80/20 rule sooner—if you feel 80% ready for something, don’t hesitate, go for it. Growth happens when you take the leap.
Final words of advice?
Building strong relationships is essential—mentors, sponsors, and peers will play a huge role in shaping your career. Be open to feedback, as growth comes from continuous learning and improvement. Don’t wait for recognition; instead, advocate for yourself and take control of your own career progression. Most importantly, confidence is key—believe in yourself, embrace risks, and actively pursue the opportunities that will help you grow and succeed.
Jo’s career is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and strategic risk-taking. Her leadership philosophy reinforces that success in financial services isn’t just about managing risk—it’s about leading with confidence, embracing change, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
