It’s a crisp morning in Old Québec, and the streets hum with history. Cobblestone alleys weave through charming cafés, while the majestic Château Frontenac towers above. We’ve arranged to meet Toni Rinow at a corner café overlooking the St. Lawrence River — a fitting backdrop for a conversation about global perspectives and leadership shaped by a lifetime of navigating challenges and opportunities.
Toni greets us warmly, already seated by the window with a coffee in hand. “Welcome to Québec!” she says with a smile. “This view always reminds me of Hamburg, where I grew up. Like Québec, it’s a port city connected to the world — a place where ships sail to distant lands. It sparked my curiosity and taught me the value of connection and collaboration, lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.”
We settle in, eager to hear more. “Growing up in Hamburg, the maritime heritage shaped my view of the world,” she continues. “You can’t live by the water without developing a sense of responsibility and respect for nature. That’s where my interest in ESG comes from — not as a box to check but as a principle that guides my decisions. It’s about being part of something bigger.”
I ask about her transition from engineering to becoming a CFO and Board Director. She smiles, reflecting for a moment. “As an engineer, I learned to break down complex problems and approach challenges analytically. Those skills carried over when I became a CFO, where I led capital expansions, M&As, and IPOs. But beyond the numbers, I’ve always been focused on creating value. That means not only delivering financial results but also fostering diverse, collaborative cultures that drive innovation.”
When asked about her proudest achievements as a Board Director, Toni’s passion shines through. “One of the highlights has been leading the creation of a company’s first-ever ESG report. For me, it wasn’t just about compliance — it was about aligning the organization’s strategy with its values and building trust with stakeholders. It reflected a commitment to sustainability that I’ve carried with me since my Hamburg days.”
Her dual background as a CFO and engineer adds a unique dimension to her board contributions. “On the audit committee, I bring a mix of financial expertise and an engineer’s precision. I can ‘look under the hood’ to dig into financial details and scan for risks, always with a focus on practical solutions. It’s about anticipating challenges and helping the organization navigate them effectively.”
As our conversation winds down, we ask what drives her. Toni’s response is thoughtful and heartfelt. “For me, it’s about sharing what I’ve learned. Whether mentoring, coaching, or serving on boards, my goal is to empower others and help organizations unlock their full potential. We achieve more together.”
She gazes out at the river, reflecting. “Much like this view, every challenge offers an opportunity to chart a new course. That’s what inspires me and keeps me moving forward.”
With that, Toni gathers her things, ready for her next meeting — a continuation of her journey as a dynamic leader shaping industries and inspiring change.
