Profile: Stéphanie Humbert, Establishment director

An interview with Stéphanie Humbert, currently an Establishment director in Saint-Brieuc. On March 30, she will take on a new role as Operations Director for Morbihan and Southern Finistère. She looks back on her journey within the Group, shares the factors that have accelerated her career, and discusses the impact the “Un Une” Network has had on her professional path. Interview.

Stéphanie Humbert: My career began in Nantes in 2002 as a quality consultant covering all of France, a position I held until 2010. I then moved to Rennes to work in the Risk and Quality Department. In 2012, I transitioned to production and distribution centers. I served as production manager for ten years, first in Dinan and then in Saint-Malo. On January 1, 2022, I took on my first position as establishment director in Central Brittany. Since August 2024, I have been managing the Saint-Brieuc multi-stream platform, prior to assuming my role as Operations Director at the end of March.

Stéphanie Humbert: I’d say there were several factors. The initial turning point came after I moved from Dinan to Saint-Malo for the same position. After three months, I realized I was bored—I needed to take the next step. So I spoke with my Operations Director at the time, who encouraged me to aim higher.

The second factor had to do with my personal life. I spent a long time in production management roles because I had young children and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to balance greater responsibilities with my family life. Once that pressure eased, I felt the time was right.

Stéphanie Humbert: Absolutely—it was actually a key part of my epiphany! My first encounter with the Network, during a talk by Aurore Mayer in 2023, was a defining moment. I still remember how she used the image of different school “bags” for girls and boys to illustrate how we’re conditioned. It really resonated with me—a new way of looking at things that got me thinking.

Later, I switched sides by speaking at workshops to share my story and encourage other women to take the plunge. The Network brings inequalities to light. Before, I didn’t realize the difference between men and women in terms of how they perceive and approach leadership roles. I thought everyone operated the same way. It’s these moments of speaking out that make things tangible.

Stéphanie Humbert: Mentoring has been an invaluable resource. In particular, I mentored a woman who was a RESC and went on to become an establishment director. As I guided her, I realized that we shared the same concerns, especially regarding the workload. I explained to her that while the workload is similar between a production manager role and a leadership role, it’s the level of responsibility that changes. This role also helped me solidify my own vision. It was an experience I really enjoyed.

Stéphanie Humbert: Clearly, change itself. Before, I was afraid of the unknown. And that’s normal—when you’ve mastered your job and are succeeding at it, you’re reluctant to go through the trouble of moving on. But it was taking that first step that showed me that fear fades once you’ve taken action. You have to keep telling yourself that you’re capable. Once you’ve taken that first step, everything becomes easier.

Stéphanie Humbert: In Brittany, there are still very few women who are establishment directors. In my view, taking on this role is already a way to pave the way for others to envision themselves in this position. This is particularly important for increasing the number of women in front-line management, which is still very male-dominated. I also actively participate in the DODT’s initiatives on workplace equality.

In my future role as Chief Operating Officer, I will be very mindful of prioritizing skills above all else, ensuring that gender is never a barrier. I will continue to encourage on-the-job training and mentoring, as I did recently when I met with other Chief Operating Officers in Toulouse and Paris.

Stéphanie Humbert: I would tell her, “Trust yourself and take a chance!” And above all, don’t go it alone. La Poste provides fantastic resources, and it’s essential to take advantage of every opportunity offered. When workshops are organized at DEX or through the Parity Network, don’t hesitate—go for it!

The same goes for mentoring: if you’re offered the opportunity, go for it. There are also many training programs at La Poste that can really help you advance. I’m thinking in particular of “self-marketing.” It’s an area where women aren’t always the most comfortable, and these modules provide practical help in better showcasing your career path.

In reality, it’s all about building a network. It’s this network that gives you the confidence you need to move forward. Every initiative counts: personal stories, inspiring talks, or webinars that you can easily follow from your desk. Learning about other women’s journeys and understanding their paths is invaluable in helping you find the courage to take the leap yourself.