First Cohort of the “Un Une” Mentoring Program: A Very Promising Outcome

More confident, more visible, and more daring: that’s the key takeaway from the first cohort of the “Un Une” mentoring program.

Throughout the year, the “Un Une” Parity Network continued its commitment to gender parity and professional equality through numerous initiatives. Among them, the launch of its first mentoring program last December marked an important milestone. Thirteen pairs of mentors and mentees embarked on this personal and professional journey with a shared goal: to share openly and in trust, to overcome certain barriers, and to advance gender parity within the La Poste Group.

After several months of meetings, discussions, and sharing experiences, the time has come to take stock.

This mentoring program, designed specifically for the ambassadors of the “Un Une” Parity Network, offers support on topics that frequently arise in women’s career paths: building self-confidence, visibility, assertive leadership, and preparing for new responsibilities. This inaugural edition fully aligns with one of the priorities of the “Un Une” Parity Network: enabling women to access all types of positions, without barriers, by drawing on the strength of the collective.

Exchanges that build trust and open up new opportunities

Over the course of several months, the participants benefited from mentoring awareness sessions, one-on-one meetings with their mentors, group sessions, meetings with inspiring women, and several events organized by the Network.

The mentees chose to name this first cohort the “Anne-Laure Bourn Cohort,” in honor of the former Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of the Network, who was a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of La Banque Postale. Deeply committed to gender parity, diversity, and the development of female talent, Anne-Laure Bourn—who passed away two years ago—continues to inspire those who work every day to advance workplace equality. By naming this first graduating class after her, the participants sought to honor her legacy and ensure that her commitment lives on.

Each pair met during dedicated time together, reflecting the participants’ commitment. Beyond the significant number of meetings, it is the impact of the mentoring program that stands out most.

“This program gave me a real opportunity to step back and reflect on my daily life and my career path. Thanks to my conversations with my mentor, I have a better understanding of the company, and I’m coming away from this experience feeling more confident, more at ease, and with a clearer vision of my future within the Group,” says Lucie.

The mentees also highlight the value of the interactions they had throughout the program, whether with their mentors, other participants, or guest speakers who came to share their experiences.

As Odile puts it: “ This mentoring program is about stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about meeting inspiring women and men, building self-confidence, and taking risks.”

A promotion driven by the power of the group

While the relationship between mentor and mentee is at the heart of the program, the collective aspect has greatly contributed to the success of this first edition. The discussion sessions organized throughout the year helped create a true community of mutual support, where each participant was able to share her questions, successes, and experiences in an atmosphere of trust.

As Joan explains: “By working alongside senior executives, strategic leaders, and social and cultural leaders, you develop your own leadership skills in just a few months. My mentor and I held a monthly workshop on a personalized topic. I learned how to make my work more visible, to have fewer doubts about my legitimacy when taking on a new role, and to turn my disappointments into learning opportunities.”

While the mentees are the primary beneficiaries of the program, the mentors also highlight the value of the exchanges, the opportunity to share their experience, and the satisfaction of helping to pave the way for new career paths.

Among the most memorable moments, the participants cited, in particular, the class’s inaugural meeting, discussions with Aurore Mayer, director of the Parity Network “Un Une”, as well as a talk by Wafa’ Amal, a tech entrepreneur who came to share her journey and experience in a field where women remain underrepresented.

A trend that continues

While the program is coming to an end, the bonds formed will endure. Several mentees hope to continue their conversations with their mentors, while others are leaving with renewed confidence and new career plans to pursue within the Group.

Finally, they all encourage future participants to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“I would tell them to fully commit to this journey. By daring to share your ambitions, preparing for your meetings, and taking an active role in your mentoring experience, you’ll be able to get the most out of it,” Joan emphasizes.

For her part, Lucie says, “I’d already had the opportunity to be mentored during my studies, and that experience gave me a lot of inspiration and confidence for the future. So thank you to the “Un Une” Parity Network for allowing me to relive that experience at a company where gender equality is a core value.”

Indeed, the results speak for themselves: participants gave the program an average recommendation rating of 9.67 out of 10.

This first cohort demonstrates just how much inspiring encounters can accelerate career paths. By sharing their experience and instilling confidence, mentors in turn become role models capable of sparking new ambitions.

In light of this success, a second promotion will launch on September 22, 2026.