In this new edition of the Managerial Excellence Masterclass, Clémence Brunot, founder of Have You Met Simone?, explores the issues and strategies to achieve parity within executive committees (Comex). Addressing an engaged audience, she discusses current challenges and legislative advancements promoting gender equality in leadership positions.
Legislative Framework: from the Copé-Zimmerman Law to the Rixain Law
Since the Copé-Zimmerman law of 2011, the boards of directors of listed companies have seen an increase in female representation, making France “one of the European leaders on this issue. However, executive committees lag behind with only 30% women. Clémence also highlights the quotas of the”Rixain law: by 2026, companies with over 1,000 employees must have 30% women in their leadership positions, with the target increasing to 40% by 2029.
Obstacles to Parity: Recruitment and Succession
Clémence discusses the resistances that hinder women’s access to key positions. Recruitment processes are often biased towards male profiles, reinforcing a “cloning” of similar profiles within executive committees. Clémence explains that her firm strives to provide diverse shortlists, highlighting women’s behavioral and technical skills in historically male-dominated sectors.
Self-Censorship and Work-Life Balance
Women, often more concerned about work-life balance, sometimes hesitate to aim for high-responsibility positions. Clémence also observes a lack of self-confidence among female candidates, an obstacle that Have You Met Simon attempts to overcome through individual coaching, strengthening their posture and fit with the company culture.
Building an Inclusive Environment
For Clémence, establishing an inclusive environment requires “active involvement from leaders. She recommends training both the” team and the new recruit to facilitate integration. Clémence also encourages companies to establish succession plans that incorporate diversity, allowing internal talent to progress in a more equitable framework.
In a nutshell…
Clémence Brunot’s intervention highlights the need to move beyond traditional models to achieve real and sustainable parity in leadership positions. Her vision combines a pragmatic approach with cultural transformation, offering companies levers to encourage diversity while enhancing their performance.
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