Female leadership: dare to be ambitious!
13 January 2026 | Comment(s) |
Matthias Vauthier
In Switzerland, as elsewhere, the representation of women in management positions is progressing slowly: in 2024, just over a quarter of executives were women. In a market characterised by a shortage of talent, it is essential to value all skills. That is why Groupe Mutuel invests in diversity, equity and inclusion. On a day-to-day basis, this involves much more than just concepts aimed at strengthening collective performance and team commitment.
Concrete actions
Since 2020, a female leadership programme has enabled 43 female employees to obtain their diplomas, 60% of whom have benefited from professional development. Beyond these figures, this initiative strengthens confidence, ambition and collective momentum. It is also an opportunity seized by Groupe Mutuel to bring to life a corporate culture that must move beyond the conceptual stage.
Below, two participants share their experience of this cultural transformation. Noémie Remacle (member of the Executive Board) and Claire Galesne (strategic project manager) look back on their experience of the Groupe Mutuel female leadership programme.
What motivated you to participate in the programme?
Noémie Remacle: When I joined Groupe Mutuel, I lacked self-confidence and suffered from “imposter syndrome”. The women's leadership programme was recommended to me, and as I was keen to learn and develop, I seized the opportunity.
Claire Galesne: The idea came about during a discussion with my manager and HR, who directed me towards courses dedicated to women's leadership. I chose the University of St. Gallen programme because of its academic reputation, its regional relevance and the enthusiastic feedback from a colleague.
What did you learn about yourself?
Claire Galesne: The modules on leadership styles and mental health helped me take a step back, clarify my strengths and rethink my priorities. This programme was a catalyst for me to approach my professional development with more confidence.
Noémie Remacle: This course helped me understand my leadership style, leverage my strengths and recognise my unique value. The moments of introspection allowed me to recharge my batteries and clarify my leadership style. This has developed my self-confidence, both in my private and professional life. Today, I dare to take risks.
How have your career and behaviour changed since participating in this experience?
Noémie Remacle: It has been a catalyst. I progressed from strategic project manager to head of Organisational Transformation & Individual Health, and was then appointed to the Executive Board. Working alongside inspiring leaders has helped me grow. Today, I encourage my teams to value their unique contributions, to form complementary partnerships and to step outside their comfort zones.
Claire Galesne: A few months after the end of the programme, I moved into a new role within Groupe Mutuel. In addition, discussions with the other participants and my mentor helped me to adopt a more assertive stance in my decisions and interactions.
Have you been able to overcome certain obstacles or limiting beliefs?
Claire Galesne: Absolutely. The small group discussions were eye-opening: you quickly realise that you're not alone in having doubts. Even some experienced women encounter obstacles. This realisation and the collective intelligence helped me put my fears into perspective and find concrete solutions to move forward.
Noémie Remacle: The training helped me to demystify many false beliefs, such as imposter syndrome, which is in fact a stable personality trait, the fact that confidence does not plateau during a career, and that putting yourself forward is not pretentious. The programme helped me gain confidence, take risks and communicate my ambitions.
What is your inspiring advice for women who want to develop their leadership skills?
Noémie Remacle: Take time for introspection and remember: "We are the CEOs of our own lives."
Claire Galesne: Dare to be ambitious!
