Alix and Marc: Two committed voices helping launch female talent “To the Moon”
A dual portrait for International Women’s Day
Alix Maurisset (left), Marc Lecomte (right)
When it comes to advancing female talent, some pave the way, while others broaden it. This is true for both Alix Maurisset, Business Center Director at SG SOCIETE GENERALE Ile-de-France North and founder of the internal program To the Moon, as well as Marc Lecomte, Corporate and Institutional Sales Director at SG SOCIETE GENERALE Ile-de-France South and mentor of the program’s first cohort.
On International Women’s Day, they agree on one key point: feminine boldness already exists. What’s missing is a space for it to fully express itself.
Alix: Energy as a driving force, conviction as a compass
When asked about her superpower, Alix answers without hesitation: "My energy!"
It is an energy that has taken her far, through two expatriate assignments, several years outside the company, and demanding career shifts that required her to reinvent herself.
"These experiences taught me to clarify my priorities and the impact I truly wanted to have", she says.
To her younger professional self, she would now say: "Dare. Learn. Talk about your successes as much as your ambitions. You deserve it."
The idea for To the Moon came from observing talented female colleagues who stayed "in the background", leaving her with the persistent impression that "they have so much potential, yet they stay in the shadows. We can help them move beyond the ‘good student’ mindset".
After a few slides were presented to HR, a roundtable was held, and strong support was received from the Île-de-France regions, the initiative took off. Seventeen female managers quickly got involved to carry the initiative. The result? Thirty-four participants in the first season who benefited from mentoring, training, immersion days, and personalized support designed to reveal their potential and accelerate their trajectories within SG French Retail Network.
One key observation for Alix is that "women tend to hold themselves back, often because they want to check every box before daring to move forward". To the Moon aims to break these barriers and bring visibility to talented individuals who are often discreet.
What is her long-term goal? More balanced executive committees, and career paths for women that are free from the mental load that still weighs too heavily. She smiles when speaking about the program’s impact: "It’s just one small stone… but little streams make great rivers."
Marc: A committed, clear-sighted ally
Marc begins by dispelling the idea that some women are promoted for diversity’s sake rather than for their skills. For him, the reality is obvious: "An organization performs better when diversity is real at every level."
What is his turning point? Realizing that women often advance based on proven experience, while men progress based on perceived potential.
He emphasizes the crucial role men must play in building equality, insisting they not stand on the sidelines but rather recommend, support, and raise visibility. Above all, they must question their own biases. "Working with people who resemble us is reassuring, but it limits our ability to transform", he reminds us.
Marc also rejects the idea of "female" or "male" leadership. In his view, management has no gender and must adapt to individuals, not stereotypes.
What convinced him to become a mentor? Alix’s authenticity, and the program’s sincere spirit. He takes the most pride in seeing his mentee take initiative, request meetings with decision-makers, create opportunities, and cross new thresholds.
"The program helped her dare. And that’s what it’s all about."
Two journeys, one goal: Launching female talent forward
Through Alix’s energy and Marc’s conviction, one truth emerges: Equality cannot be decreed—it must be built. This required trust, visibility, and creating spaces for expression. It requires the alliance of women stepping into their power and men who choose to support them.
To the Moon is more than a program; it’s a collective momentum, a launchpad, and a clear signal. Female talent is ready to take off, and the company rises along with them every time it opens the path.