Breaking Through

Chapter 12VivaWomen! Program

Interview with Maurice Levy, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Groupe

Why has Publicis Groupe implemented a mentoring program?

We wanted to retain confidentiality in terms of performance (or nonperformance) of those participating in the program. The mentors and mentees therefore never come from the same subsidiary. This creates real confidentiality and generates trust. The VivaWomen! Program, open to women of the Groupe, has completed its pilot, and has been successful because it meets their expectations. Therefore anything that can support talented women—and men—to develop within the company and to achieve their ambitions, has to be encouraged.

What can we learn from this program, and what are the outcomes?

The first outcome is self-confidence, whatever mentoring program is followed. Confidence is a strong driver and to feel supported is an advantage. And this has repercussions in a range of work-related areas: greater confidence in internal relationships, a better understanding of teams and teamwork, more effective management systems aimed at the human elements and their relationships, and, of course, greater confidence in relationships with clients. There are also additional personal benefits, particularly in terms of personality and growth. In short, not only do we reap professional benefits, but also personal ones. And what's more, it's not only the mentee who benefits, but also the mentor.

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