On the occasion of International Women's Day, we spoke with Loïse, our Human Resources Director, about her journey, her views on gender equality, and the initiatives at Foodles.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your career path leading up to your role as HR Director?

"I'm 40 years old, and with my partner, we manage a blended family of 4 children, like running a small business at home requiring precise organization... and lots of patience and humility 😅.

I started working in HR 17 years ago, at a time when diversity and gender equality labels were just emerging. My first job in a large company involved auditing HR processes to identify and address discrimination, aiming for the coveted Diversity Label.

For a long time, I didn't see a connection between my career and being a woman or a mother. After my youngest was born, I realized I had missed out on many things and vowed never to choose between being a mom and my career. And as a bonus, I also had the right to take some time for myself outside of work and family. This is the example I want to convey today—that we can juggle multiple roles, though it's not always easy. But collectively, we can make a difference 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽."

What excites you the most about your job?

"Undoubtedly, it's the diversity of issues and human and operational challenges we tackle daily with my team. Few professions touch on so many areas.

I love the business world—the diversity of women and men, their unique stories, sensitivities, experiences, and the complementarity of their skills. It's like everyday sociology, with all the challenges that brings."

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

"To me, it means that as long as we need a day dedicated to women's rights, there's still progress to be made! But when I hear my 6-year-old son, a true advocate for gender equality, fiercely combat gender stereotypes—albeit with no choice having 3 teenage sisters 😂—I feel we're moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, this doesn't reflect the reality for many women worldwide still fighting daily for their rights."

What are the main challenges you see regarding gender equality in the workplace?

"For me, it's a broader societal issue that starts in early childhood. Take my team, for example: we're 16, with only 4 men, highlighting how poorly we reflect gender diversity. In reality, an HR team mirrors choices made in education and careers. As a young person, I thought gender was never an issue in my family or friend group. But after high school, I saw some confidently enter engineering or business schools while others leaned towards arts, psychology, or social sciences. These unconscious choices echo in companies, where female engineers and male social scientists are still too rare. Let's break stereotypes and make our own choices. No woman should hear in an interview, 'Do you have children?' in a suspicious tone. Ambition, parenting choices, hobbies—labels for men and women are numerous!"

In your view, what are the main obstacles women face in their professional advancement?

"Firstly, entrenched mindsets that need changing, among both men and women. Secondly, guilt: not being present enough at home or at the office. Ultimately, mental load wears you down and breeds feelings of impostor syndrome."

How does Foodles actively support women's rights beyond equal pay?

"Companies play a crucial social and societal role in promoting equality. To change mindsets, we must raise awareness and implement clear, objective policies: parenting charters limiting early or late-day meetings, paid leave for sick children, mandatory paternity/second parent leave, fair salary and career progression policies free from subjectivity, flexible work arrangements, etc. These are all areas where Foodles strives to do better. Leading by example at all levels is crucial: I'm not ashamed to tell my team I'm attending a school fair, and Michaël and Clément—Foodles' founders—do the same proudly. It's vital for fostering a gender-balanced culture and challenging mindsets. Welcome to 2025!"

Do you have advice for women aspiring to advance in their careers?

"Don't let others dictate your choices. Dare to speak up, assert your opinions, and shatter the glass ceiling!"

Is there a woman who particularly inspires you in your journey?

"Without a doubt, my mother! In the 80s/90s, she successfully balanced her career and family life, always there for others and her 3 daughters, never complaining about waking up at 5 am and returning late after long commutes, all while preparing homemade meals every night... and with a smile! Thinking back, I still wonder what her secret recipe was 😉."

What message would you like to convey to Foodles' employees on this special day?

"Gender doesn't define who we are or what we do and shouldn't even be a topic. Let's continue at Foodles to embody change and set an example for the younger generations!"