Linda Benzid (EDHEC EMBA 2020) and Natur'Elles Aventures run all-female rallies for teams of two

Tell us about your career since you finished your MBA. After that 18-month course, I returned to my work in the human resources sector, and separately I am delighted to announce the birth of  Natur’Elles Aventures. She first opened her eyes in May 2020 and is now ready to grow up!   You hold an MBA from EDHEC, can you tell us how it serves you in your everyday working life?  I have been able to make good use of all the skills acquired and developed through the Executive MBA – finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, etc. – in creating Natur’Elles Aventures.It has allowed me to structure and build this project, as well as giving me the chance to discuss it with other professionals (from my class), who offered me an outside perspective. This diploma has legitimised and given added value to my status as a business owner.

How and why was Natur’elles Aventures set up?

I’ve taken part in 3 female rallies as a driver. The last one was cancelled because of COVID, and when I looked for another project I couldn’t find any. And so I came up with the idea of launching my own organization, one that combines sport, cars, the environment and all-female projects.

Tell us about the concept.

It’s the world’s first organization of its kind. We’re going to combine orienteering stages in electric cars with trekking stages.

Each team of 2 women will have to manage their energy and avoid getting lost, without any notion of speed, maps to navigate, a road book or compass. It’s very much a challenge in the wild.

What are the missions and values that you hope to communicate through this company?

Our mission is to support female projects while at the same time challenging technological innovations and looking after our environment.

As for values: surpassing oneself, respect and sharing (personal commitment and team success).

Can you explain how the rallies you run are prepared and organised?

A team of 8 people helped me develop the project. It’s a considerable amount of work as it requires a lot of communication with all of the different countries, local and national partners, public institutions and the media, as well as the teams and companies, etc. It took us 18 months.

The public health crisis must have had an impact on your business, how have you adapted?

Yes, like any business. We had to opt for a new strategy and take the decision to revise our plans.

We decided to remain on national soil, here in France.

Because this country boasts fabulous landscapes, because each region in France is different, and because our country has undertaken an environmental challenge with major projects in favour of green mobility.

Why all-female rallies?  To support projects for women and make sure they are better represented in the world of rallies and sport generally. And also because we do actually have a sense of direction ;)   The rallies involve teams of two, is it important in your eyes to team up when taking on challenges? Absolutely, it’s very important. Teamwork is what allows any idea, project or business to grow. Each team will develop their own project, communication and strategy to attract sponsors. It’s like setting up a small business.

Do all the women who take part have the same profile?

We wanted to create a challenge open to all women, with or without experience. We are interested in what they will take away from this adventure on a personal level!

Diversity is also what makes this type of project a success.

What would you like to say to our female alumni who might be interested in taking part?

Go for it! Take some time out for YOU and, together with your teammate, experience something unique and new!

Head to our website and get more information at the webinars we hold each week! www.naturellesaventures.fr

What do you expect from the alumni community?

I’m counting on help from the community to spread the word and get women interested in taking part in this challenge.

I’d also like to attract companies either to get involved directly or sponsor teams to enhance their image and be part of an innovative project.

Catch up with Natur'Elles Aventures on social media:

Instagram : naturelles_aventures

Twitter : NaturLAventures

Youtube : NATUR'ELLES AVENTURES : Le premier rallye electrofeminin