Our path leading here wasn’t obvious. In fact, we were on a very different track. Around 30, we both stepped into our first leadership roles and built strong careers. Driven by ambition and curiosity, we kept pushing forward. In 2021, we met during an Executive MBA. Two intense years later, we graduated and took the next step: Carla became plant manager of a nuclear research reactor, and Lida became director of a post-academic education centre. We were both 38.

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A year later, we flipped the script.

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We quit our jobs, bought a car in South Africa—sight unseen—booked a one-way ticket, and left our home, friends, and family in The Netherlands. After four months of building our Land Rover into a home, we set off to overland across Africa.

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Why?

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First, a shared drive to explore—both the world and new ways of living and learning.
Second, a growing belief that making an impact doesn’t have to follow a traditional career path. We wanted to apply our time and skills to different challenges, including wildlife conservation. Third: why wait? The decision wasn’t easy, but a life-changing car accident reminded us how fragile—and valuable—time is.