9TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 10 – 19, 2024

#165

Force Majeure

We met by chance and very recently, introduced by someone on a hunch that we would hit it off, and they were absolutely correct! We put it down to the no-bs approach of South Africans and Australians, and an approach to life that says – why not?

We’ve formed a solid bond over the mutual understanding that when the rest of the world thinks we have it all together and all going on, we can share the insecurities and challenges of life together, in a ‘cone of silence’. We’re pretty tough, but not bulletproof, and we understand that about each other.

If there’s bubbles open, we’re hard pushed to decline, but we both have a work ethic and serious-streak that runs a mile wide, so the occasional bubbly-fueled steam blowing-off session isn’t too much to ask for, is it?

Jenny Watson

Switching roles

I’m an international, globally minded human being from South Africa. I’m driven, a bold & direct leader with a passion to give back and make a difference to those around me.

Occupation:

COO

Residence:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Favorite Quote:

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.

Fun Fact:

I climbed / hiked / crawled and vomited my way up & down the highest mountains in the Lower 48 states (Mount Whitney) and in Africa (Mount Kilimanjaro)

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

I had seen Emily talk at an automotive conference in 2016 and was inspired by the thought of doing a rally. It’s unusual, requires brain power and physical effort and will include a decent amount of suffering. I had previously applied but was always on a wait list - also had a role at work where I couldn’t be “dark” for so much time This year, someone dropped out and a space opened up and the timing at work was right

Who, or what, inspires you most?

Being a decent human being People who are genuine, honest, down to earth human beings who are balanced in their approach to life Ability to give and make a difference

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

DateLine
Into the Wild
Into Thin Air
Shutterbabe
Autobiographies
All things travel and adventure

Greatest adventure to date?

Traveling to Tanzania 2x to attempt Mt Kilimanjaro (I made it 1.9 times … ascent #1 I was 600ft short of the summit (19,340ft) and had to turn back). Two years later, I made the summit on ascent #2).

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Lou Clark

Switching roles

Lou is up for almost any adventure, and simply can't say no to those 'once in a lifetime' opportunities when they present themselves. Staying still has been a lifelong challenge and has resulted in her living in several different countries across three continents and spending years as a homeless person, living on a yacht and traveling and working all around the place, visiting over 40 countries along the way.

Occupation:

Yacht Sales

Residence:

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Favorite Quote:

If you follow all the rules, you miss all the fun. Katherine Hepburn

Fun Fact:

I can wiggle my ears... 😬 I was considered muscially gifted as a child: now I play the ukulele.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Jenny suggested it, and without hesitation I said; I'm in! I'm a sucker for an adventure...

Who, or what, inspires you most?

People who have carved unique paths for themselves in challenging roles or (often) women in male-dominated fields or jobs, and raised the bar along the way.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Schitt’s Creek or Absolutely Fabulous (the original) – it’s a toss up here…
Favorite book was probably the biography of Liz Taylor. It showed how badass she really was, and the ceilings she broke in her career were amazing, while the world percieved her in an entirely different way.
My favorite ever song (does that count?) is Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves).
I don’t listen to a bunch of podcasts but I loved Climate of Change with Cate Blanchett and Danny Kennedy. It’s the most optimistic I’ve felt about the state of the planet for a while…

Greatest adventure to date?

Crossing the Atlantic under sail. I've done it twice, but the first time we had almost every single system on the boat fail, and some of them couldn't be salvaged so we had to press on regardless. We also ran out of diesel, which we needed for the generator as all controls were electric. We also experienced every possible type of weather, but managed a mid-Atlantic swim while beclamed...

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Vehicle

Jeep Rubicon 2018 via Nena Barlow