Willy Minec
Adventurer, specialist in stress adaptation in hostile environments.
Born in 1975, Willy Minec is a French adventurer-explorer who has been undertaking expeditions for 20 years now. Desert crossings, high mountain ascents, long-distance river swimming, long-term itineraries across all continents, experiences of isolation in the wild, traversing bush or primary forests independently… Whether solo or as a group leader, in hot environments or at altitude, for scientific, sporting, or simply poetic projects, Willy's expeditions are all uniquely diverse. It all began in 2003 when Willy embarked on a solo journey across the driest desert in the world: the Atacama. 40 days in a universe devoid of everything. In the winter of 2007, Willy set out to cross the Scottish Highlands to observe the survival of Celtic legends. An adventure that is both geographical and cultural. In 2010, the explorer traveled to New Zealand as part of the TransGondwana project. A crossing of over 2000 kilometers to advance his reflections on stress adaptation in hostile environments. His next adventure? The Traveler of History. A historical experience never before realized: to cross Gévaudan and Languedoc for 15 days in mid-winter, along the 250 km of a historical route and under conditions as close as possible to those of the 13th century. A geographical and temporal expedition to prove that in the Middle Ages, a simple journey was already a remarkable adventure. As a specialist in stress adaptation in hostile environments due to his academic training and personal work, Willy seeks to better understand the mechanisms of human reaction to change and the unexpected. A survival instructor, educational speaker, technical advisor, director of the documentary "Azimut Brutal" and co-director of "the roofs of Europe", Willy is a recognized adventurer whose pedagogy is his strength (former PE teacher, sports educator, physical trainer, and rescuer). An experienced speaker, Willy Minec addresses various topics such as adaptation to change, stress management, motivation, performance, or leadership in emergency situations.
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- Conference : 5500 €
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How to Transform Our Perspective on a World in Ecological Transition
The current model of adventure, primarily based on the exoticism of faraway places, is now facing its ethical and ecological limits. In partial response to this, a movement theorized 10 years ago that has exploded since COVID: micro-adventure. Its principle? To embark on an adventure close to home and to do so in the most eco-responsible way possible (train, carpooling…). A way to rediscover our France, even our old Europe, while resolving the complex duality of the explorer: to travel far to discover while wanting to protect the planet. As a basis for this argument, I will present my upcoming adventure that will take place in February 2024. The Traveler of History is a historical experience never before realized. Its goal: to traverse Gévaudan and Languedoc for 15 days in the middle of winter, along the 250 km of a historical trail and under conditions as close as possible to those of the 13th century. A geographical and temporal expedition using archeo-compatible equipment in full resonance with current critiques on the making of outdoor technical clothing. All clothing will be made from unbleached natural fabric or with a natural plant dye identical to that of the time. The wool will be knitted using a historical knitting technique from the 13th century: naalbinding. Here, no GoreTex, Vibram, or other synthetic materials, but linen, leather, and wool. This experimental archaeology experience, supported by research institutions (including the Centre d'Étude Supérieure de Civilisation Médiévale) and exceptional artisans, will thus allow us to rely on markers from the past to question our approach to the future.
The Essential Element for Any Adaptation to Change
The world of exploration can be summarized as follows: 'An expedition is anticipating everything to ultimately improvise.' Starting from this constantly verified postulate, I propose to address management and psychology principles to demonstrate that the acceptance of change is an essential element for any evolution and that it is more a necessary tool for adaptation than a constraint of operation; while confronting the issue of the upheaval of our paradigms, our ethical positions, and our values.
The Keys to Stress Management in Hostile Environments
The world of adventure and exploration is by definition fluid, unpredictable, and uncontrollable. Stress management, whether for a group or solo, requires specific knowledge. Drawing on cognitive tools from health psychology and phenomena studied in psychosociology, I will present the issues at stake and share relevant cognitive tools to address them. A fine association of stress management and management to achieve the desired goal: to complete a project or an expedition, whether solo or in a group.