Behind some of the world’s most influential careers, there is often a quieter driving force: a longing for meaning. For Sonja Piontek, that longing became the beginning of a journey far beyond the comfort zone – quite literally.
Photos: @Charlotte Kreft
Sonja has built an international top-level career with leading roles at BMW, lived in six countries and managed multi-million-euro budgets. She has spoken on stages around the world and is today an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author and executive coach. Yet her life is not defined by titles, but by the courage to set them aside.
Raised in Munich under unusual circumstances – including time spent in an Indian commune and later growing up in a household of four women – Sonja learned early on to think independently. As a child, she was already in front of the camera, and her international path continued through studies in intercultural business and work across the globe.
Despite what appeared to be a flawless career, an inner voice called for more depth and meaning. When she ultimately chose to leave her prestigious role as Marketing Director for BMW Asia, the decision was met with disbelief – but for Sonja, it was a necessary step.
In 2020, everything changed. Within a short period of time, she lost her unborn child, her partner and her entire business. In the midst of grief, she made a decisive choice: to continue living fully. That decision marked the beginning of the Namib Desert Expedition – a physical and mental journey through one of the world’s most barren yet breathtaking landscapes.
The Namib Desert Expedition is no holiday. Over ten days, five of them spent walking 120 kilometres through the desert, participants meet themselves beyond distraction and comfort. Women from all over the world take part, driven by a shared desire to find clarity, strength and a new direction in life.
The expedition is led with the highest standards of safety and careful preparation, yet participants navigate the desert themselves – in pairs, using GPS and radios. This creates responsibility, trust and a powerful sense of sisterhood. Luxury here is not defined by five-star hotels, but by star-filled skies, silence, deeply moving conversations and the realisation that you can do more than you ever believed possible.
The journey does not end in the desert, but in human connection. Two days are spent with the women’s initiative Penduka in Namibia’s largest township, where conversations, laughter and shared experiences become a reminder that transformation continues long after the journey itself is over.
For many, the Namib Desert Expedition becomes a turning point. A reminder that life’s most important decisions are about courage and presence.
“This expedition doesn’t test your limits; it reveals what lies beyond them,” says Sonja.
NAMIB DESERT EXPEDITION for Women 2026
Applications are open for the May 2026 expedition. To maintain exclusivity, places are strictly limited. Full details at www.sonjapiontek.com/namib
DESERT MEN CHALLENGE for Men 2026
Due to growing demand, the first Desert Men Challenge will take place in October 2026 – for entrepreneurs, executives and corporate leaders. A shorter, tougher and physically more demanding challenge, yet equally deep, with the same rigorous selection process. Applications via www.sonjapiontek.com/desertmen