Coraline Posso: Determination Helps Climb Mountains

09 December 2024 Portraits / Podcasts

In 2023, Coraline POSSO (PGE 2015) decided to leave everything behind to train for the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Between her passion for trail running and additional training in neuroscience, Coraline shows us how determination is essential to achieving our goals in both our professional and personal lives.

Finding your path with TBS Education

Initially trained in advanced mathematics, Coraline decided to change direction by joining the Master in Management at TBS Education.

Driven by an interest in business, her choice was guided by the school's reputation and its ranking. She was also drawn to studying on the Toulouse campus, located in the heart of the city, renowned for its student life and international opportunities.

Coraline completed her academic exchange at the Barcelona campus. The courses, taught in English, and collaborative projects helped her develop essential skills for the professional world.

"It was thanks to my education at TBS Education that I discovered my path in Procurement and gained the confidence to work abroad."

She quickly put this learning into practice through an internship in the travel procurement sector.

Discovering this field would prove decisive for her career: she pursued it for 8 years, managing complex projects that strengthened her skills in negotiation, team project management, and working internationally.

From Running to Ultra-Trail

Coraline has been running in her free time for 10 years. What started as a few kilometers in the city quickly evolved into more demanding challenges, such as marathons. However, it wasn't until she moved to Geneva that she discovered mountain trail running.

"I realized that what I really loved was the elevation gain, running in the heart of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city."

The UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), a legendary 170 km race, then becomes a major goal for Coraline. To achieve this, she adopts a strict discipline, dedicating between 20 and 30 hours per week to training. Her program includes five running sessions, one cycling outing, and two to three strength training sessions.

This passion for endurance even transforms her daily life. In 2023, Coraline decides to leave her position as Global Travel & MICE Category Manager to fully focus on her training. A bold choice that she justifies by the importance of maintaining her physical and mental balance.

"Preparing for the UTMB is intense and demanding. My body needed total attention to avoid injuries."

But Coraline doesn't stop there. After conquering the UTMB, she turns to a new, major challenge: Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (TDS), a 148 km race with 9300 m of elevation gain, set to begin on August 25, 2025.

This event, known for its technical sections and intensity, requires an even more refined preparation.

Building on the experience gained during the UTMB, Coraline adjusts her approach: she relies on the muscle memory developed during her previous training while continuing to strengthen her mental resilience.

Sharing her experience with the TBS Alumni community

Despite a busy professional and personal life, Coraline stays connected to the TBS Education community through her involvement in the TBS Alumni association, particularly by participating in events.

"The TBS Alumni network is a valuable asset. One must dare to approach others, share ideas, and make the most of this unique connection."

In 2023, she co-organized a conference for the Lyon Chapter on the theme "How to Use Sports Values to Enhance Performance in Business." The roundtable featured several high-level athletes and aimed to share their perspectives on sports practice and its benefits in both professional and personal life.

Today, she continues to engage with the network and is even considering speaking at TBS Education to deliver a conference combining her experience in neuroscience and trail running.

Combining neuroscience and self-overcoming

Indeed, alongside her training, Coraline is studying neuroscience. She sees it as a powerful tool to understand and enhance her performance, as well as to enrich her professional journey.

For Coraline, neuroscience has many practical applications. By understanding the mechanisms of the mind and learning to manage emotions, she is able to maximize her potential, both on the mountain trails and in her professional life.

"They help me in my mental preparation for ultra-trail running, but also in managing stress and interactions in the workplace."

Armed with this knowledge, Coraline focuses on providing support by optimizing emotional intelligence in individual and organizational performance for businesses. Whether for athletes seeking self-overcoming or professionals aiming to better manage their daily challenges, Coraline advocates for an integrative approach where the mind and body work in synergy.

Her advice: dare, persevere, and push beyond your limits.

Coraline speaks directly to students and recent graduates, sharing lessons from her own journey. Her advice: have the audacity to take the leap.

For her, simply daring to open doors allows you to discover unexpected talents. She encourages us to push beyond our limits and step out of our comfort zones. It’s essential to set goals and believe in them fully. Whether it’s exploring a new discipline, choosing an unconventional path, or facing personal challenges, every effort counts.