Back on the Road: What RAAM Taught Me About Leadership and Sustainability

By Leonardo Simões Zica, CEO of Econew

In just three days, our Econew Brasil team will once again be at the starting line of the Race Across America (RAAM), one of the toughest cycling races in the world. This will be the third year in a row that our team of four cyclists embarks on this epic 4,800 km relay journey across the United States, and we are determined to defend our championship title from 2023 and 2024 in our category.

Many people ask me why I keep returning to this extreme challenge with our team—especially considering the responsibilities of running a growing company. The answer lies in the lessons RAAM brings me—lessons that have transformed not only my personal life, but also my business mindset and the culture at Econew.

Resilience: The Fuel of Innovation

In RAAM, we face extreme conditions: scorching heat in the Arizona desert, storms in the Rocky Mountains, and fatigue that tests human limits. There are moments when everything inside you wants to give up. But you keep going.

That same resilience is what helped us at Econew push forward when the market doubted the feasibility of truly sustainable products. It’s what drives us to keep investing in R&D even when results take time. Today, that persistence is the foundation of our ecological solutions that are reshaping entire industries.

Teamwork: Our Greatest Strength

In RAAM, we’re a four-person relay team supported by an even larger structure behind the scenes: navigators, nutritionists, mechanics, physical therapists. While one cyclist rides, others rest, and the entire support crew works in sync. Every role is essential, and success depends on perfect coordination.

At Econew, we nurture this same mindset. Our innovative products weren’t created by a single person—they were built through collaboration between engineers, farmers, logistics specialists, and many other professionals. Every sustainable breakthrough we achieve is the result of a team united by purpose.

Connection to Nature: Our Compass

Riding for days through diverse American landscapes—from deserts to lush valleys, majestic mountains to endless plains—strengthens my conviction about the importance of protecting our planet. With every kilometer, I become more aware of the beauty we’re fighting to preserve.

This connection to nature guides every decision at Econew. We don’t develop eco-friendly products just because the market demands them—we do it because we believe it’s the only sensible path to a viable future.

Balance: The Secret to Longevity

Many executives see physical challenges like RAAM as distractions from work. For me, it’s the opposite—RAAM is essential to my professional life. Physical activity, pushing limits with teammates, and immersion in nature renew my energy and mental clarity.

This balance between work and personal challenges is key to staying grounded and aligned with the values that guide both my life and Econew’s direction. Cycling keeps me connected to nature and strengthens the purpose behind everything we do.

The Road Ahead

As our four-person team prepares to once again cross the American continent, I carry the pride of being part of a team that pushes limits on the road—and of leading a company transforming the market through truly sustainable innovation.

The road ahead, in RAAM and in business, will always bring challenges. There will be steep climbs and headwinds. But with resilience, teamwork, and a clear purpose, we will keep moving forward—one pedal stroke, one sustainable innovation at a time.

Follow our RAAM 2025 journey starting June 14 on our social channels. And remember: the greatest challenges always bring the greatest opportunities for growth—on the road, in business, and in life.

Leonardo Simões Zica is the CEO of Econew, a leader in sustainable solutions, and a rider with Team Econew Brasil, two-time RAAM category champion in 2023 and 2024.