With just over 48 hours complete their entry for Young Lions – New Zealand’s leading creative competition , Joachim Pearson and Oscar Randle from The Yarn Agency learned one thing fast – trust your gut early and run with it.

The talented friends led Yarn Agency’s submission to the Young Lions which nurtures young (under 30) talent across creative and media agencies, sending the winners of each category on an all-expenses paid trip to the Cannes Lions Festival in June to compete against country winners from across the world.

Yarn Agency, an indie creative agency based at B:HIVE, entered in the film category – where their challenge was; to solve the problem that girls between the ages of 5 and 14 are less likely to get into sports than boys, and if they do, more likely to drop out. The lack of interest and commitment being partially attributed to unconscious parental bias.

With many potential ways to approach the challenge Joachim says it was important to trust the decided approach. “You really want to keep pushing and exploring different ideas and directions. You want to reflect and discuss the merits of your different options to make sure you have the best possible concept. But with such a tight timeframe, you have to balance that against the need to just pick something and go for it. I think we found a really good balance on this project,” he says.

Working from B:HIVE as well as from home Joachim and Oscar’s response was a short film called “Fight the Flinch” in which a young girl announces to her father that she wants to start playing rugby.

“It’s this moment where the dad is freaking out thinking of his little girl in a full contact sport. He doesn’t want to discourage her, but he’s caught off-guard and his face is giving everything away. The little girl narrates all his facial expressions to the audience as he’s thinking about the tough question, and at the end we remind the viewer that your daughter can read you like a book, and you need to be ready to fight these moments,” Joachim says.

Joachim Pearson (Art Director) and Oscar Randle (Intermediate Creative) have carved out a reputation for sharp insights and irreverent humour in their work. The duo picked up a NZ Pixel Award for their innovative Digital Out of Home campaign, and their client roster reads like a who’s who of iconic Kiwi brands; Hell Pizza, My Food Bag, Tourism NZ, Fonterra and Vodafone.

With bold thinking and clever storytelling, Yarn continue to push the creative boundaries and we can’t wait to see what they tackle next.

Monique Dykstra on Navigating Careers and Charting Her Own Course

From a young age, Monique Dykstra of Saltwater Recruitment was taught that dedication and effort always pay off. She credits her early hustle, paper runs and $5 car washes—as the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, a curiosity that has fuelled her career ever since.

After earning her Business Degree, she climbed the corporate ladder in advertising, working with some of the biggest agencies in Auckland and London. But despite the success, she felt disconnected from the high-pressure, politically driven corporate world. Seeking something more fulfilling, she took a break which lead to work on superyachts in the South of France.

What started as a short break turned into five years of adventure, leadership, and intense professional growth. She progressed to Chief Stewardess on 100m yachts, managing teams and operations in one of the most demanding industries in the world. But by 30, she knew it was time for a change.

That change led to the inception of Saltwater Recruitment, a specialist agency for the superyacht industry, founded eight years ago as a one-person operation. Today, Monique leads a small but powerful all-female team across UK and Australia, helping others navigate careers in an industry she knows inside and out.

Leading with Empathy & Redefining Leadership

Monique’s journey into leadership has taught her that successful businesses aren’t built on authority alone, they’re built on trust, empathy, and collaboration.

“Being dictatorial doesn’t work—empowerment does. People perform at their best when they feel heard and valued.”

One of the biggest lessons she’s learned is that great leaders listen. Taking the time to understand her team’s perspectives fosters innovation and strengthens relationships. And when mistakes happen? She believes in owning them. Admitting when you’re wrong isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength that builds trust.
As a female leader, Monique sees an exciting shift happening. Women in leadership are bringing more inclusivity and emotional intelligence into business—and she’s proud to be part of that change.

Words of Advice: Trust Yourself & Take the Leap

Believe in yourself, even when self-doubt creeps in. Imposter syndrome is real, but the key is to push through. Trust your gut and your ability to figure things out.

Plan, but don’t overthink. Things won’t always go as expected, and that’s okay. Adaptability and resilience are what truly drive success.

Invest in personal and professional growth. Never stop learning, whether it’s upskilling in your field or strengthening leadership skills, continuous development is what keeps you moving forward.

At B:HIVE we celebrate members like Monique who prove that success isn’t about following a set path, it’s about creating your own, embracing the challenges, and trusting that a bold step might lead somewhere extraordinary.

Helen Andrews: From Geography Enthusiast to Environmental Law

Helen Andrews’ journey into environmental law began with a passion for geography derived from her mother, a Geography Teacher at Westlake Girls on Auckland’s North Shore.

Unlike many, Helen entered law school with a clear focus on resource management and environmental regulation. After rising to Senior Associate and Partner at Chancery Green and gaining valuable experience at major firms, she made the decision to start her own boutique practice with colleague Andrew Baggins.

When asked about her career highlights, Helen doesn’t hesitate: “The one that I always go back to, I was involved with Waikato-Tainui and the negotiation of their treaty settlement for the Waikato River.” The iwi had strategically completed their land settlement first, deliberately setting river rights aside to address separately through focused negotiations.

The signing ceremony for the settlement left an impression on Helen, which involved several waka coming down the river, followed by the paddlers landing at Turangawaewae Marae to perform a powerful pōwhiri and haka. “Literally the ground was shaking right in front of you,” Helen recalls, feeling the significance of what this settlement meant to Waikato-Tainui.

What makes this achievement especially meaningful is seeing the lasting impact. “It’s been great to see since then how they’ve taken the settlement and actually been able to implement it and make progress,” Helen reflects.

Balancing Career, Business, and Life

Running a law firm requires wearing multiple hats. Helen found the transition from legal expert to business owner smoother than expected, thanks to management experience gained as a Partner. Starting her own firm gave her the freedom to practice law on her own terms.

In an industry known for demanding hours, Helen protects her wellbeing by turning off email notifications after 8 PM and making time for daily self-care. “You could work 24/7 if you let yourself. But that’s not sustainable, and it’s not smart.

Advice for Aspiring Lawyers and Entrepreneurs

Embrace Multiple Pathways: “There are a lot of options now. The growth of boutique firms has been quite significant.” Helen emphasises that success doesn’t require following traditional routes, with clients increasingly using smaller more specialised practises.

Stay Flexible: “You can change your mind. Things can alter. It doesn’t have to be one fixed line.” Helen encourages young lawyers not to view their first position as their defining career choice.

Set Clear Boundaries: “You’ve got to be quite strict about it. The work will always be there.” Helen creates sustainable balance by establishing firm boundaries and prioritising personal wellbeing alongside professional responsibilities.

At B:HIVE, we celebrate members like Helen who demonstrate that leadership isn’t about following a dedicated path—it’s about creating your own.

Redefining Success as a Business Leader and Mother

For Erin Adam co-founder of The Social Lab, entrepreneurship is about creating a business that fits her life, not the other way around. She has built an independent agency that has worked with some of the world’s leading e-commerce brands, scaling their revenue through powerful Meta ad strategies. Under her leadership, the agency has achieved record-breaking ROI for clients and become one of the highest Meta ad spenders in APAC.

But her biggest milestone wasn’t a revenue figure or a client acquisition, it was navigating business growth while becoming a mother. The Social Lab experienced its most successful year right after Erin had her children, proving that personal and professional achievements don’t have to compete; they can thrive together. From breastfeeding between meetings to closing deals with a baby on her hip, Erin has redefined what it means to be a female entrepreneur, proving that motherhood and business success can go hand in hand.

Challenging Bias & Leading with Empathy

Being a woman in business often means facing unconscious bias. Erin has experienced it firsthand – while scaling, strategy, and numbers-focused questions are often directed at her business partner Cam, anything creatively inclined gets pushed her way. At first, it was frustrating. But over time, she learned to leverage it as an advantage – “if people underestimate you, it only makes it easier to impress them with results”.

Beyond business, motherhood has been her greatest leadership training. It has taught her patience, empathy, and the power of understanding – qualities that have made her a stronger leader and business owner.

Advice for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs Erin’s advice is simple but powerful:

Delegate at work and at home. You don’t have to do everything yourself, whether it’s hiring support staff or accepting help from family, freeing up your time is essential for success.

Don’t believe the social media illusion. A high follower count doesn’t mean high revenue, and a flashy lifestyle doesn’t always mean financial stability. Focus on real growth, not perceived success.

Live within your means and invest wisely. Success isn’t about looking the part, it’s about building long-term financial stability.

We celebrate B:HIVE members like Erin, who challenge norms and prove that you can build a thriving business while raising a family, and redefine what success looks like – on your own terms.

Elizabeth Lewis Daniell: Leading with Strategy and Purpose in the Digital Revolution

A Journey of Growth and Leadership
Elizabeth Lewis Daniell’s path to becoming CFO of Wexer has been one of ambition, hard work, and a passion for business. From early beginnings her first taste of leadership came at a juice bar, where she managed stock and cash flow, and later as a children’s music teacher, where she learned to adapt her communication style, both skills that would prove invaluable in her finance career.

She began her formal career with a Bachelor of Commerce and Chartered Accountant qualification, working as an auditor. Elizabeth soon realised that a career in a professional services firm wasn’t for her. She loved the exposure to different companies, but viewing business from the sidelines didn’t inspire her. She saw that finance wasn’t just about balancing numbers – it was a powerful tool for unlocking business potential, driving growth, and shaping strategy.

Elizabeth gained hands-on experience in finance leadership at Voyager Internet, where she grew from a junior role to joining the executive team at just 23 years old. When her then CFO was promoted to General Manager, leaving a gap in leadership, rather than waiting to be chosen, Elizabeth put her hand up and asked for the opportunity to step up. Leading due diligence on acquisitions, restructuring teams, and making key financial decisions, she proved her ability to drive impactful change, first as Finance Manager and then as CFO of Voyager.

Now, as CFO of Wexer, a company revolutionising digital fitness solutions, she is leading the financial direction of a business that’s not just growing, but making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Balancing Career Ambition with Perspective
Leading at the executive level comes with high pressure and responsibility, but Elizabeth approaches this with intention. Carving out downtime, switching off emails in the evening, prioritising fitness, or simply taking a walk.

“Stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it signals that it’s time to perform,” she says. “But it’s important to differentiate between necessary pressure and unnecessary overwhelm.”

She also emphasises the importance of teamwork and leveraging strengths. A key turning point in her career was learning that leadership isn’t about fixing every personal weakness, but playing to your strengths and surrounding yourself with the right team who bring their own strengths.

Elizabeth attributes some of her success to a fundamental mindset: putting yourself forward. She recalls reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, which introduced her to the “tiara effect” the idea that many women believe if they work hard enough, they’ll be noticed and rewarded. But in reality, you have to ask for what you want.

“No one is going to tap you on the shoulder and hand you an opportunity. You have to put your hand up, challenge yourself, and be willing to take the risk.”

Recognising that leadership can be isolating, Elizabeth has dedicated herself to building strong communities. As Deputy Chair of the Chartered Accountants Senior Finance Leaders special interest group, she unites CFOs and other leaders for mentorship, learning, and camaraderie essential to navigating the challenges of executive roles. Now leading Wexer, a global business, she has joined the B:HIVE to build an inspiring workplace and foster coworker relationships for her New Zealand team.

For women in leadership or those aspiring to it, Elizabeth’s message is clear: Own your expertise, spot opportunities, advocate for yourself, and recognise that your voice, ideas, and leadership can make a fundamental difference to the success of your business.

At B:HIVE we celebrate leaders like Elizabeth who push boundaries, challenge expectations, and inspire the next generation to lead with confidence and purpose.

From Communications Graduate to Social Media Specialist

Tegan Brady’s journey is one of evolution, resilience, and self-discovery. Tegan works as a social media specialist at Jakob Andrew, based at B:HIVE – a role where she merges creativity, strategy, and digital storytelling, but her path wasn’t always linear. Starting her career at Lulu Lemon Tegan was quickly promoted to the New Zealand Brand Manager, where she immersed herself in the world of branding while building her own social media presence, sharing her love for ultramarathon running and mental health awareness. Her openness and authenticity led her to becoming an LSKD community athlete, a role that allows her to connect with like-minded individuals and foster a strong, supportive running community.

But Tegan’s journey wasn’t just about career growth, it was also about finding herself. She navigated a period of uncertainty during university, stepping away when she felt lost, only to return later and complete her degree on her own terms. Through running, she found a new sense of purpose, proving that passion and career can coexist when you lean into what truly fulfills you.

For Tegan, balance is non-negotiable. While she acknowledges the importance of hustle in your early 20s, she’s also a firm believer in protecting your personal time. Whether it’s running at sunrise, reading before bed, or simply taking time to disconnect, she prioritises activities that recharge her and allow space to foster her creative side.

“Your job shouldn’t take over your life,” she says. “It’s easy to get caught up in work, but you have to make time for what brings you joy, whether that’s running, knitting, or just being present with friends.”

Tegan has seen first-hand how social media and digital spaces can be overwhelming, and she actively sets boundaries to maintain a healthy relationship with work. “People get caught up in the urgency of social media, but it’s important to step away, reset, and remember that your worth isn’t tied to a screen.”

If there’s one message Tegan wants to share, it’s “don’t be afraid to be yourself”.

“There were times when I felt I had to dim my energy to fit in, but the truth is, your vibe attracts your tribe. If people think you’re ‘too much,’ they’re not your people. Own your energy, be loud, take up space, and go after what makes you happy”.

For anyone navigating career uncertainties or life’s unexpected twists, she offers this advice: “Let go of the 10-year plan. Life doesn’t unfold in a straight line, and that’s okay. Be flexible, trust your gut, and keep moving forward.”

At B:HIVE, we celebrate our members like Tegan – those who carve their own paths, challenge norms, and inspire others by simply being themselves.

Te Heke Mai 2.0 – Reshaping New Zealand’s Employment Journey

New Zealand’s employment landscape is evolving, and Te Heke Mai 2.0, launched this week with a staggering 300% uplift in weekly signups, stands as a powerful testament to this change. This platform – a free government-supported digital platform, equips New Zealanders with practical tools while addressing the deeper issues holding them back.

Behind this transformation is the team at pAI². For three years, they’ve worked alongside the Ministry of Social Development with key stakeholders Chris Denly, Amanda Nicolle, and Heindri Conradie to develop a personalised digital employment platform tackling both practical challenges and foundational barriers facing Kiwis seeking employment.

The journey took the pAI² Ltd team across the country, visiting MSD sites, community events, and meeting directly with jobseekers and coaches. These conversations revealed that many people face complex challenges making employment far from straightforward.

Innovative Features for Real-World Impact

Designed with a mobile-first approach, Te Heke Mai 2.0 streamlines the path to employment with purposeful features:
Personalised Coaching: Recognising employment readiness extends beyond skills, connecting users with tailored coaching to address foundational challenges.
Pathways to Services: Offering clear guidance by linking users to essential support services at every step.
Practical Tools: Featuring an integrated CV builder and AI co-pilot, Ruru, giving users everything needed to navigate the job market confidently.

These features reflect continuous learning and commitment to simplicity, ensuring every tool serves one goal: enabling sustainable, long-term employment.

Whether you’re a parent helping a child enter the workforce, supporting a friend or family member, or overcoming personal barriers, this service is designed for all New Zealanders.

Join the Movement

Visit tehekemai.co.nz today and experience the future of personalised employment support – crafted by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders.

Auckland has transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery as the Kiwi Art Trail returns, weaving together artistic expression and wildlife conservation. This initiative serves as a powerful platform for Save the Kiwi Charity, a B:HIVE member dedicated to protecting New Zealand’s beloved national bird.

From February 15th through March 23rd, the city’s landscape is decorated with over 20 painted kiwi sculptures. Each sculpture tells its own story, showcasing the creative talents of renowned local artists, including the distinctive works of Flox, Amanda Billing, and Emma Bass, alongside emerging talents like student artist Abby Taylor and many more. Each piece stands as a testament to the kiwi’s significance in New Zealand’s cultural identity and natural heritage.

The curated trail begins at the historic Te Komititanga Square, along the waterfront, past Viaduct Harbour, crossing the Te Wero Wynyard Bridge, and finishes at Silo Park, inviting visitors to experience a blend of urban landscapes and artistic inspiration. Gallagher Insurance New Zealand has partnered with the initiative, ensuring that all proceeds from the eventual sculpture auction directly support kiwi conservation efforts.

At B:HIVE, we take pride in our community members who champion causes that matter. Our involvement in last year’s exhibition, which featured select kiwi sculptures in our foyer, sparked meaningful conversation and community engagement.

Join this celebration of art, conservation, and community spirit. Plan your adventure by downloading the trail map at kiwiarttrail.nz/auckland, and share your photos with #kiwiarttrail. Together, we can ensure that the kiwi, our cherished national icon, continues to thrive for generations to come.

Big congrats to Heath from Yarn Agency, who’s absolutely crushing it on the HYROX fitness circuit! For those who don’t know, HYROX is a high-intensity endurance race combining running and functional workouts – Think 8 x 1 km runs, each paired with a functional workout like sled pushes, wall balls, lunges & more. It’s tough, it’s fast, and it’s taking the fitness world by storm.

In the past six months, Heath has competed in four HYROX races across New Zealand and Australia, taking 1st place in every event. He currently holds the APAC record for Age Group Men’s Open and has recently shifted his attention to Mixed Doubles, teaming up with Kerry Ashford to take 2 wins from 2 starts, smashing the APAC record in Auckland and ranking Top 10 all-time worldwide!

Next stop? Brisbane in March as a last hit out before Chicago in June, where they’ll compete at the HYROX World Championships, aiming to bring the title home!

“HYROX isn’t just a race, it’s a challenge that pushes you to be better every day. It’s about growth, grit, and proving that putting in the mahi pays off. Competing in doubles is about teamwork, trust, and keeping each other moving no matter what.” – Heath

Heath and Kerry train at Smales Farm Fitness, which they call the perfect training ground for getting HYROX-ready.

We’re backing you all the way, Heath. Bring it home!

CHIEFS RUGBY TACKLES FAN ENGAGEMENT WITH DIGITAL INNOVATION

In the fast-paced world of professional rugby, Chiefs Rugby is redefining fan engagement through digital innovation. Partnering with B:HIVE member Wexer, a leader in on-demand fitness, the Chiefs have created a 24/7 digital platform that turns fans into active participants not just spectators.

“At Wexer, we believe fitness and entertainment should be seamless,” says Paul Bowman, Wexer CEO. “Our technology allows brands like the Chiefs to deliver world-class fitness experiences, strengthening the connection between fans and the teams they love.”

Through their fitness app, fans can access exclusive workouts, training insights, and wellness tips from professional players. It’s not just about watching the game anymore; fans can now train like their heroes and make the team’s lifestyle part of their own.

“The future of fan engagement isn’t just about watching, it’s about participating,” Paul adds. This approach has not only deepened fan loyalty but also unlocked new revenue streams, from subscriptions to branded content. Digital engagement isn’t just a trend it’s a game-changer. By integrating on-demand fitness, the Chiefs are ensuring long-term sustainability while expanding their community.

Wexer’s digital ecosystem helps the Chiefs build lasting fan relationships by blending fitness, content, and technology. It’s a blueprint for how sports brands can evolve, transforming fan experiences and driving business success.

The sports industry is evolving fast, and digital innovation is leading the way. The partnership between Chiefs Rugby and Wexer is proof that those who embrace change can strengthen their brand, build deeper community connections, and unlock new revenue opportunities

For businesses everywhere, the takeaway is clear: embrace digital innovation to stay connected, grow, and thrive.