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.