Leading the Pack: The Strategic Leadership of Dynamix Recruitment
By its nature, recruitment is one of those industries that is constantly dynamic, nuanced, multifaceted, and connected to the success of a wider economy. At Dynamix Recruitment, two women – Lisa Bennett, the Managing Director, and Renee Sharp, the Finance Director, are leading the way with a combined expertise that has helped shape Dynamix into a trusted name in commercial, industrial, and trades recruitment across Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Christchurch.
Photography By DANILOPHOTO
Testament to this is the fact that Dynamix Recruitment recently won the “Outstanding Agency NZ up to 15 staff” award at the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association Australia & New Zealand (RCSA) Awards.
“Dynamix Recruitment’s stand out entry left a positive lasting impression on the judges. The tenure of their relationships with clients and candidates shows that they are making a difference, going above and beyond and setting a high benchmark for others to aspire to,” Says RCSA.
Lisa’s response to the award summed up an ethos that defines Dynamix Recruitment’s approach. “This award is more than just recognition for our agency; it’s a celebration of everyone who has worked tirelessly with us. It acknowledges the strength of teamwork and a unified vision. Let’s continue pushing boundaries, innovating, and making a positive impact.”
Dynamix isn’t just about filling positions – it’s about building the right connections. “‘Placing People First’ isn’t just our motto; it’s the heartbeat of everything we do,” explains Lisa. That mindset drives the company’s approach, ensuring every placement is a great match for both clients and candidates.
Renee brings financial expertise and a people-first approach to her leadership. “My approach to leadership is grounded in trust, empathy, availability, and a deep understanding of individuals,” she shares. Her ability to balance financial stability with a supportive workplace culture has been essential – especially during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic when businesses faced uncertainty. Renee’s steady leadership helped keep the company resilient through challenges, ensuring both staff and clients felt secure.
Lisa leads with transparency and a no-nonsense attitude. “Leadership is messy, painful, and full of lessons you only learn by taking hits,” she candidly reflects. She isn’t afraid to tackle challenges head-on, pushing Dynamix to evolve with the industry. Under her leadership, the company has embraced new technologies – such as VR training and comprehensive pre-employment assessments – to raise the bar in recruitment services. For her, being an effective leader isn’t about getting everything right. “Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real, accountable, and always striving to do better,” she says. This authenticity creates an environment where her team feels supported, inspired, and motivated to keep improving, no matter the challenges they face.
Lisa’s formula for building a high-performing team is built around three core principles: “Vibe, autonomy, and grit,” she explains. For Lisa, creating a positive and energetic work environment is essential. She encourages her team to bring their authentic selves to work and share ideas openly, knowing they won’t be dismissed. Autonomy is another critical piece – Lisa empowers her team to take ownership of their roles. “Ownership isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a mindset. I want everyone to feel like this is their team, their project, their success,” she emphasises. And then there’s grit. In a fast-paced industry like recruitment, determination and resilience are non-negotiable. “I build teams of people who are relentless. We push each other, we back each other up, and we keep moving forward, no matter what,” Lisa asserts.
One of Lisa’s biggest challenges as a leader was finding a way to differentiate Dynamix Recruitment in an incredibly competitive industry. “Our leadership challenge was creating an identity in such a competitive space,” she recounts. Instead of sticking to the status quo, Lisa embraced Dynamix’s bold, unconventional branding, symbolised by the wolf logo. “The vivid colours of our logo represent inclusion and diversity – principles we deeply believe in because our business is all about people,” she explains. It wasn’t always easy. Clients and candidates were initially unsure about the non-traditional approach, but Lisa remained steadfast in her vision. By staying true to Dynamix’s values – authenticity, creativity, and passion – she carved out a unique place for the company in the market, turning the wolf logo into a symbol of trust and reliability.
For Renee, building a high-performing team begins with fostering a culture of trust and open communication. “Building a high-performing team starts with creating an environment where people feel trusted, empowered, and motivated,” she states. She ensures that every team member’s unique skills are recognised and appreciated, which helps them feel like an integral part of the bigger picture. This approach doesn’t just improve individual performance; it also strengthens the team as a whole, creating a culture where collaboration thrives.
One of the pivotal moments in Renee’s career was transitioning from an employee to a director. “Transitioning from an employee to a director was a transformative journey, requiring me to shift from focusing solely on executing tasks to driving strategy,” she reflects. The shift wasn’t just about her role – it required a significant change in mindset. Moving from “doing” to “guiding” pushed Renee to refine her communication skills and focus on aligning the team with the company’s vision. By remaining grounded and approachable, she has been able to build strong connections with her team while balancing day-to-day needs with strategic objectives.
Despite their different approaches, Renee and Lisa share several key principles that underpin their leadership at Dynamix Recruitment. Both leaders prioritise integrity and honesty, fostering trust within their teams and with clients. Additionally, both Renee and Lisa emphasise the importance of resilience, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
Renee’s empathetic and collaborative approach complements Lisa’s dynamic and accountability-driven leadership, creating a balanced and effective leadership team. Together, they cultivate a company culture that values both people and performance, driving Dynamix Recruitment toward sustained excellence and industry leadership. Their combined efforts have not only strengthened the company’s internal operations but also enhanced its reputation in the market, making Dynamix a trusted partner for clients and a desirable employer for candidates.
Dynamix takes a hands-on approach to recruitment, tailoring solutions to meet the unique challenges of each industry. Whether it’s finding skilled tradespeople for a major construction project or matching top professionals with commercial roles, the team is focused on getting results. “We recruit the industry’s elite to deliver results, not apologies. It’s all about action, no excuses,” Lisa emphasises. That proactive mindset sets the company apart.
Technology is another game-changer for Dynamix. “We’ve just invested in cutting-edge VR health and safety and soft skills training that’s next-level immersive and 100 percent impactful,” Lisa explains. By using virtual reality for training, the company ensures that candidates are fully prepared for their roles – not just on paper, but in real-world situations. In addition, pre-employment assessments like health checks and range-of-motion exams add another layer of quality control, giving clients confidence in every hire.
At Dynamix Recruitment, personal growth, and continuous improvement are also deeply embedded in the company’s culture. Both Renee and Lisa live by these principles, constantly looking for ways to refine their skills and create an environment where their team can thrive.
For Renee, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to staying sharp. “Exercise, whether it’s the gym or walking my dog, helps clear my mind and boosts my energy,” she shares. Staying active isn’t just about fitness – it helps her to reset mentally and tackle challenges with a fresh perspective. As Finance Director, she’s often managing complex financial strategies, and this daily routine helps her approach problems with clarity and focus.“I focus on continuous learning and seek feedback from peers and my team to grow as a leader,” she explains. Whether she’s attending workshops, reading up on industry trends, or taking professional development courses, she’s always looking for ways to improve. In a fast-moving industry like recruitment, staying adaptable is crucial, and her dedication to learning keeps her ahead of the curve.
Renee also sees feedback as one of the most valuable tools for growth. “Feedback is like my personal GPS for growth – it helps me stay on the right path!” she enthuses. Rather than shying away from constructive criticism, she actively seeks it from her team and peers, knowing that it helps her refine her leadership style and continuously improve. This openness creates a culture of mutual respect and trust within Dynamix, where growth is a shared goal.
Lisa Bennet approaches personal growth with the same determination that defines her leadership. “Growth starts with a habit of continuous learning, devouring books, diving into workshops, and engaging with people who challenge my perspective and push my boundaries,” she states. She’s constantly expanding her knowledge, whether through industry seminars or staying up-to-date on the latest recruitment trends. Her proactive mindset ensures that she leads Dynamix with innovation, always looking for new strategies to improve efficiency and client satisfaction.
Time management and self-discipline also play a big role in Lisa’s approach. “Time management and self-discipline are non-negotiable. They’re the backbone of staying locked in on my goals, cutting out distractions, and chasing results,” she explains. With the many demands of running a business, staying organised is critical. By structuring her schedule carefully and prioritising tasks, she ensures that she remains productive and focused, never losing sight of her long-term vision.
Mentorship is another area Lisa is passionate about. “Mentoring others isn’t just rewarding, it’s a reminder of my purpose and a way to stay sharp,” she shares. She believes that teaching and guiding others isn’t just about helping them grow – it’s also an opportunity for her to refine her own skills. By sharing her experiences and insights, she strengthens her leadership while fostering a culture of growth within the company.
Both Renee and Lisa recognise that personal development isn’t just about professional success – it’s also about maintaining mental and emotional well-being. “I prioritise self-care, making sure I balance work with rest so I can approach challenges with clarity,” Renee notes. Similarly, Lisa stresses the importance of protecting one’s well-being to sustain long-term success. “Don’t just chase success, protect your well-being. Balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” she advises. Their focus on balance ensures that their team members feel supported in both their careers and personal lives.
Staying motivated is another crucial part of their growth journeys. For Renee, setting both short- and long-term goals helps keep her focused and driven. “Staying motivated and always trying to improve is something I’m constantly working on. I’ve found that setting both short-term and long-term goals helps me stay focused,” she explains. Celebrating small wins along the way keeps her momentum going and reinforces her progress.
Lisa takes a similar approach and sees motivation as something that must be actively cultivated. “Motivation isn’t something I wait for, it’s something I create,” she states. She believes in setting clear objectives and regularly assessing her progress to ensure she stays aligned with her goals. This mindset not only drives her forward but also inspires her team to maintain the same level of focus and ambition.
Looking back on their careers, both leaders have advice they would give to their younger selves. Renee emphasises the importance of patience and perseverance. “I’d tell my younger self to trust the process and remember that growth takes time,” she reflects. Lisa encourages self-confidence and trusting one’s instincts. “I’d tell my younger self to trust your instincts and own your abilities,” she says, reinforcing the importance of self-belief.
The patience, perseverance, instincts, and self-belief that Renee and Lisa embody are reflected in Dynamix Recruitment’s success and also set the tone for the entire company and others in their own career journeys.
