Dominic Joyce is a seasoned recruiter, entrepreneur, LinkedIn Top Voice, and single father who has built his career on authenticity and a willingness to challenge outdated norms in the recruitment space. With over 12 years of experience and a following of 71,000 on LinkedIn, Dominic has become a trusted voice for both professionals and organizations navigating the evolving talent landscape.
From launching his first business during the uncertainty of COVID to founding Mavricotta, his consultancy that helps companies embrace AI and rethink recruitment, Dominic’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and raw honesty. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Dominic because his story reflects courage, innovation, and the values of leadership that inspire both men and women to lead authentically.
Q: Dominic, what first inspired you to take the entrepreneurial route?
Dominic: I’ve always wanted to work for myself and build something I was proud of. During COVID, with so many people losing jobs, I started CV Upgrade, offering career coaching, resume writing, and personal branding. Over five years, I supported 600 clients—almost all through referrals, which I think reflected the quality of the work. Later, I transitioned into senior recruitment roles but eventually saw a gap in the market. Many companies didn’t know how to use AI or modernize their processes, so I founded Mavricotta, a consultancy focused on shaking up the talent space and helping leaders build better recruitment models.
Q: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Dominic: One of the biggest challenges was carving out a space in such a crowded industry. I decided to approach it differently: be blunt, authentic, and honest. Unlike coaches who sugarcoat everything, I tell people the reality—even if it’s tough to hear—while also empowering them with the tools to succeed. I gave away a lot of free advice and templates, which built trust. People saw the value and then wanted to work with me on a paid basis. My style may be raw, but it’s true to who I am, and that’s what people connect with.
Q: Do you work with a team or solo?
Dominic: It’s completely just me. I’m a single dad, I work full-time as a lead recruiter, I maintain a fitness journey, and I’m also writing a book called Parallel Suits. The book looks at how we often stay too long in the wrong jobs—or the wrong relationships—and helps people recognize toxic patterns and make changes. Everything I do is tied to being authentic and helping others grow. At the end of the day, people choose to work with me because of me—not the business name.
Q: What is your perspective on women in leadership?
Dominic: We’ve made progress, but there’s still more to do. I’ve seen more women stepping into VP and CPO roles, especially in startups, though older organizations are still catching up. Representation matters—if a company’s leadership team is made up entirely of middle-aged white men, ambitious women may not feel there’s room for them to grow. We need to keep calling out exclusionary behaviors, but also celebrate and champion women when they do step into leadership.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Dominic: First, apply even if you don’t tick every box. I’ve been in recruitment for 12 years and I can tell you—men apply when they meet 6 or 7 out of 10 requirements, but women often hold back. Companies will happily take someone with the right mindset and growth potential. Second, find your voice. Post on LinkedIn, share your story—the first post is scary, but it gets easier, and it builds visibility. And finally, celebrate the small wins. Your first client, your first paid invoice, your first inquiry—they matter. Too many people get caught up chasing the “big success” and forget to acknowledge the steps along the way.
Q: What does success mean to you?
Dominic: Professionally, it’s when my name gets mentioned in a room I’m not in, and people speak fondly of me or know I can get things done. Personally, success is how my daughter sees me. She’s seven, and to her, I’m a hero—that means everything. Success also means living without financial stress—not to live extravagantly, but to be able to buy groceries without worrying about the cost, or take my daughter out for ice cream without hesitation. That’s real success for me.
“Be authentic, celebrate the small wins, and don’t wait until you’re 100% ready—just start.” – Dominic Joyce
Connect with Dominic Joyce: http://dominic-joyce.com/
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