Raïssa Marteaux, Consul General of the Netherlands, shares her top career advices

After joining the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2013, Raïssa Marteaux has over twelve years of service, contributing to strengthening the Netherlands’ relations with countries such as Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique. Since August 2025, she has assumed the role of Consul General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City – a milestone remarkable not only for her young age but also for embodying the image of a leader defined by openness and modernity.

Raïssa belongs to a generation of women shaping global dialogue through intellect, compassion, and authenticity – inspiring women to step confidently into the world, affirm their own worth.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: How did your journey in diplomacy begin?

RAÏSSA MARTEAUX: My mother is from the Dutch Caribbean, my father is Belgian, and I was born and raised in Rotterdam – the most multicultural city in the Netherlands. From a young age, my parents taught me the importance of understanding others and encouraged me to explore different cultures, explore the world with curiosity and respect. I learned how to build bridges across cultures, languages and viewpoints.

Besides, I was always passionate about serving others and standing up for justice and equality, which initially led me to study law, with the intention of becoming a lawyer. However, after working with NGOs and the European Commission, I realized that I was most fulfilled in public service. So even though I never set out to become a diplomat, my path into diplomacy unfolded naturally. Joining the Foreign Service turned out to be a wise decision, it is a path that allows me to serve, to represent my country, and to foster understanding between people.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: What are the most essential qualities for women in diplomacy, especially in leadership roles?

RAÏSSA MARTEAUX: I believe they are willingness to take on challenges and empathy. Knowing how to turn challenges into opportunities gives us the strength to stand firm in the face of hardships, to embrace difficulties, and to find ways to overcome them. After all, challenges are the spice of life – they make every life experience more meaningful. I’ve cultivated this quality from securing scholarships to pursue my education, to experiencing professional setbacks and personal losses.

Equally important is empathy – the ability to create an inclusive and supportive working environment for my team. This quality stems from my childhood, growing up in a multicultural background and from moments in my career when I didn’t feel heard, valued, or safe.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Would you say those are also the qualities that define a powerful woman?

RAÏSSA MARTEAUX: Absolutely. When I think of powerful women, I think of the role models in my life – women whose strength comes not from titles or positions, but from authenticity, empathy, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. A powerful woman is also someone who uses her voice for others and having clear visions, creating impact beyond her own success.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received that you’d like to share with young women?

RAÏSSA MARTEAUX: Firstly, seek out mentors, peers. Having people who support, challenge, and guide you is invaluable, and you should do the same for others.

Secondly, stay true to yourself. The world will try to change you in many ways, but you’ve come this far by being yourself. I also hope you won’t wait until you think you have enough experience or knowledge to speak up. If you see a challenge, take it. You’ll learn along the way.

Lastly, remember that a career is rarely linear. Try new things, explore different paths, they will all equip you with tools you’ll use later in life.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Do you believe in “dress to impress”, and how would you describe your personal style?

RAÏSSA MARTEAUX: Rather than “dressing to impress,” I once heard a great piece of advice: “Dress for the job you aspire to, not the one you have.” I think this principle defines a personal style that conveys both respect for others and confidence in oneself, while remaining true to one’s own identity and aspirations.

Since arriving in Vietnam, I’ve also found it fascinating how vibrant Vietnamese fashion and lifestyle are, which is quite different from the Netherlands, where most people dress in a very understated way. I like colors, so I find that refreshing. Ho Chi Minh City has also made me feel welcome with its incredible energy – a city full of aspiration to innovate, with people who are warm, welcoming, helpful, and kind.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands during your tenure?

RAÏSSA MARTEAUX: The Netherlands is currently the largest trading partner and investor from the European Union in Vietnam. However, the relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands is truly special and goes far beyond trade figures. Our history and our people-to-people contacts go back 400 years. In terms of diplomatic contact, the Netherlands is one of the first nations to open an Embassy in Vietnam.

I believe there is a depth of trust between our countries. Both nations share similarities, and our countries also complement each other. For example, Vietnam for the Netherlands is the gateway to Southeast Asia, and the Netherlands is the gateway to Europe for Vietnam. We are both delta countries, both logistical hubs, and future-oriented. The Netherlands has the knowledge of water management, sustainable agriculture, and logistics, whereas Vietnam brings dynamism, growth, and a willingness to innovate. Putting all that together, our relationship is tackling challenges that both our countries face and that both our societies will benefit from.

I’m very optimistic about the future of our partnership, and I’m grateful to have four years to help shape it. As Consul General here in Vietnam, I would like to deepen the partnership between the two nations, not just by looking at ties that are economically strong, but especially by building a relationship that also serves as a model for sustainability and innovation. Personally, I would like to focus on strategic initiatives that will have both a measurable impact and contribute to a lasting legacy. After all, diplomacy is about relationships, and for me, it’s important that it’s a relationship that benefits both our countries.

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