On being able to join the dots with Aimee Crooks

Aimee, what are the most impactful leadership skills you use?

The ability to see the bigger picture and succinctly communicate it across teams so each of us understands how our work aligns with the company’s overarching goals. I’ve had to learn to adjust communication across teams and team members. Everyone has a different communication style, and it’s important to recognise that to get the most out of working relationships.

In a growing company, there are constant changes to how we work, but the destination remains the same. Clear communication, sharing learnings, regular adjustments, and connecting dots across teams is crucial to ensure alignment and keeps everyone moving in the same direction.

Are there diversity goals at Mint Innovation? Why a diverse workforce is important to your success?

Being a deep tech business, we have a strong team of engineers and scientists, all deeply intelligent. We also have great talent across all our teams from operations, marketing, finance, and commercial functions. The diversity of thought, unique experiences, and perspective that each member of Mint brings is critical to our business and to solving real-world problems we face.It plays a vital role in how we scale our technology globally to create circular green metals that help restore our planet.??

One of our biggest goals is to build a deep understanding of our team and become true champions of diversity so everyone can see a space for themselves in the room or at the table. We aim to have a DEI lens on everything we do in our team and weave that throughout the business. We acknowledge we are not perfect and have a long journey ahead to get to where we want to be in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion, but we’re making progress. I also don't think it's a journey with an end destination. There will never be a point where DEI is done. It'll be an ongoing process of continually evolving and bringing in new types of thinking.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience that shaped your leadership style?

I’ve taken lessons from all throughout my career and personal life to shape my own leadership style, taking what I admire and what I wish I saw in a leader to help shape my own style.?

How did you know the ‘best next step’ in your career? We assume it was a jungle gym over a ladder - what or who helped you navigate your path???

A jungle gym is the best description! I’ve jumped across industries and public and private sectors, and it’s tough knowing what the right next step is.

There never is a perfect next step, but weighing up what learning opportunities are in front of me has always helped me make decisions.

I still count myself incredibly lucky that in my first post-uni job, I landed in the Beehive, working with amazing people who helped push me forward and realise my potential. All these years later, I still regularly lunch with one of them and lean on them for?life advice.

Why is Mint Innovation partnering with Powrsuit??

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made building a diverse team at Mint, particularly for a deep tech company, but we still have a long way to go to achieve workplace gender parity. Our aim when partnering with Powrsuit is to equip our team with all the tools they need for their toolkit to keep pushing forward to the leadership positions they deserve. For some, that will mean forging a path that isn’t as clear, but the skills and support they can gain from other women who have and are doing the same will help propel them forward as a group rather than going it alone.

What advice would you give to women feeling a bit stuck in their careers?

The best advice I can give is to soak up every element of every role, big or small. Every job you have gives you experience that woven together make up your unique skillset.

I still heavily rely on skills I gained working in hospitality and as part of the management team of a netball club. These skills, paired with more technical skills, help round out my experience so that I can do what I do best.

Aimee Crooks, Chief of Staff Mint Innovation

Aimee is a strategic-minded leader with a wealth of experience in nurturing and supporting teams to achieve organisational goals. Since joining Mint Innovation in 2022 as Head of Operations, Aimee has transitioned into Chief of Staff, where her focus is on driving executive initiatives, project management, cross-functional collaboration, and overall operational efficiency. She is a trusted advisor and liaison, possessing a keen ability to navigate and understand complex organisational landscapes.

With a proven track record in developing and enhancing business strategies, Aimee is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, implementing and embedding innovative tools and processes that empower each member of the Mint team to excel in their roles.?