Mintie Stories: Paul Dias

Forbes.com published an article a few years ago entitled ‘12 Valuable Things Young Professionals Can Gain From An Apprenticeship’. The article provides insights from twelve members of the Forbes Coaches Council and describes how a business apprenticeship offers the ability to hone skills, gain new techniques, and improve leadership abilities by learning from more experienced mentors.

All of the 12 points extolling the benefits of apprenticeships validate the important role that these hands-on learning opportunities create for both employers and employees. But the one that stands out refers to ‘purpose over money.’

The article’s authors single out one clear advantage of apprenticeship: gaining experience in an area of purpose or passion. At Mint, the opportunity for our apprentices to obtain meaningful work experience while also connecting their passion and purpose to that of our organization creates a harmonious environment, perfectly positioned for maximum growth for all parties.?

Apprenticeship in action

Meet Mint Sales Solution Specialist, Paul Dias. Paul is living, breathing proof that, with passion and purpose, you can make a successful career change at any age or stage of your life.

In 2016, after more than 20 years in the steel industry, Paul heard about Mint’s apprenticeship program from a relative and decided to give it a try. Fast forward 6 months and Paul was offered the role of Intermediate Dynamics 365 Consultant. He then worked his way up to Senior Dynamics 365 Consultant over the next couple of years. ?

When the role of Team Lead became available, Paul was eager to take on more responsibility. Before he could accept this position that he had successfully applied for, a Sales Solution Specialist role opened up.

Paul’s interest was piqued as this meant he could be more customer-facing, he could upskill in other technologies within the Microsoft stack and work closely with Bid Office, Account Managers, and New Business Executives to showcase how Mint could have a positive impact on both new and existing clients’ technologies.

“I applied and got the job! Many things have changed in the role since I started in August 2021, but it has been an amazing ride with a sales leadership that is second to none.”

Let’s hear more from Paul …

What has been your biggest achievement in your Mint journey??????????????

I can't say that there has been one singular achievement, but I can say I was involved in Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementations at the first bank in Africa, the biggest bank in Africa (from a customer base perspective) as well as running most aspects of a Dynamics 365 implementation from demonstrations, to requirements gathering, to no-code design, to implementation all done entirely in Portuguese for an Angolan client.

Which of the Mint values do you most resonate with and why?

I resonate with the People value because I am people-first naturally. I am energized by the energy of others, and I try to spread positivity amongst all the people I work and deal with daily because I don’t see them as colleagues and clients but as people. We all struggled during the pandemic and a lot of us struggled with not being around people, but I still tried to reach out to as many Minties as I could and even kept in contact with ex-Minties. I genuinely see Minties as family and care about each and every one of them.

What advice would you have given yourself on day one of your Mint journey??

Don't sweat the small stuff and focus on the big picture!

What does your life look like outside of work???

I spend as much time as I can surrounded by family, friends, good food, a happy life and my hobbies (motorcycling and situational sports shooting are just the gravy on top). What more could I ask for?

Home, office or hybrid? Why???

Hybrid takes the cake, hands down! I get to be super productive from the comfort of my home and energized when I am at the office with my Mintie family!

Apprenticeship was just the beginning …

Currently, Paul is working on blowing his Pre-Sales target out of the water! But if you catch him in a serious moment, he will tell you that he is also working towards gaining as much exposure to all that Mint has to offer and making a difference to people and to Mint as a business.?