Yarning with our Mob – Jyi Lawton

Tell us about you and your mob?

My name’s Jai Lawton, a Bidjara man from central west Queensland, currently the CEO of AEMEE, the Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration. 

I’m living on Yugara and Turrbal country. I have two little girls that keep me on my toes and teach me a lot of lessons – they’re beautiful, beautiful little human beings.

Tell us about why you chose this profession?

I’ve always been driven by the importance of economic development and empowerment for our people. Given our history and the policies that have excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this is a deeply personal issue for me. My career has been about reversing that disadvantage by fostering economic control, financial security, and freedom.

Why I Chose to Work with AEMEE

AEMEE’s leadership in the mining and resources sector is significant. This sector has a huge impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, offering both challenges and opportunities. Resource companies account for over half of the federal procurement spend, presenting untapped potential for Indigenous businesses.

Our people have been global leaders in sustainable land management for millennia, and this knowledge is crucial for the sector’s environmental sustainability efforts. AEMEE ensures Indigenous voices lead the way in net-zero projects and renewable transitions, highlighting our cultural strengths and sustainability expertise.

What skills do you need to succeed in your role?

To succeed in this role, the first thing is staying grounded and humble. We need to remember the battles and sacrifices of our ancestors and elders that got us here. It’s easy to get caught up in the wealth and opportunities of this sector, but we must never forget where we come from.

Secondly, it’s about upskilling ourselves in business. While doing business is nothing new to us, understanding the modern intricacies—like running large operations, reading balance sheets, and handling financial implications—is crucial. Whether you’re running an organisation or a business, these skills are vital.

Lastly, there’s often this idea that you need a university degree to succeed in big corporations or organisations. But there are so many successful Indigenous businesses out there proving otherwise. Young mob can look at these examples and realise they can gain valuable experience and succeed without necessarily following the traditional academic path.

So what do you think the deadliest thing is about your role? 

The deadliest thing about my role is seeing the growth and development of these businesses. It’s incredible to witness how some of them have transformed over the past six or seven years. 

Knowing that we’re a piece of that puzzle is rewarding. We’re not the be-all and end-all, but we open doors and create opportunities. Helping these businesses participate in the supply chains of major companies and watching them grow is super inspiring for me.

What’s the best support to the system that sort of helped you get through your career?  

The best support system for me has been building strong relationships with people who share my values. While mentoring is often mentioned, it’s really about those genuine connections you make. These are the people you can lean on for advice and support through the ups and downs.

Having a network of supportive individuals who back you and share your values has been crucial. This journey is never straightforward or easy, so having people support you and back you and have strong aligned values makes all the difference.

What advice you would give to job seekers who are looking to progress in their career.

Firstly, remember that no job is beneath you. Everyone starts somewhere, whether it’s sweeping floors or other entry-level positions. You’re not going to jump to a site supervisor, foreman, or business owner overnight. There’s some hard work and you’ve got to start somewhere.

Be open to different experiences. My career has spanned government, youth justice, media, business, and now the resource sector. Each role has provided diverse skills and experiences that I’ve been able to apply across the board. Get those different experiences and develop those different skill sets and experience, over time you’re able to apply across the board

It’s important to gather skills from various sectors and knit them together to create your unique persona. Growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Like the last thing I ever wanted to do was jump behind a microphone or run a radio station or a media outlet. It’s given me skills to then be able to  communicate and tell my story and understand the power of narrative, particularly when our voices are often unheard, or not visible as a minority within our own country.

There’s some really beautiful lessons that come out of uncomfortability. 

Lastly,  being adaptable. I mean, that’s who we are. As saltwater people, we need to be fluid and move with the times. Embrace new experiences, learn from them, and stay grounded in your values.