Not every technologist's journey begins with a computer science degree. Yuchen "Maxwell" Cao’s path to leading artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives at Mutual of Omaha started with doctoral research in computational nuclear physics.
Cao was required to apply machine learning techniques powered by large-scale computations to predict fundamental nuclear properties and quantify their uncertainties. In other words, he has a lot of experience using complex models and data to solve problems.
"My doctoral research focused on understanding atomic nuclei through sophisticated mathematical models, heavily leveraging high-performance computing and developing novel machine learning techniques," Cao said. "While the subject matter has shifted from subatomic particles to insurance solutions, the core discipline of translating complex phenomena into quantitative, data-driven frameworks has proven incredibly relevant."
Bridging worlds with transferable skills
Jumping from physics research labs to corporate technology teams certainly required flexibility, but Cao has found that many of his fundamental skills are very valuable at Mutual of Omaha.
"Academic research, particularly in a field like nuclear physics, instills a deep sense of rigor and self-motivation. It taught me to tackle ambiguous problems when there's no instruction manual and to persevere through complex challenges," Cao said. "That mindset, combined with experience in large-scale computation and data analytics, is invaluable when working with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, where we're constantly exploring new applications."
Cao admits the transition wasn't seamless. Learning insurance terminology and business priorities required some adjustment, yet the problem-solving approach from his research background provided a solid foundation.
"Physics trains you in a systematic approach to problem-solving, with deep attention to detail and an understanding of potential errors," he said. "This directly translates to ensuring our software is both robust and reliable, whether it’s optimizing machine learning models, designing resilient systems or testing rigorously to uncover hidden bugs."
Applying scientific principles to business
One of the most significant adjustments for Cao was shifting from the pursuit of precision, a hallmark of scientific research, to the pragmatic demands of the business world.
"In academia, precision and certainty are paramount. In business technology, delivering valuable solutions within practical time frames often matter more than achieving theoretical perfection," Cao said. "It's been a journey of learning to balance the two, understanding when to strive for the perfect solution and when an effective, timely one creates more immediate value. It’s less about being right in an absolute sense and more about being successful in delivering for the business and the team."
This adjustment didn't mean abandoning scientific principles, Cao said, but he had to be more pragmatic when applying those principles.
"I still design experiments to validate approaches and analyze results methodically," he said. "But I've learned to balance thoroughness with timely delivery. Sometimes an 80% solution today creates more value than a perfect solution next quarter. Mutual of Omaha's environment has been supportive in navigating this, fostering a culture where practical innovation is valued."
Key commonalities: collaboration and communication
While the day-to-day dynamics of teamwork can differ, Cao finds collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing resonate in both academia and industry.
"The collaborative spirit of research, with its peer scrutiny and tendency to build on existing work, aligns with industry's iterative design and peer review processes," he said.
This collaborative spirit extends to working across diverse teams to tackle multifaceted challenges. Cao believes understanding both business requirements and technical constraints, then communicating effectively across these domains, is critical.
"Presenting intricate research to varied audiences in academia prepared me for explaining technical concepts to business stakeholders," Cao said. "Whether it's nuclear physics or machine learning, the skill of translating specialized knowledge into accessible language remains essential."
Cao has also seen how his experience with identifying patterns in data translates to engineering success.
"Whether you're probing the laws of nature or enhancing business processes, understanding patterns in complex data is crucial," Cao said. "As a machine learning engineer, my focus is on designing and implementing the infrastructure and pipelines that allow us to reliably harness these patterns at scale. Clear communication ensures these systems are efficient, maintainable and truly deliver consistent value by meeting the real needs of our business partners."
Finding growth and balance at Mutual of Omaha
Moving to the insurance industry broadened Cao’s skill set in ways he didn’t initially anticipate — a development he attributes in part to the environment at Mutual of Omaha.
"Academic research encourages deep specialization. Working in technology here has given me a wider view across different systems, tools and the business itself," he said. "It's been insightful to see how technical decisions directly influence business outcomes. This connection isn't always as clear in a purely academic setting. Mutual of Omaha has definitely provided opportunities to witness that impact and to grow into a leadership role," Cao said.
This wider professional lens is supported by a company culture that respects work-life balance. Mutual of Omaha's approach to flexible work schedules and reasonable project workloads helps Cao sustain both professional focus and personal well-being.
"For me, a good work-life balance is key to staying creative and effective at problem-solving, and I feel that's supported here at Mutual of Omaha," he said. "The flexibility to manage my time and recharge allows me to tackle complex challenges with renewed energy and ensures I have quality time for my family. It’s a culture where you’re encouraged to bring your best self to work. Being able to disconnect and recharge supports that."
Advice for exploring new career paths
Cao’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking for a workplace where their unique skills can flourish. For those contemplating a career change, he offers some practical advice.
"Focus on the core analytical and problem-solving skills you've developed. These include your ability to learn rapidly, dissect complex challenges and articulate your ideas clearly,” he said. “These fundamental capabilities are highly sought by employers and are incredibly versatile."
Cao also underscores the importance of approaching any new role or industry with an open and curious mindset.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions and understand the 'why' behind existing processes. A fresh perspective, regardless of its origin, can often spot opportunities for improvement that might not be obvious to those already immersed in the field," Cao said. "Embrace the learning curve in any new endeavor, be kind to yourself during transitions and remember that your unique background and experiences are strengths you bring to the table."
Experiences like Cao’s illustrate how diverse talents and ways of thinking can make a meaningful impact in a corporate setting like Mutual of Omaha, enriching both the individual and the organization.