Coding, Collaboration and Culture Define Career in Data at Mutual of Omaha

As a technical specialist serving on Mutual of Omaha’s Data Agile Release Train, Adele Kanley relishes the challenges of developing and maintaining the company’s data architecture, modeling and design.

She understands the importance of her role and recognizes associates across the company depend on the data her team provides.

“We provide the data for a wide variety of reporting teams who are making really important decisions, and we want to make sure the data is accurate and easily accessible,” Kanley said.

The work can be challenging, as system failures don’t always occur during normal work hours. However, Kanley’s team uses an on-call support team structure, so expectations are always clear.

“Coping with any system failures outside of normal business hours is addressed by designated support teams, so you’re not always on call,” she said.

“The power of teamwork is evident as we rally around each other to truly fix any problem rather than just putting a Band-Aid on it. We get to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and we learn so much from each other.”

A coder at heart, Kanley appreciates the challenges brought forth by her fellow associates.

“I love it when someone comes to us with a need, and it’s up to us to come up with a solution,” Kanley said. “I love it when we get to use Python and other coding languages to solve a problem or meet a need. It’s extremely rewarding.”

Working remotely from upstate New York, she appreciates the sense of connection and communication with her fellow associates.

“My manager does a great job of checking in via regular one-on-one conversations,” Kanley said. “Our conversations always start off with my manager asking what I need to improve my workplace experience. It really sets a tone of genuine concern for my well-being.”

Kanley derives inspiration from Mutual of Omaha’s investment in information services.

“I love explaining where I work because of Mutual of Omaha’s dedication to I.S.-related infrastructure and modernization,” she said. “I get to do exciting work involving technologies, such as Amazon Web Services and artificial intelligence, so it’s not just critical work, it’s fun.”

The authenticity of the company’s workplace culture is a source of pride for Kanley.

“Mutual of Omaha cares that I enjoy my work, and I appreciate a workplace culture filled with respect for one another and respect for our work-life balance,” she said.

“Sometimes the stress of work causes us to lose focus regarding our people skills. Mutual of Omaha’s culture provides helpful reminders of how to reenergize these skills and how each of us can do our part to make the workplace more enjoyable.”