Mike

Senior Vice President of Enterprise Information Technology

Tell us about your job. What do you do?
I'm responsible for Information Technology across the West enterprise. These functions include Telecom, Networking, Server Administration, the NOC, Desktop Support, Data Center Planning, Corporate Application Development, Systems Administration, Code Publication, Information Security/Risk Management and Technology Sourcing. My teams support most West business units and they contract with us as their IT provider. We maintain and manage all of the various technology-related vendor/partner relationships, including telco, hardware, and software.

What do you love about your job?
I love getting into providing technology solutions to our customers to support their business needs…understanding what the business unit requirements are and getting into the design phase of big projects.

What's the best thing about working here? What makes you proud to work for West?
I still appreciate that I have the ability to make a difference here. I am responsible for a large team. We have a lot of talent within the EIT organization that takes great pride in their role of supporting our business units and knowing that what we do brings value and profitability to the company.

In your opinion, how is working at West different that working at other companies?
We still have an entrepreneurial spirit. In the landscape of other technology companies in the Omaha area, we are a growing company who is constantly looking for new talent to bring on. Despite the tough economic times we are in, West is on a continual steady incline with no end in sight!

What are the most valuable life lessons you've learned while working here?
At the end of the day, you have to make sure you take a professional approach and always treat your customers, employees and supplier/partners with respect. It doesn't always resolve conflict by taking an aggressive approach. There are many ways to get your points across and advance your objectives.

What would you tell someone who was thinking of beginning a career with West? What does it take to succeed here?
It does take hard work, but also a creative approach, dedication, and a little bit of risk-taking. You can't be afraid to fail.

How would you describe your job? How would you describe West?
Job: I am in transition from my previous Technology Operations role. In that role, I was chief traffic cop, chief mediator, and on a good day, a successful organizational leader. My new role as SVP of EIT is much more strategic in nature and requires a focus on Leadership as well as Business Unit and Technology roadmaps for the future.

West: Likewise, West is in transition too. A medium-sized company evolving into a large company. Very fast-paced, and a place with great, talented people and a lot of cool technology!

How has West's management team shaped your experience? What kind of support have they provided you? What has been most valuable about your interaction with the management team(s)? Even though I have been with West for over 13 years, I think my skill set has improved significantly over the past three by working more closely with corporate and business unit leadership as well as receiving guidance from some key mentors. I've learned much more about the art/science of negotiation. I've also learned to be a lot more tolerant. Compromise is an extremely important concept. You have to seek for a win/win situation to be successful.