Staff Spotlight: Jordan Paquette, Manager, IT Service Operations

Welcome to our new series focused on Vālenz^® Health team members, where you can get to know the Valenz team through monthly staff spotlights. Read on to learn what Jordan Paquette enjoys most about Valenz!

1) What is one word you’d use to describe the Valenz culture?

“Flexible! My manager lets me take an autonomous approach to my work and my team that I manage as well. I can approach projects the way I’d like to, and I’m also able to travel and work from other areas I’d like to visit. I try to take that approach with the team I manage as well. Of course, I know each team is different, and each job role allows for a different level of flexibility, but I am very grateful for the experience I’ve had as a member of the IT team.”

2) When someone asks you about where you work, what do you say?

“Of course, I start out by sharing that I work in IT for a national company that works with self-insured healthcare, and we work in a mostly remote environment. But I also like to share that every day of my job is different. I’m not sure if that is because the company is growing or because we have big goals, or because I’m working in a new department. Maybe it’s a combination of all three, but I really enjoy the uniqueness of each day. Of course, there are projects that continue from day to day or week to week, but every day, there are new challenges and situations for me to navigate, as well as new tools and processes for me to learn.

I feel like our saying ‘Get comfortable being uncomfortable’ is the epitome of life at Valenz. My hands are in the weeds learning by doing new things! Being willing to get your hands dirty with something new can be daunting but rewarding, just like how working at Valenz can be challenging but rewarding. Every single company goal is a challenge. Simplifying healthcare isn’t easy, but when we’re successful, it’s incredibly rewarding!”

3) How is Valenz a good fit for your talents, skills, and passions?

“I like to push myself and learn new things, and this is certainly the place to do that. Since ‘getting comfortable being uncomfortable’ here is the norm, I feel like I fit in here. In all areas of my life, I feel like if I’m not pushing myself or if there isn’t enough change, I get bored. Of course, if there’s too much change or too many new things, I get overwhelmed, just like everyone else. I feel like there’s a good balance at Valenz. I also feel like an individual must be organized to be successful at Valenz, maybe because of how fast the company is growing! Since I would categorize myself as an organized person, I think again, Valenz is a great fit.

A huge passion of mine is providing a good experience for the customer or group of folks I’m serving. My coworkers, other Valenz employees, are the ones that I’m serving, and I have this drive to bring them a positive experience, so that aligns with what Valenz needs from my department.

Finally, I also align with the company’s values. In my experience, sometimes IT departments have a bit of a different culture than the company they serve, and since I try to ensure that’s not the case with the individuals I manage on my IT team, I feel it’s important to personally align with the company’s values. Things like holding ourselves accountable for our performance, being transparent with those we serve, prioritizing ethical and innovative work, and elevating our partnerships and sharing that love with our customers is important. As a manager, ensuring my team feels that I value those things too is important to me!”