Meet Kayode
Principal Data Engineer
Kayode, Principal Data Engineer, plays a key role in shaping Cargill’s data strategy by building scalable solutions that support global operations. What energizes him most is the collaborative spirit of his team, where brainstorming, asking questions, and solving problems together is the norm. Whether mentoring engineers or leading complex platform migrations, Kayode thrives in an environment where ideas are shared freely, and solutions are built collectively. For him, teamwork isn’t just part of the job; it’s what makes the work meaningful.
How does work contributes to Cargill’s purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way?
I design and build data pipelines and products for our corporate functions, playing a crucial role in shaping how Cargill uses data to gain insights, enhance operations across its global supply chain, and deliver value to customers in the agriculture, food, and industrial sectors.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy learning about the various technologies used in our data pipelines. More importantly, I love knowing that the pipelines we build help improve Cargill's food supply chains, reduce waste, and contribute to a better environmental impact.
What is a typical workday in your life?
My usual workday morning starts with a quick run, which gives me a sense of achievement to kick off the day. After a shower, I make coffee for my drive to work. I use my commute time to catch up on some Audible books, making the drive pass like a breeze.
Most of my meetings start by 8am ET to reach our colleagues in the EMEA region. I prioritize my meetings based on whether I'm contributing, accountable for decisions, or just listening in to stay informed. My meetings usually include standups, design reviews, sprint planning, and leadership updates. Sometimes, I set up deep dive sessions to resolve technical issues or identify who on the team can help. On some days, I spend my afternoon writing or debugging data pipelines on projects where the team could use my help or expertise. Currently, I'm focused on migrating data products to a new platform. In this role, I advise teams on architectural best practices and help with planning and executing the migration effort.
During breaks between meetings or at lunch, I catch up with teammates at the coffee station or in our cafeteria. I try to leave the office before rush hour to avoid traffic, if my meeting schedule allows, and I turn back to my Audible books to decompress on the way home. My evenings are usually filled with catching up with family, running errands, and trying to sneak in a TV show to relax and unwind.
Brainstorming ideas to solve problems with team members energizes me. I don't have to work in a silo or have all the answers to the team's varied problems. I enjoy our cordial and collaborative culture. Asking questions and generating options allows us to dynamically seek various solutions.