spotlight | Angel Villaseñor
Angel Villasenor
Functional Consultant
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In this edition of our Spotlight Series, we’re excited to introduce Angel Villaseñor, a talented Functional Consultant from Monterrey, Mexico. As a key member of our Enterprise Solutions team, Angel plays a pivotal role in solving ERP challenges and ensuring smooth, successful system implementations for our clients. His expertise, combined with exceptional communication and collaboration skills, makes him an indispensable part of our team.
Outside work, Angel’s love for family and passion for discovering new cultures fuel his vibrant personal life. Whether he’s hitting the track for a run, perfecting his culinary skills in the kitchen, boxing, or enjoying downtime with friends through barbecues and video games, Angel brings the same energy and enthusiasm to all his pursuits.
Join us as we delve into Angel’s professional insights and explore the personal passions that inspire him both inside and outside Mayan Technologies.
Professional
Angel Villaseñor has been a vital member of Mayan Technologies, leveraging his expertise to help clients solve complex ERP challenges and streamline their business processes. In this section, we take a closer look at his role as a Functional Consultant, the skills he considers essential for success, and the strategies he employs to tackle challenges, foster relationships, and continuously grow in his career. Angel shares his professional journey, insights, and the lessons that have shaped his approach to consulting.
Let's learn more about Angel's role, the skills that define his work, and the insights he has gained throughout his career.
What do you do at Mayan Technologies?
As a Functional Consultant at Mayan Technologies, I provide essential support to our customers by assisting them in resolving challenges they have with their ERP systems. My responsibilities also include conducting training sessions, both remotely and on-site, to ensure clients are equipped to use their systems effectively.
Additionally, I evaluate the business needs of our customers, offering guidance on the most suitable processes or system implementations that will best align with their organizational goals.
How do you handle conflicts with customers or team members during a project?
When working with my team, I steer clear of assigning blame or making statements like "you did this" or "you need to fix this," as that can lead to unnecessary friction. Instead, I believe in open dialogue and collaboration, asking questions like "How can I help?" or "What do you need?" to tackle the issue together. My priority is always to resolve conflicts as a team because it’s the most productive way to achieve a positive outcome.
With customers, I focus on clear, thoughtful communication to resolve issues. I take the time to fully understand their concerns while ensuring they remain comfortable throughout the process. By offering clear explanations and working toward solutions that meet their needs, I aim to resolve conflicts in a way that strengthens the relationship and ensures their satisfaction.
What are your long-term professional goals?
A key long-term goal of mine is to continuously expand my knowledge and skills to stay current in the field and avoid stagnation. There is always something new to learn, and I am committed to advancing both personally and professionally by embracing new challenges and opportunities.
As a consultant, I aspire to work on larger, more complex implementation projects and take on leadership roles in major initiatives. I am eager to contribute to high-impact projects and ultimately lead significant efforts that drive meaningful results for clients.
How do you approach problem-solving and innovation in your role, and can you share an example of when you implemented a new idea or solution?
When it comes to problem-solving, my approach depends on whether the issue is familiar or new. For problems I’ve encountered before, I rely on my existing knowledge to find a solution. However, for unfamiliar challenges, I begin by investigating the program to gain a better understanding. If I’m still unsure after my initial exploration, I collaborate with my team to see if they’ve encountered a similar issue. This collaborative process allows me to explore different perspectives and potential solutions. I’m also always ready to assist my team members when they face challenges.
One example that comes to mind is when I was working on technical tickets for a customer and needed to create a dashboard. I wasn’t sure how to establish connections between tables, so I reached out to my colleague Andres, who had experience with this type of issue. With his guidance, I was able to resolve the problem effectively. This situation highlights the value of teamwork, as I always say: "two heads are better than one."
What do you consider the most essential skills for a Functional Consultant?
The most critical skills for a Functional Consultant include a thorough understanding of the product, in-depth knowledge of business processes, and strong communication abilities. Among these, communication stands out as particularly vital, as it ensures you can fully understand the customer's needs.
It's important to ask the right questions and seek clarification when things are unclear, as this helps build a clear picture of the issue. By doing so, you can confidently deliver solutions that align with the customer’s expectations and drive meaningful results.
How have your career aspirations evolved since joining Mayan Technologies, and what influenced this change?
Before joining Mayan Technologies, my work was primarily in the development team, where I operated more behind the scenes. However, as a consultant, I now engage directly with customers, focusing on understanding their needs and collaborating with them to resolve issues. I find great fulfillment in sharing my expertise and helping clients overcome their challenges.
After nearly a year at Mayan Technologies, I’ve recognized the significant growth opportunities here. Being part of a small but rapidly expanding company provides an excellent environment for professional development. Despite working remotely, the sense of community is strong, with close connections among team members and a supportive atmosphere that fosters collaboration and growth.
You mentioned that one of your long-term goals is continuous learning and growth. Is there something specific you're currently learning in your role at Mayan Technologies?
As a Functional Consultant, I enjoy diving into the more technical aspects of my role. For example, when creating dashboards in the system, I often need to perform inquiries and extract relevant data for clients. To enhance my effectiveness, I am actively practicing and learning new techniques to improve my ability to work with these tools and deliver better insights to our customers.
How do you manage relationships with clients, and what strategies do you use to ensure their needs are met?
When managing relationships with clients and stakeholders, I always make myself available to assist. I ensure I ask if they have any additional questions or need further help. Patience is key in my interactions, especially when clients are learning something new. I take the time to explain things thoroughly and remain supportive even if they need repeated clarifications. Clients often express their appreciation for this patience, particularly when they revisit the same questions while working to understand the information.
I prioritize responding to emails promptly—usually within the same day—so that clients never feel ignored or unsupported. I also make it a habit to follow up regularly, as clients can sometimes forget about certain issues. These consistent follow-ups, such as checking if they have any further questions or need additional help, are essential to maintaining strong relationships. Clients appreciate this proactive approach, as it reassures them that their needs are being fully addressed.
Describe a challenging situation you encountered with a customer or project. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
One of the most challenging situations I faced was my first time providing on-site training for a customer. With no prior experience in delivering training sessions, I wasn’t sure what to expect. To prepare, I spent extra time reviewing materials and anticipating possible questions to ensure the session would go smoothly.
In the end, the training went well. The customer was satisfied with the session and appreciated the additional resources I provided for continued learning. Though the challenge was more personal than external, it became a valuable experience that increased my confidence in handling future training.
Looking back on your professional journey, what advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t hesitate to take on new projects. Embracing challenges is essential for growth. Each new experience provides valuable learning opportunities and helps expand your skill set by pushing you out of your comfort zone. It’s easy to stay where you’re comfortable, but facing new challenges is what drives development and prepares you for future success.
Preferences + Stats
Years of Experience -
9+
ERP Expertise -
Epicor Kinetic, Epicor ERP
Areas of Expertise -
- Financials
- Training
- Business Analysis
Certifications -
- Epicor Kinetic Financial Management
Supported Epicor Modules -
- Financial Management
- Accounts Receivable
- Accounts Payable
- General Ledger
Personal
While Angel Villaseñor’s professional expertise is impressive, his personal life is equally rich with experiences that have shaped his approach to both work and life. From strong family connections to his love of travel and adventure, Angel’s personal journey offers valuable insights into the qualities that drive him. Join us as we get to know the person behind the consultant and discover what keeps him grounded and inspired beyond his professional role at Mayan Technologies.
Could you tell us a little about your family?
I come from a close-knit family that includes my younger brother, mom, and dad. They’ve always been a strong source of support, encouraging me in both my career and personal goals. No matter what choices I’ve made, they’ve been there with advice and guidance, helping me reflect on my decisions by asking questions like, “Are you sure about this?” or, “Do you really want to pursue this?” Their support and constructive feedback have been instrumental in helping me navigate life’s challenges and keep moving forward.
What personal achievements or milestones are you most proud of, and why do they stand out?
One of my proudest achievements is backpacking solo through Europe and Asia. Leaving everything behind in my home country and traveling alone was a bold decision, but it significantly contributed to my personal growth.
This experience pushed me to navigate unfamiliar situations independently, which helped me learn more about myself and others. Facing and overcoming these challenges on my own, without the support of familiar faces, stands out as a defining accomplishment for me.
What is one of the most important life lessons you've learned, and how has it impacted your approach to personal and/or professional challenges?
One of the most important life lessons I’ve learned is to seize opportunities when they arise. Whether personal or professional, if an opportunity presents itself, it’s worth pursuing—even if you're uncertain or not fully committed. These experiences often lead to valuable growth.
One of my regrets is not taking part in an exchange program to Germany during university because I hesitated due to uncertainty. That experience taught me to embrace opportunities with confidence and take them whenever they come.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time that help you de-stress and find balance outside of work?
One of my favorite ways to de-stress is going for a run. Running helps clear my mind and gives me a break from daily pressures. Whether I’m listening to music or just taking in the surroundings, it allows me to relax and focus on the present moment, helping me reset.
Are you currently trying anything new in your personal life, whether it's a new hobby, skill, or experience? What motivated you to explore this new area?
I recently started taking boxing classes again. I had practiced boxing briefly years ago, but I’ve always wanted to get back into it as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When two of my friends showed interest in boxing, I decided to join them. It’s been a great experience so far, and I’m really enjoying the chance to reconnect with the sport.
What are some of your personal dreams or aspirations for the future?
I’ve always had a deep passion for travel, and while I’ve explored many places, my goal is to continue discovering new cultures and countries. I love the chance to learn about diverse ways of life and connect with people from different backgrounds. Another personal aspiration is to experience scuba diving. Even though I’ve visited many seas and oceans, I’ve never had the opportunity to try it, and it remains a goal I’m excited to pursue in the future.
You mentioned you like to travel. Where is your dream destination?
One of my dream destinations is anywhere I can see the Northern Lights. While there are many places around the world to witness this natural wonder, I don’t have a specific location in mind. What matters most to me is the experience itself. It’s just something I’ve always wanted to witness at least once in my life.
What qualities do you believe most define your personality and approach to life?
I’d say the qualities that define me most are patience and being a good listener. I’m always eager to help wherever I can, and I make it a priority to share my knowledge with friends, coworkers, and teammates. Contributing positively to those around me is something I value deeply.
What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life?
I maintain a healthy balance by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. While there are times when extra hours are necessary to meet deadlines, I’m careful not to let work encroach on my personal time. If a task isn’t urgent and I have family commitments or personal activities, I prioritize maintaining that balance. Working remotely can blur the lines between work and personal life, so I make a conscious effort to separate the two. I believe time is one of the most valuable resources, and it’s essential to protect it by keeping a healthy equilibrium between work and life.
What's one thing about you that most people might not know?
I’m actually pretty good at cooking. During my travels, I had to learn to cook for myself, and over time, I grew to enjoy it. Now, I take pleasure in following recipes and experimenting with new ones, always trying to create something unique.
What’s your favorite thing to cook?
My favorite thing to cook is barbecue. I first learned about smoking barbecue when I worked at a restaurant in New Zealand, where I gained experience with ribs, brisket, and other dishes. Now, I have a small smoker at home, and I love practicing and perfecting my barbecue skills.
Seizing opportunities, even when uncertain, has led to some of my most valuable experiences and growth.
Tips from Our Experts
We have the privilege of working with very talented experts. Why not share some of that knowledge? Here are Angel's tips for excelling as a Functional Consultant in ERP systems.
Stay Informed – Continuously learning and staying updated on new ERP system functionalities is key. New features can offer solutions to common client challenges, so staying informed allows you to suggest the most effective options and improvements.
Effective Communication – Prioritize clear, concise communication with clients. It’s essential to fully understand their needs. If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask questions until you have a complete understanding of what’s required.
Embrace Teamwork – Collaboration is essential. Don’t hesitate to seek help from coworkers or offer assistance when needed. Making time for teamwork creates a collaborative environment and improves overall efficiency.
Did You Know?
Here are three things you probably didn't know about Angel:
Angel enjoys listening to punk-rock music.
He is a fan of thriller films.
Angel likes playing video games on his computer.
Gallery
Beyond his role at Mayan Technologies, Angel has a passion for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Here are some personal photos from his travels, offering a glimpse into the adventures that have shaped his journey.
Thank you for reading this month's Spotlight article. In each edition, we shine a light on our team members, giving you an inside look at their roles at Mayan Technologies and the impact they have on our success. If you enjoyed learning more about Angel, be sure to check out our other Spotlight articles featuring the talented members of our team. Each edition offers a unique look into the people who make Mayan Technologies what it is today.
Stay tuned for more stories as we continue to highlight the people who bring their unique skills and perspectives to Mayan Technologies.
Stay tuned for our next Spotlight article featuring:
Victoria Sanchez
Manufacturing & Operations Consultant