Our Spotlight series is an opportunity to meet our team at HRchitect. Every month we shine a spotlight on a member of our team for you to learn more about. Get to know more about Akaena Ballesteros, Account Executive, in this month’s Spotlight.
Akaena Ballesteros joined HRchitect’s growing, dynamic sales team in November of 2023. In her role as an Account Executive, Akaena is able to pursue her passion for connecting world-class organizations with HRchitect’s top-notch consulting services for their Dayforce system, whether they need implementation, optimization, managed support services, or anything in between. She has hit the ground running fostering trusted relationships with our current and prospective clients and key stakeholders on the Dayforce team to help grow HRchitect’s Dayforce consulting practice.
Akaena brings a wealth of expertise to HRchitect including previous experience as an Account Executive at a global technology company and numerous years spent in supply chain management coupled with an MBA specializing in Human Resources Management and a strong background in manufacturing for the Automotive, Aerospace, Retail, and Construction industries. Additionally, her experience working with multicultural teams across multiple continents including Asia, Europe, and North America has given her an exceptional understanding of project deliverables, processes, and procedures.
Hometown: Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Alma mater: University of Sonora State (Previously known as CESUES)
All-time favorite restaurant: I love to eat seafood…so I enjoy eating at any seafood restaurant.
Last book you read: The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic
What do you love to do outside of work? I enjoy hiking, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
How did you find out about HRchitect, and what made you join the company?
I first heard about HRchitect through Dayforce while working for another partner in the same ecosystem. I decided to join HRchitect because their company culture and values align with my personal values and the company offers a positive work environment. I believe in its mission and want to contribute to its success. Furthermore, I see opportunities for growth and professional development.
How has your background impacted your experience as an Account Executive?
I used Dayforce while I worked in HR and later became part of the implementation team for Workforce Management systems while working at another Dayforce System Implementation Partner. This experience helped me develop the product knowledge and the right attitude to truly believe in the power of the product I wanted to sell consulting services for.
In your own words, what do you do at HRchitect?
I help connect organizations with a consulting team that will streamline processes and create successful system implementations that make their work lives easier. With the HRchitect team’s expertise, you can trust that your organization will achieve its goals efficiently and effectively.
What’s a typical workday like for you?
I begin my day by meeting with my counterparts on the sales team, checking my email, making calls, and sending emails to prospects and partners. Later in the day, I post updates on LinkedIn, review new information in my sales tools, and reach out to counterparts at Dayforce to strategize on how we can help clients.
Akaena Ballesteros enjoying the Dayforce Sales Kick-off in Orlando, FL. with Erica Niesse, EVP, Implementation Services, and Jennifer Sorenson, EVP, Global Sales.
What’s been some of your favorite destinations to travel to for work?
I have enjoyed California and Chicago as my favorite destinations for work travel.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work every day?
I am privileged to be backed by my talented team and inspiring leaders, and I truly value the culture of excellence at HRchitect.
Which employee perk that HRchitect offers do you enjoy the most? Why?
Having my birthday off as a company-recognized holiday without needing to request it as a vacation day. It’s always been a tradition for me to request a day off for my birthday, no matter where I’ve worked. There’s something special about taking a break from the daily routine and doing something fun and memorable on your special day, don’t you agree?