In today’s constantly evolving digital landscape, technology has become more than just a tool; it is the foundation of modern industry. The transition from manual to automated systems has increased efficiency and sparked a wave of groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Globally, businesses are fundamentally rethinking their operations, using information technology to fuel growth and tackle increasingly complex challenges. This era of continuous change presents opportunities for those brave enough to harness technology’s transformative power.
It is within this dynamic environment that the story of Mario Saldivar unfolds—a narrative characterized by dedication, a relentless pursuit of knowledge, and a firm belief in IT as a catalyst for positive change. As Mario Saldivar, Chief Operating Officer for LATAM at Orion Innovation, states, “Our generation has a great opportunity—especially in the IT sector—to collaborate globally.”
From Textbooks to Ledgers: The Dual Education Forging a Tech Visionary
“My career began nearly 30 years ago. I pursued degrees in Education and Public Accounting simultaneously—studying Education during the day and Accounting at night,” Saldivar recounts.
After graduating, Saldivar established his own accounting firm. In the daily routine of financial management and meticulous bookkeeping, he firsthand experienced the profound impact of computers. “With computers, we automated processes, and the firm grew rapidly,” he recalls.
As his firm expanded quickly through process automation, Saldivar had an epiphany: technology had the power to redefine entire industries. This realization became a pivotal moment, shifting his career direction toward the dynamic field of IT.
Spanish Spark: Igniting a Passion for Banking Tech
A scholarship to Spain marked a transformative phase in Saldivar’s burgeoning career. “In Spain, I was fascinated by the advanced banking and savings institutions. This experience ignited my passion for technology,” Saldivar explains. Exposure to these cutting-edge systems sparked a new interest that went beyond accounting and finance.
In 1997, Saldivar made a pivotal career move by partnering with one of these innovative technology firms. “I began exploring companies that provided tech solutions for banks and savings institutions, eventually partnering with one in 1997,” he states. This milestone not only deepened his technical knowledge but also immersed him in the intricacies of banking systems, modern payment methods, and the emerging field of retail banking solutions.
He further added, “At that time, we founded Grupo SEPE with our Spanish partners, which we later sold to the Dutch company Jetronic. I led Jetronic’s operations for eight years, expanding my expertise into telecommunications.”
The Entrepreneurial Urge: Birthing Gonet in the Mobile Dawn
“By 2008, I realized that I was more of an entrepreneur than a corporate executive. At 40, I decided to start fresh and founded Gonet, focusing on mobile banking solutions,” Saldivar recalls.
At that time, mobile banking was still in its early stages. Saldivar and his team courageously embarked on some of the earliest mobile banking trials, utilizing BlackBerry platforms to explore this new digital frontier.
Gonet’s swift initial success was due to Saldivar’s ability to combine his diverse expertise with a clear, forward-looking vision. The company rapidly expanded, initially serving clients across Spain, the United States (in Arizona and Texas), and South America, including Colombia and Chile. However, Saldivar soon strategically narrowed Gonet’s focus to two key regions: Mexico and the United States.
“By the end of 2021, we recognized an opportunity to expand further. We wanted to export Mexican tech talent and compete in the U.S. market,” notes Saldivar. With a robust workforce of approximately 700 employees in Mexico and a dedicated team of around 80 in the U.S., Gonet was well-prepared for further expansion and impact.
Navigating Mexican Tech Hurdles
“For an entrepreneur in Mexico, one of the biggest challenges is financing. The system is not designed to support IT entrepreneurs,” Saldivar points out.
The existing financial ecosystem in the country is not optimally structured to assist emerging IT startups, a persistent hurdle that Saldivar has faced throughout his career.
“The second major challenge is talent development—finding skilled professionals with the right mindset and a drive for continuous improvement. This remains a persistent challenge in the industry today,” Saldivar admits.
Strategic Alliance: Orion Innovation and a Shared Vision
“To scale our operations, we partnered with Orion Innovation, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” says Saldivar regarding the merger. This collaboration was driven by a shared goal: to accelerate our expansion and establish a strong presence in the U.S., while also enhancing service quality in Mexico.
The strategic alliance with Orion Innovation combined our complementary strengths. Orion’s extensive expertise in various technologies, tailored to meet client needs in Mexico, aligns perfectly with Gonet’s client-centric approach.
“Orion offers a broad range of solutions, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, financial services, and retail. We are utilizing this experience to implement global best practices in Mexico,” he emphasizes.
Additionally, this partnership allows Gonet’s team of 1,200 engineers to engage in high-impact projects in the U.S., gaining valuable experience and insights that can be applied to strengthen our local offerings. This dynamic cross-pollination of ideas and innovative practices between the two regions is a clear advantage, ensuring Gonet remains at the leading edge of technological innovation and service delivery.
A Culture of Accessibility: Where Innovation Thrives on Personal Engagement
Saldivar emphasizes the importance of understanding his engineers’ professional aspirations and strategically aligning opportunities with their specific skills and career goals. “We take the time to understand their professional goals and align opportunities with their skills. This approach ensures that we deliver the best possible services while fostering a strong, engaged team,” he explains about his management philosophy.
He firmly believes, “The best ideas come from staying close to both clients and engineers.” This belief is reflected in his accessible leadership style, which is exemplified by an open-door policy.
“At Gonet, our greatest advantage is our culture—a commitment to staying close to both our clients and engineers. For instance, my phone number is accessible to everyone,” he elaborates. This collaborative and transparent culture is a cornerstone of Gonet’s ongoing success.
Meeting Evolving Needs: Tailored IT Solutions for a Dynamic World
“Initially, our primary goal was to help businesses grow within their respective markets. Today, our challenge is to leverage new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to enhance productivity and efficiency,” observes Saldivar.
Today, the challenges faced by clients have become more complex. With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies, businesses are urgently seeking innovative ways to dramatically improve productivity and streamline their operations.
“The key is to position ourselves not only as software developers but also as trusted partners who can assist clients in transforming their business processes through technology,” emphasizes Saldivar.
The company utilizes two sets of critical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). For clients, success is rigorously assessed based on how well Gonet’s solutions align with their specific business objectives.
“For our clients, we adapt to their business processes and performance metrics. Some measure our success by factors such as development quality, lines of code produced, and the overall impact of our contributions,” details Saldivar.
This comprehensive evaluation includes assessing the quality of software development, quantifying the direct effects on overall business outcomes, and even meticulously tracking metrics like lines of code produced, showcasing a commitment to detailed project management.
“Internally, our KPIs concentrate on training, upskilling engineers, and promoting AI adoption. We are actively integrating AI tools into all development projects to boost efficiency, which has resulted in a 30% increase in our development capacity due to these initiatives,” shares Saldivar, highlighting the significant internal impact of AI integration.
Beyond the Boardroom: Faith, Family, and a Philosophy of Growth
Mario Saldivar is equally recognized for his remarkable ability to harmoniously balance a demanding executive career with a rich and fulfilling personal life. As both Founder of Gonet and COO of Orion Innovation, he manages substantial responsibilities. Despite this, he maintains a grounded outlook, which is deeply rooted in his strong faith and the unwavering support of his family. Saldivar often speaks of his “passion for plants transcendence,” a concept that reflects his belief that true success goes beyond business metrics and is measured by the positive impact one has on individual lives.
“I believe the true measure of an IT enterprise’s success is its ability to create opportunities. What fulfills me most is empowering Mexican engineers and technicians to build meaningful careers,” Saldivar reflects.
Over the years, approximately 10,000 professionals have benefited from his initiatives, with many alumni advancing to leadership positions as managers and directors in the industry.
Saldivar’s personal life is greatly enriched by the constant support of his wife, with whom he recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. “I’m incredibly lucky to have a supportive wife who has stood by me throughout my career. We recently marked our 30th anniversary, and through all the trips, long working hours, and challenges, she has always been there for me,” Saldivar expresses with gratitude.
Outside of the demanding world of work, Saldivar finds rejuvenation in simple, grounding activities. “When it comes to balance, I have a deep faith in God, which helps me navigate pressure and challenges,” he notes.
“I don’t have many hobbies, but I enjoy walking and have recently taken up bike riding. I also love soccer—I used to play a lot, and now I enjoy watching it. Most of all, I cherish spending time with my wife, children, and friends,” Saldivar shares, emphasizing the importance of personal connections.
The Future is Global: Elevating Mexican IT Talent Worldwide
“I want to continue promoting Mexican talent in international projects. Our generation has a great opportunity—especially in the IT sector—to collaborate globally,” Saldivar declares.
He observes that the United States currently faces a significant shortage of skilled engineers – a gap traditionally bridged by talent primarily from India and Russia. Saldivar keenly perceives a tremendous opportunity for Mexico to step into this space.
“The U.S. faces a significant shortage of engineers, traditionally filled by talent from India and Russia. However, Mexico has a unique advantage—we are neighbors, share cultural understanding, and operate in the same time zone. This creates a huge opportunity for Mexican engineers to contribute to international projects, starting with the U.S.,” Saldivar elaborates on this global vision.
A Call to Action: Wisdom for Present and Future Leaders
“It is important to reflect on life’s only certainty—that one day, we will all pass away. With that in mind, we must ask ourselves: What do we want to do with the time we have?” Saldivar states thoughtfully, urging introspection.
He observes a frequent trend among younger generations to prioritize short-term gains but firmly believes that true and lasting success comes from a commitment to long-term excellence in one’s craft. “True success arises from hard work, continuous learning, and discipline,” he advises.
“Now, with artificial intelligence evolving, we have a great opportunity to change the world. Young people today have incredible talent, and they should focus on making a real impact,” Saldivar concludes with a call to action.
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