From BeerOrCoffee Concept to Woba: Shaping the Flexible Office Network

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Marco Crespo, the Director General of Woba, brings a rich tapestry of experiences and expertise to his leadership role, rooted in a solid educational foundation and diverse professional journey. With an engineering degree from the esteemed State University of Campinas and an MBA from Harvard, Marco combines technical acumen with strategic business insights.

Marco’s career trajectory is marked by significant achievements and impactful roles across various sectors. His tenure as Country Manager for Yalo in Brazil stands out, where he spearheaded the establishment of the startup’s operations in 2022. This role allowed Marco to demonstrate his proficiency in structuring and scaling business ventures, navigating complexities, and driving growth in competitive markets.

Prior to his pivotal role at Yalo, Marco accumulated valuable experience at prominent organizations such as Gympass, Instituto Ayrton Senna, and Boston Consulting Group. At Gympass, a global corporate wellness platform, Marco contributed to its strategic growth initiatives, leveraging his strategic management skills to enhance operational efficiency and expand market reach. His tenure at Instituto Ayrton Senna, a renowned Brazilian organization dedicated to educational improvement, provided him with insights into social impact and organizational leadership. Additionally, his experience at Boston Consulting Group equipped him with a robust foundation in management consulting, where he advised leading companies on strategic decisions and operational improvements.

Beyond his corporate engagements, Marco has played a pivotal role in the startup ecosystem as an investor and advisor to over 10 startups. His involvement underscores his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging businesses through strategic guidance and financial backing. Marco’s contributions have been instrumental in navigating startups through growth phases, refining business strategies, and capitalizing on market opportunities.

In 2023, Marco joined Woba as a partner and Chief Operating Officer, where he continues to shape the trajectory of Latin America’s largest flexible office network. Originally founded in 2017 as BeerOrCoffee, the company rebranded to Woba to reflect its expanded mission beyond networking to encompass the evolving needs of hybrid work environments. Under Marco’s leadership, Woba has evolved its business model to meet the growing demand for flexible office solutions, leveraging its extensive network and operational expertise to cater to diverse business requirements.

Throughout its growth journey, Woba has encountered and overcome significant challenges, including validating its business model and scaling operations amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Marco’s leadership was pivotal in navigating these challenges, guiding the company through rapid adaptation to support remote and hybrid work demands while maintaining high standards of service delivery and operational efficiency across its multiple coworking spaces.

Marco’s strategic vision for Woba emphasizes key pillars essential for sustainable growth in the coworking industry. He advocates for building strong partnerships with stakeholders, investing in advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. These principles are underscored by Woba’s recent Coworking Census 2024 report, which identifies emerging trends such as the integration of multidisciplinary spaces aimed at optimizing business productivity and fostering innovation.

Looking ahead, Marco envisions a future where real estate strategies seamlessly align with the dynamic needs of modern businesses, prioritizing flexibility, adaptability, and innovation. Under his stewardship, Woba continues to innovate and expand its footprint in Latin America’s coworking sector, positioning itself as a leader in providing flexible workspace solutions tailored to the evolving demands of a globalized economy.

In conclusion, Marco Crespo’s leadership at Woba exemplifies his dedication to driving organizational excellence through strategic foresight, operational agility, and a deep-seated commitment to innovation. His multifaceted background, combined with his passion for empowering businesses to thrive in dynamic work environments, reinforces his role in shaping the future of flexible workspace solutions across Latin America and beyond.